18 Essential Episodes of Gilmore Girls

As a die-hard fan of Gilmore Girls since its inception back in 2000, I’ve had my fair share of heartbreaks and joyful moments while following the lives of Lorelai, Rory, and the quirky townsfolk of Stars Hollow. From the fast-paced dialogue to the emotional rollercoaster rides, this show has always been a beacon of comfort and entertainment for me.

On February 6, 2024, this article was initially released. Perfect timing for holiday binging, you can now stream all seven seasons of the original Gilmore Girls series on both Hulu and Netflix. However, the revival series Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is available exclusively on Netflix.

Regarding fashion, emojis, and the term “slay,” Millennials and Gen-Zers might hold varying opinions. However, there’s a common ground we can all appreciate: the iconic show “Gilmore Girls.” Despite the WB series ending in 2007, it remains highly popular due to streaming services; in fact, in 2022, it ranked as the ninth most-watched show on Netflix, with a staggering 20 billion minutes watched. This figure only includes those who viewed it on their TVs, not counting the likely millions more who enjoyed Stars Hollow through their laptops and smartphones (possibly including one Ms. Taylor Alison Swift).

There’s more to the enduring appeal of “Gilmore Girls” (whether it’s a revisit or first watch) than mere nostalgia, despite its abundant ’90s fashion like bucket hats and flip phones. The show stands out as a timeless classic due to its quick wit, intricate love triangles, and unparalleled bond between the two leading ladies – Lorelai and Rory. No other series has depicted a mother-daughter relationship quite like theirs, filled with affection, humor, and pancakes, and maybe none ever will. This is just one of the many reasons that “Gilmore Girls” continues to hold a special place in our hearts.

If you’d like a refresher, consider rewatching some key episodes from Gilmore Girls that we’ve compiled for your convenience. From timeless favorites such as the Dance Marathon to emotional moments like Rory’s graduation from Chilton, these hours encapsulate Gilmore Girls at its finest and offer an effective introduction for newcomers curious about the series’ appeal. As Lorelai and Rory themselves say, Gilmore Girls isn’t merely a show; it’s a way of life, even a religion.

“The Lorelais’ First Day at Chilton” (Season 1, Episode 2)

You probably expected the story to kick off with the pilot character, right? However, it’s the “Chilton” episode that truly establishes the universe of Gilmore Girls. In this episode, we see tension between Lorelai and Emily regarding Rory’s education, the introduction of Rory’s long-term rival Paris, and Lorelai feeling out of place due to her attire and behavior. This isn’t one of Gilmore Girls’ best episodes (the dialogue can be a bit choppy), but it sets the stage for what’s to come later on.

“Rory’s Dance” (Season 1, Episode 9)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=oJXFs6aCwlg

In the ninth episode of its first season, “Gilmore” began to establish itself firmly, but it was this particular episode, titled “Rory’s Dance,” that elevated it from good to exceptional. In this installment, the younger Gilmore girl, Rory, invites her new beau, Dean, to the Chilton dance (a wholesome event), but they end up dozing off together and returning home at 5 a.m. (not quite as wholesome). Lorelai’s frustration with her daughter stems from her concern that Rory might repeat the same mistakes she made, which Rory vehemently denies. This tension is further exacerbated by Emily’s disapproval of Lorelai’s parenting methods. The heated argument among the three Gilmore women is a captivating spectacle of raw emotions.

“Christopher Returns” (Season 1, Episode 15)

Oh dear, here comes Christopher – one of the most frustrating characters from Gilmore Girls, even among a crowd. In this episode, he pretends to want to understand his daughter Rory better, but predictably stirs up trouble for everyone instead. He argues with Emily and Richard, proposes (thankfully rejected by Lorelai) and gives Luke some tough competition. After causing chaos, he heads back to California, never to be seen again… if only that were true!

