
7. Gossip Girl
Episode: Season 1, Episode 9, âBlair Waldorf Must Pieâ
Whatâs on the menu: In its six-season tenure as televisionâs leading teen drama, Gossip Girl logged a trio of unforgettable Thanksgiving episodes. Who could forget Blairâs fight for tradition in Season 2 and the awkward dinner conversation in Season 3? But the real crème de la crème, to steal a phrase that Blair has probably said more than once in her life, is the first seasonâs humble yet revealing offering âBlair Waldorf Must Pie.â
Thereâs turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the drama that can fill the Upper East Side in Gossip Girlâs first family holiday, and that includes the Humphreys and van der Woodsens sitting around the same table. Dan invites Serena and her family over for dinner when he hears they will be alone, but Dan and Serena arenât aware of Rufus and Lilyâs past relationship. Meanwhile, Blair loses control of her emotions when her father is a no-show for dinner and confesses her secret eating disorder to Serena.
Why weâre thankful for it: Gossip Girl can be known for its extravagant excess, its high society parties, and its unmatched commitment to juicy drama. But âBlair Waldorf Must Pieâ was the teen soapâs rare moment of honesty. Sure, the requisite melodrama was served right next to the mashed (as the Humphreys refer to potatoes), though weâre more privy to the inner workings of each other characters than usual. A vulnerable and insecure Blair Waldorf? You have to see it to believe it. Also, the episode features an oh-so 2007 feel-good montage set to a Vanessa Carlton song.