I first watched Gilmore Girls only 2 years ago in September 2021, and yet rewatching the show more recently has made me deeply nostalgic for my childhood and early teenage years.
Gilmore Girls follows the life of Rory Gilmore from age 15 into her adulthood, and in this story we get to see her deal with first relationships, studies and various small town dramas.
The style of the show, with each episode having a new plotline only vaguely related to the previous episode, allows the watcher to start their binge at any point.
As a first year, this autumn I decided to begin my rewatch from season 4 – the season Rory goes to college, allowing me to sort of feel as though I am growing up with Rory.
I think this makes Gilmore Girls a stand out show, because, unlike many others intended for teenage audiences and young adults, the storyline is actually similar to that of a normal person – no supernatural elements or crazy drama plots. So, it’s possible to relate to the characters and see aspects of yourself in them.
In my current rewatch, mymain comfort comes from seeing Rory deal with the difficulties (and joys) of starting university life. Rory is often a very private person having few close friends and generally focusing on her studies.
A comforting contrast to other TV shows about school and university life – which often centre around big parties and whirlwind romances – this show instead feels like a more realistic portrayal of life.
Rory is not some lonely spinster though, and the audience does get to enjoy watching her fall in love with different boys throughout the seasons, giving the show a romcom aspect.
This mix of romance, small friendships and studies, I think, is why I have come to truly love this show. It is able to romanticise the everyday and create this dreamy town that is still relatable to the audience.
For me the nostalgia comes primarily from the fashion, music and references throughout the show. Some characters have wardrobes that have mastered what is now seen as vintage y2k, but most have the mismatched outfits of the everyday person in the 2000s.
These, though I was only 2 when the show stopped airing, are very reminiscent of my childhood style (e.g. a long sleeve top under short sleeve one, headbands accessorising every outfit, and tiny scarves with no practical function).
The music throughout the show, as a soundtrack and within musical references, is very similar to what was on my MP3 Player’s library, and so when certain songs appear in the show I become nostalgic for the long car journeys of my childhood.
Pop culture references also make callbacks to my childhood – with Britney and Justin’s relationship status being referenced frequently and shows like Buffy being mentioned as well.
Now, while this is only my third year of watching Gilmore Girls in Autumn, I think it will become a tradition for me.
In this first semester at York, I have found Gilmore Girls a good way to be both nostalgic for my life at home and excited for my future.
I hope that next year I will be watching the show again, perhaps on a later season or returning to an early one to reminisce on sixth form days.