It's been nearly 25 years since the classic American TV show Gilmore Girls first aired on October 5th. It has left its mark on pop culture ever since. Unsurprisingly, the show is still cultivating a massive fanbase and is as relevant as ever.

During the age of gritty shows like Supernatural, NCIS, The Wire, and CSI—Crime Scene Investigation, the world was introduced to Gilmore Girls, a drama-comedy following the lives of Lorelai Gilmore, a single mother, and her 16-year-old daughter Rory and how they navigate different spheres of life together.

Airing a show so different in vibes from other shows at the time was utterly genius— particularly as the plot was centered around a mother-daughter relationship.

Here's a deep dive into Gilmore Girls and why it’s worth the watch.

Image Credit: Adrian Swancar from Unsplash

The Beginning

The pilot episode opens on the notes of 'There She Goes' by The La's as Lorelai struts through the streets of Stars Hollow on her way to Luke's for coffee. This scene sets the tone for the entirety of the show.

The iconic theme song, 'Where You Lead I Will Follow' by Carole King, the warm color palette, the autumnal clothing the townspeople sport, and the angelic la-la-las throughout an episode, all carefully crafted by the ingenious Amy Palladino, together create the cozy fall vibes of the show.

Take the Quiz: Choose Your Daily Aesthetic and We'll Reveal Which Movie Icon You Should Be This Halloween!

Your daily aesthetic can reveal more about you than you might think! Take this quiz to discover which movie star matches your unique vibe.

The Characters

We often associate fall with change, balance, growth, and letting things go. Many paramount events in the Gilmores' lives take place during the fall. It is a transition for all the town's folk into the bitter winter, and they embrace this transition with their quirky antics and traditions that we, as the viewers, come to love. Every character seems to have a unique character arc, reflecting their struggles, growth, and transformation.

Luke and Lorelai's constant bickering, Lane's band, Jess's snarky remarks, Emily Gilmore's tantrums, Babette's hilarious rants, Rory navigating her way through Chilton, the Gilmores' Friday Night dinners, and Lorelai and Rory's movie nights are all moments we cannot forget. We laugh and cry with the characters, feel frustrated and bitter at their worst moments, and elated at their best.

Image Credit: Ed Schipul from Wikimedia

The Town

The fantastical town of Stars Hollow is the quintessential small town that we can only dream of exploring. Its decorated shops, adorable townspeople, and quirky traditions let us experience a cozy life away from our hectic ones. They all come together in celebratory tradition to partake in the town's shindigs. We can only imagine what it would be like to participate in town meetings, the Autumn Fest, the Town Hayride, and the Firelight Festival.

The girls' house, the iconic Luke's, the Independence Inn, the picturesque gazebo, bookstores, markets, record stores, and dance studios are recurring locations, which hold a dear place in our hearts. The town feels like a sanctuary, where characters can find comfort, friendship, and support.

Image Credit: Tony Peters from Wikimedia

The Music

Fade Into You, If I Could Write, Thirteen, Girl From Mars, Waterloo, Human Behaviour, Then She Appeared, and many other tracks add to the "homely" charm of the Gilmore Girls. The songs enhance the show's aesthetic and cleverly convey emotions.

Music in the show is not only a connection between mother and daughter but also a bridge between the world of Stars Hollow and the viewers. The songs that Lorelai and Rory listen to make it feel like everything will turn out alright. This adds to the show's feeling of familiarity and warmth, aligning with the show's character-driven storytelling.

Lorelai and Rory's relationship

The true essence of the show that makes it so endearing is the beautiful relationship between Lorelai and Rory. It isn't perfect, but we can't help but root for both of them when it comes to school, careers, family issues, friendships, and their love lives. Despite moments of tension, the emotional depth and strength of their bond always manage to shine through.

The quippy and quick banter between these two makes the show what it is. You'll find yourself giggling at their antics and cheering them on. It almost feels as if we're a part of their lives. The authenticity of their relationship is a crucial reason why the show is so comforting.

How Gilmore Girls Manages to Stay Relevant

The show may not be everyone's cup of tea. It's quite a slow-paced show, but there's something there for everyone. Although the show may seem light-hearted initially, it deals with serious issues and mature themes. Amy-Palladino stepped out of her way to create the perfect balance by dancing the fine line between solemn and lighter elements, with plenty of pop culture references sprinkled in.

Gilmore Girls is an escape from our overstimulated lives. We reminisce about simpler times, especially when the internet didn't exist yet. We enjoy following the story of characters not yet immersed in social media, who are living and flourishing in the moment.

Image Credit: Alisa Anton from Unsplash

The show has a charm that appeals to all age groups and people. It is currently more popular than it has ever been, and rightfully so. In a time of fast-paced media, economic struggles, and fears for the future, watching a show like Gilmore Girls is a pause in time. We can catch our breath and remember a simpler time than what we have to experience now.

A warm-hued, comfy show jam-packed with nostalgia and brisk dialogue is what a lot of us need now. Something to keep us sane during these difficult times.

So, if you're finally convinced, grab a coffee (to Lorelai's delight), pull out the plaid, get under the covers, and get ready to delve into the coffee-fueled world of the Gilmore Girls. (Oi with the poodles already!)