“Gilmore Girls” is the definition of a comfort show. With its quirky characters, small-town charm, and heartfelt problems—it’s the perfect cozy show to watch in the fall.  

The essence of this show lies in the dynamic mother-daughter duo. Lauren Graham shines at playing Lorelai Gilmore, a fiercely independent single mom whose wit and charm light up every scene she’s in. Alexis Bendel as Rory, Lorelai’s equally quick-witted but more bookish daughter, who plays the role of a perfect child. The series begins in the picturesque town of Stars Hollow where we are first introduced to Lorelai and Rory’s close-knit relationship. Their relationship is first tested when Rory gets accepted into Chilton, an elite private school that promises a bright future and a chance to get into Rory’s dream school, Harvard, but comes with a hefty tuition. Determined to give Rory opportunities she never had, Lorelai turns to her estranged, wealthy parents, Emily and Richard Gilmore, for help. In exchange for financial support, Lorelai agrees to attend weekly Friday night dinners, reviving old tensions as Lorelai ran away from home at 16 after having Rory, choosing to follow her own path and not the privileged but restrictive life her parents had envisioned for her.  

However, the complexity of this duo makes them feel incredibly real and relatable. Lorelai, while seemingly unbreakable, wrestles with the weight of her past decisions—leaving her family, raising Rory on her own, and building a life from scratch in Stars Hollow. Her independence is admirable, but it’s clear she carries insecurities about Rory’s upbringing and navigating unresolved tensions with her parents. Meanwhile, Rory faces her own challenges, from the academic pressures at Chilton to the emotional trials of navigating first love and defining her own identity. She’s constantly balancing her ambitions with the expectation of those around her—her mother’s hopes, her grandparent’s high expectations, her boyfriend’s goals, and her own dreams. Lorelai and Rory together embody love, trust, and the sometimes messy dynamics of family. 

Not only does the show capture the lives of Lorelai and Rory, but their love lives are just as entertaining. Lorelai’s romantic journey is marked by her struggles to balance her outwardly confident spirit with her desire for companionship. From her on-and-off relationship with Luke, the harsh but kind-hearted diner owner, to her complicated history with Rory’s father, Christopher, her love life is as messy as it is compelling. Rory’s experiences with love mirror her own coming-of-age journey. From her first love Dean to her rebellious phase with Jess and her tumultuous relationship with Logan, Rory’s romantic endeavors reflect her evolving identity and the challenges of balancing love with personal aspirations. 

Apart from the comfort of the characters, the setting of “Gilmore Girls” is one you truly don’t want to leave. Stars Hollow feels like a character in its own right, with its quirky neighbors and charming traditions that scream whimsy and warmth. Every corner of Stars Hollow seems to hold a story, whether it’s town meetings run by the over-enthusiastic Taylor, a bizarre business venture from Kirk, or a heartfelt moment shared at Luke’s Diner over a cup of coffee. Stars Hollow’s small-town charm is unforgettable as each character brings their own brand of wacky humor and personality. 

“Gilmore Girls” is a feel-good series that encapsulates all the feelings of cozy and comfort, with themes of love, ambition, and identity. So, whether you’re a fan of witty dialogue, or just looking for a show to put on in the falltime, this show will keep you hooked for the whole season.

On this blog, members of the Carmel High School chapter of the Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists (and the occasional guest writer) produce curations of all facets of popular culture, from TV shows to music to novels to technology. We hope our readers always leave with something new to muse over. Click here to read more from MUSE.