Analyzing Each 'New Girl' Thanksgiving Episode: From 'Bangsgiving' to Family Encounters
Experience the ultimate Thanksgiving rollercoaster in ‘New Girl’ as unexpected family visits, hilarious mishaps, and budding romances make for unforgettable holiday-themed episodes
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From “Bangsgiving” to holidays in the wilderness, New Girl is known for its Turkey Day specials.
From 2011 to 2018, the Fox series followed Jess Day, a quirky teacher who moves into a Los Angeles loft with three men after her boyfriend cheated on her. Created by Elizabeth Meriwether, the show included holiday extravaganzas, including Halloween antics and heartfelt Christmas cheer. The annual Thanksgiving episode, featuring iconic guest stars like Jamie Lee Curtis and Rob Reiner, was especially popular with viewers.
“[It was] incredibly intimidating,” Deschanel remembered of her onscreen parents during a 2014 appearance at PaleyFest. “I felt like the whole time we were, like, the Home Alone face. There was something about Rob Reiner, when he walked in, his signature deadpan, it was like, ‘Whoa.’ It was really amazing and they are both so nice and generous, and they told us so many great stories.”
Continue reading for a guide to every New Girl Thanksgiving episode:
“Thanksgiving” (Season 1 Episode 6)
It may be the first holiday episode, but it’s also the most important as “Thanksgiving” sets up the romantic tension between fan-favorite couple Jess and Nick.
To spend more time with her crush Paul (Justin Long), Jess decides to host a Thanksgiving gathering, despite Nick, Schmidt, and Winston's plans for their annual “Dudes-giving.” As the guys reluctantly agree, complications arise when Jess confesses she can't cook and the turkey needs to be defrosted in a limited time. The awkward dinner takes a turn for the worse when the roommates find their neighbor's lifeless body next door.
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“Parents” (Season 2 Episode 8)
Curtis and Reiner make an appearance as Jess’ mom and dad, pulled into attending Thanksgiving dinner by Jess’ clever scheme. Family chaos ensues as Schmidt and his cousin compete to show who’s more manly, while Jess’ parents, who profess to despise each other, end up getting together in the bathroom. Jess is heartbroken when she realizes their reunion won’t lead to a reconciliation.
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“Thanksgiving III” (Season 3 Episode 10)
Thanksgiving in the great outdoors! The group, including Coach (Damon Wayans Jr.), decides to change things up and head into the woods for the holiday, as Nick suggests trying their hand at hunting and gathering. Jess, wanting to support Nick as their new romance blossoms, agrees to the idea and convinces the rest of the roommates to join in.
In typical New Girl style, things quickly go awry as Winston, Jess, and Cece attempt to secretly acquire fruits and vegetables for their Thanksgiving feast, upsetting Nick. Feeling guilty, Jess then eats a toxic fish to make him feel better, only to become instantly ill and delusional.
The group ends the night in the hospital with Jess, who has contracted giardia — among other things — simply happy to be spending the holiday together (and alive).
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“Thanksgiving IV” (Season 4 Episode 9)
Thanksgiving? It's more like Bangsgiving in the loft. With everyone single, Schmidt is eager to mingle. He proposes that the roommates all arrange blind dates for each other in search of new love.
Jess is eager to find someone new to help her move on from her crush on coworker Ryan (Julian Morris). However, Coach surprises her by bringing Ryan as her blind date. At the same time, Coach feels intimidated by his strong date, Winston confesses his fear of lunch ladies, and Nick brings his elderly friend Tran to the dinner. Schmidt and Cece, who are exes, end up without dates and end up spending the evening together.
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The ultimate Thanksgiving installment of New Girl showcases yet another outstanding guest appearance, with Peter Gallagher taking on the role of Schmidt's father, who is currently nursing a broken heart. As the father and son team address their issues, Nick wallows in his despair at the absence of his girlfriend Regan (played by Megan Fox).
Jess is attempting to figure out a way to end her relationship with her boyfriend, Robby (played by Nelson Franklin), who unexpectedly shows up to dinner. This is after Jess was responsible for several accidents that led to him being in a wheelchair.