“Nick & Nora/Sid & Nancy” (Season 2, Episode 5)

You know who else came from California but managed not to completely screw things up? Jess Mariano! Gilmore’s most beloved bad-boy-with-a-heart-of-gold-and-Kerouac arrives in Stars Hollow with a bang in this season-two episode, pissing off everyone and wearing a puffer vest that, while hideous, can’t disguise his good looks. It’s just the start of Jess’s (too-short, in our opinion) reign, but what a start it is.

“A-Tisket, A-Tasket” (Season 2, Episode 13)

It was difficult to choose between including this episode and “The Bracebridge Dinner” for this list, as both installments are great showcases for Stars Hollow’s perhaps too-close community. But as much of a delight as Lorelai’s historical feast in “Bracebridge” is, it’s the picnic basket lunch auction in “A-Tisket” that really displays the town’s quirks and charms in full force — and sets up some romantic complications for both Gilmore girls. When Jess outbids Dean for Rory’s basket and gets to have lunch with her, Dean grows jealous (a recurring theme), and when Luke buys Lorelai’s basket in the guise of saving her from a date with a rando, it marks a notable step in their non-diner relationship.

“Teach Me Tonight” (Season 2, Episode 19)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=3uqRTYeoC00

Which aspect of this episode should we delve into first: Rory and Jess’ car accident, Lorelai and Luke’s quarrel, Christopher’s arrival, or Kirk’s extraordinary and unsettling short film titled “A Film By Kirk“? This installment of Gilmore is as dramatic as they come, and thanks to some exceptionally skillful writing, heartfelt performances from the principal cast, and the uniquely strange, only-in-Stars Hollow quality of Kirk’s film, it ranks among the show’s finest hours.

“They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They?” (Season 3, Episode 7)

Indeed, the Dance Marathon – often hailed as one of the finest episodes by “Gilmore Girls” enthusiasts. In this installment, we encounter another peculiar custom in Stars Hollow, marking the temporary end of Rory and Dean’s relationship, as Jess serves to intensify their separation. Adam Brody charms us as Lane’s unconventional crush, Dave, who is not of Korean descent. The closing scene, where Lorelai cradles a tearful Rory while Kirk blissfully dances oblivious to their sorrow, is truly heart-wrenching.

“A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9)

Step aside, dear friends – it’s the “Gilmore Girls” that boasts one of the most remarkable Thanksgiving TV episodes ever made. In the episode titled “Deep-Fried,” Lorelai and Rory take on more than they can handle, resulting in attending four different feasts. However, the concept seems more appealing than the reality. From the debatable tofu turkey at the Kim’s household to the deep-fried mishap at Sookie’s, the day is a whirlwind of food, arguments, and undeniably entertaining mayhem.

“Those Are Strings, Pinocchio” (Season 3, Episode 22)

Are you all set with your tissues? The season-three finale of Gilmore finds Rory graduating from Chilton, a moment symbolizing not only her accomplishments but also Lorelai’s. It’s an hour filled with emotion (that touching speech!) and signifies a major shift in the Gilmores’ relationship, as Emily and Richard agree to fund Rory’s Yale education on the condition that Lorelai resume their Friday night dinners. This arrangement allows Lorelai to finally pursue her dream of acquiring the Dragonfly Inn.

“The Lorelais’ First Day at Yale” (Season 4, Episode 2)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=kLglOrtZiDk

Without much surprise, Lorelai and Rory struggle with their initial separation. Despite Rory’s excitement to start her university journey at Yale, homesickness hits hard, causing her to invite her mom for an overnight stay during her first night on campus. It might not be the best beginning for Rory’s independent life, but Lorelai helps her make connections by ordering food for everyone as a gesture of goodwill. Additionally, Paris reappears as Rory’s roommate, accompanied by a life coach – fittingly, given who she is.

“The Festival of Living Art” (Season 4, Episode 7)

Is it possible that some season-four episodes surpass this one? Absolutely! If you continue to the next ones on our list, you might find even more delightful scenes. However, “The Festival of Living Art” deserves a spot due to its comically absurd events in Stars Hollow (Kirk’s portrayal of Jesus is quite amusing), the birth of Sookie and Jackson’s son, and the intricately designed makeup and costumes that earned Gilmore Girls its only Emmy — a shameful oversight, but we’ll discuss that later.

