“So what’s the verdict?” Rory Gilmore asks.
“I … am an autumn,” her grandfather, Richard Gilmore replies.
In just two lines, “Gilmore Girls” represents what fans look forward to every year. Knowing that it is more than entertainment, the show kicks off a deep love for all things fall, becoming synonymous with the season itself. Even when it is 90 degrees outside, many decide to rewatch the show as early as August or when they feel that first chill in October. We transport to a home that radiates familiarity, being immersed in the comforting, warm yet chaotic world. You just cannot help it.
The 2000s comedy-drama television series “Gilmore Girls,” created by Amy-Sherman Palladino, has become the ultimate fall ritual. Originally premiering on The WB on October 5, 2000, the show revolves around a quick-witted single mother Lorelai Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham, and her bookworm-smart teen daughter Rory Gilmore, played by Alexis Bledel, as they navigate daily life, family, relationships, ambitions and growth in the close-knitted, quirky community of the fictional town of Stars Hollow.
The show has received love and attention by many generations, such as Generation X and Millennials, who grew up with the show and those who are currently experiencing it, such as Generation Z.
More than two decades later, the “Gilmore Girls” impact has not faded — it has only grown even in today’s digital world. The show recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and they made sure to go all out for their audience.
From themed merchandise, skincare collaborations, pop-up recreations of Stars Hallow and Luke’s Diner, advertisements, to an Emmys Awards reunion with Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, you can say that fans were in for a treat. A documentary featuring many actors of the show, Chad Michael Murray, who played Tristan, and Jared Padalecki, who played Dean, is currently in the works.
Not only did this celebration spark more love for the show, but sparked a reunion back with the world that we wish to have.
In a reality that seems chaotic or disconnected, we can turn to the show that makes us feel normal for our flaws and life experiences. “Gilmore Girls” is really just a show about how life can be messy, beautiful and incredibly real.
It connects with so many people, especially moms and daughters, because at the center of it all is Lorelai and Rory: two people who love each other deeply, but don’t always get it right. There are a lot of misunderstandings, arguments and make-ups.
Lorelai is the strong, independent mom who’s doing everything she can to break away from the path she was raised to follow, not wanting to depend on her wealthy parents, Emily and Richard Gilmore. Rory starts out with a dream and then slowly becomes more unsure of herself, more flawed, more human. Whether they’re grabbing their third coffee of the day, doing something totally last minute or helping each other get out of problems, their bond just works. It’s not perfect, but it’s real and it’s full of love.
And it is not just them. Every character in the show brings something real to the table for anyone.
Paris is constantly trying to prove she is enough. Lane hides huge parts of herself just to feel accepted. Luke struggles with change and does not always say how he feels. With Rory again, she stumbles her way through school, relationships and figuring out what she wants. Her love life alone sparks endless debates. Dean was sweet but became way too controlling. Jess was smart and intense, but emotionally unavailable. Logan was charming and supportive, but never totally grounded.
Depending on where you stand and how much you have rewatched the show, your answer to “Who was best for Rory?” probably changes.
“Gilmore Girls” just proves what comfort can really mean to someone. And maybe that’s why we are still watching after all these years. These characters feel real — not because they are perfect, but because they are not. They mess up, they disappoint us, they change. Sometimes we love them, and sometimes we really do not. But we get them. Because in some way, they reflect the messiness we see in ourselves. We are real people too and make real mistakes.
We come back because the show gives us something we don’t always find in real life. This can be pure nostalgia, comfort, connection and a quiet reminder that even if we’re unsure, overwhelmed, or sad, it’s normal to feel. We are still growing and experiencing life. And sometimes, that reminder is exactly what we need.
At the end of the day, “Gilmore Girls” is not just a show you watch once and forget. No matter how many times you’ve seen it or how many years go by, it still hits something real. You can put the show to play in the background as you do homework. You can watch it to be reminded on how awful some of the characters are, or how some deserved better. You can watch it to get in the fall-spirit.
It doesn’t lose its charm, and the things it talks about don’t get old. It grows with us, which is why it’s more than just a show — it’s a classic. And honestly, no matter where you’re at in life, there’s always a little piece of you in Stars Hollow waiting to be found.
I’m 72 and just finished watching all 7 seasons on Lifetime. I loved the show, I wish it was going to keep showing.