24 Years of ‘Gilmore Girls’: 7 Episodes to Revisit for a Perfect Trip Down Memory Lane

Fall is here- which means, it is time to pile on the blankets and flick on the seasonal binge-fest with the Amy Sherman-Palladino-created show, Gilmore Girls. The WB series has kept its cult-like following going strong ever since it debuted in 2000, and Netflix has only fueled that obsession in the past few years. But for those who do not have the time- or the attention span- to sit through the entire series, there are a few standalone episodes that capture all the Gilmore Girls magic without the full-on commitment.

Here are 7 popular episodes from the dramedy worth watching to get that special Gilmore Girls feeling- minus the binge-watch guilt.

The Pilot

This one is pretty obvious, but starting with the Pilot is always the best way to rekindle the Gilmore Girls love. Many fans even argue that the Gilmore Girls pilot is easily among the best first episodes in TV history. It sets up the show’s core beautifully, with pacing that is just right. It was established from the get-go that each character has their quirks, making it a treat to watch their early development.

In this episode, viewers meet young mom Lorelai and her quick-witted daughter Rory during a hilariously awkward moment where a guy flirts with both of them. Rory’s self-satisfied intellectualism is also established in the episode, showing how being raised by a single teen mom has shaped her into a mini-Lorelai at times.

This dynamic laid out in the first episode really sparked a great conversation about nature vs. nurture among fans and the never-ending discourse about who was really to blame for Rory’s later escapades.

Rory’s Birthday Parties

If the Pilot is not thrilling enough to pull viewers back in, Season 1, Episode 6 has a little something for everyone. Rory’s Birthday Parties served up a sampler of all the drama that lays the groundwork for the series moving forward. It shows Lorelai and Emily’s fight, nasty Chilton students causing trouble, Rory obsessing over her future at Harvard, and the first hints of the romance between Luke and Lorelai.

The best part, however, is its super cozy vibe, the relationships in Stars Hollow, and just how adored Rory is. Rory’s Birthday Parties has also given birth to an iconic line that is making waves again as a viral TikTok audio, with the dialogue, “So, what’s the verdict”. 

Raincoats and Recipes

Luke and Lorelai’s long-awaited first kiss in Raincoats and Recipes was a huge moment in the show. It finally paid off all the tension the showrunners had been building for season after season- much like that unforgettable Ross and Rachel kiss in Season 2 of Friends. After four seasons of flirty banter and a whole lot of almost-kisses, this moment marked a big turning point in their relationship.

Although the lovers had a slew of romantic ups and downs coming following the kiss, Season 4, Episode 22 nailed the classic Gilmore Girls vibe- all with its trademark humor, especially when that sweet kiss gets hilariously interrupted by a surprise appearance from Kirk.

A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving episodes are always a guaranteed hit, and A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving is the closest thing fans got to a Gilmore holiday special. This episode has everything that makes the show what it is- a bunch of quirky characters, razor-sharp dialogue, and that picture-perfect setting. Aside from the main plot of Lorelai’s meltdown, the subplots, in particular, really stole the show.

It had Paris getting all worked up about not landing a spot at the soup kitchen and Kirk dealing with his cat turning into a little furry terror. All these hilarious antics made this episode a classic that truly deserves a spot in the hall of Thanksgiving television.

Rory’s Grad Speech

Rory’s valedictorian speech at her high school graduation really hits home. The episode, Rory’s Grad Speech, is known for its heartfelt focus on the special bond between her and her mom, Lorelai. In her speech, she reflects on everything she has learned and everyone she has loved along the way. But the biggest shout-out goes to her mom for filling their home with books, music, and laughter.

Rory’s speech really tugs at the heart, making even the toughest guy, Luke, get a bit misty-eyed. It is a moment that perfectly captures Rory’s character and feels like a slice of life for anyone wrapping up their high school days.

The Prodigal Daughter Returns

After months apart, Lorelai and Rory take a step toward mending their relationship in The Prodigal Daughter Returns. The emotional scene in the season 6 episode, wherein Lorelai and Rory finally mend their differences is still a defining moment in Gilmore Girls. It showcased the show’s core of diving into messy and intricate family relationships with genuine honesty and depth.

As Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel’s characters share this heartfelt moment, viewers are reminded that the bond between the Gilmore girls is going to remain strong and that the love between a mother and daughter can weather any storm. 

Friday Night’s Alright for Fighting

A key feature of Gilmore Girls that keeps fans coming back is the tension-filled dynamic among Rory, Lorelai, Richard, and Emily. The four of them create complicated relationships that make this family feel incredibly real and relatable. It is like watching a beautiful mess unfold, but also, that is where the magic lies. And the episode Friday Night’s Alright for Fighting nails the essence of Gilmore Girls in just a few minutes.

The final scene, in particular, had so many arguments that perfectly showed what makes this family tick. Especially for anyone who is watching the show for the first time, those last few minutes will hit home and reveal what the heart of this series is all about. 

What do you think about these 7 episodes of Gilmore Girls? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!