“Raincoats and Recipes” (Season 4, Episode 22)

In this extraordinary season finale, there was an emotional rollercoaster ride: Lorelai and Luke, after years of uncertainty, finally became a couple (hurray!), but Rory and Dean had a secret encounter despite him being married (not so cheerful, given her mother’s disapproval). To add to the drama, Emily and Richard announced their separation, the Dragonfly Inn officially welcomed guests, and a startlingly naked Kirk grappled with nightmares.

“You Jump, I Jump, Jack” (Season 5, Episode 7)

Welcome to the fold, Logan Huntzberger. This may not be the first episode to feature the guy who’ll become Rory’s third serious boyfriend, but it’s one of the most pivotal. When Logan and his friends, aka “The Life and Death Brigade,” take an unexpecting Rory for a risk-filled weekend away, our heroine is at first unsure — but she soon lets her guard down and joins in on the fun, opening her eyes to a new way of living. Also in this hour: Emily harangues Luke and Lane and Zach start dating.

“Wedding Bell Blues” (Season 5, Episode 13)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=9SKHznZtNAk

In the 100th episode of “Gilmore Girls,” titled “Wedding Bell Blues,” there’s no lack of excitement. Emily and Richard renew their wedding vows, Rory shares a kiss with Logan during the celebration (and gets caught), and Lorelai informs Emily, who attempted to undermine her relationship with Luke by inviting Christopher to the gathering, that their connection has ended. Although we’re aware that the separation is momentary, it doesn’t make the scene any easier to bear.

“A House Is Not a Home” (Season 5, Episode 22)

In due course, it was only a matter of time before the princess of Stars Hollow would commit some major blunders, yet couldn’t these mistakes have been less awkward? In the season-five finale, Rory takes a boat (!), abandons Yale (!!), and causes a huge rift with Lorelai (!!!), who copes with her sorrow by… proposing to Luke (!!!!). It’s not just the magnitude of Rory’s ill-considered actions that hurts her mom (and viewers) so deeply, but the fact that, knowing Lorelai will reprimand her for her actions, she turns to Emily and Richard for comfort instead. This scene is hard to bear, particularly for those who understand that this conflict won’t be reconciled for several more episodes.

“The Prodigal Daughter Returns” (Season 6, Episode 9)

In this installment, there’s a mix of positive and negative developments: Rory comes home and reconciles with Lorelai; however, Luke learns about his daughter April, who unfortunately turns out to be the world’s most irritating precocious girl. This marks the beginning of what would become one of the least enjoyable Gilmore Girls storylines, as April consistently stirs up conflict between Lorelai and Luke, ultimately jeopardizing the romance they painstakingly nurtured. On a brighter note, at least Rory and Lorelai have patched things up.

“Friday Night’s Alright for Fighting” (Season 6, Episode 15)

In this episode, there are some significant events such as April creating conflict in Lorelai and Luke’s relationship and Rory rescuing her Yale paper with Logan’s assistance. However, these events cannot compare to the highlight of the hour: Rory and Lorelai reuniting for Friday night dinner at Emily and Richard’s. This scene is grand, raw, authentic, and skillfully put together, capturing what makes Gilmore truly exceptional.

“Bon Voyage” (Season 7, Episode 22)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=oKD-JoAbBIM

In simpler terms, most of ‘Gilmore Girls’ season seven is not as strong due to the departure of the show’s creators before it began. However, the finale manages to tie up loose ends fairly well. Rory, who lands a fantastic job on the Obama campaign, bids farewell to the town in an emotional send-off party. Luke and Lorelai reunite permanently. Despite the season’s shortcomings, the series concludes as it ought to (until the 2016 revival), with Rory and Lorelai comfortably chatting over greasy food at Luke’s diner.

2024-12-16 19:54