“Gilmore Girls” is a 2000s comedy-drama TV series about a young mother, Lorelai Gilmore, and her teenage daughter, Rory, who face the difficulties of growing up and the hardships of girlhood. The show came to an end in 2007, but has recently made a comeback in popularity because of its relatable themes and favored aesthetic.
When the show first aired in 2000, it had an average of 5.03 million views. From January-June of 2023, Netflix recorded 500 million viewing hours of the popular show in just those five months alone.
So why is “Gilmore Girls” making a comeback after almost 25 years?
Rory’s Growing Popularity
Rory Gilmore’s academic abilities and school life are idolized by young women today because of her capability to succeed. Her ambition is a common theme seen throughout the series. Rory’s romanticizing of school and being successful in the future pushes girls and makes them think, “If she can do it, why can’t I?”
People make vision boards filled with quotes from Rory Gilmore, still frames of her heavily studying in the show, and images of perfect grades to inspire them and give them that push of motivation a lot of teenagers need.
Rory’s father, Christopher, is not present in her life. Many teenagers find this relatable as it is reassuring to see someone else deal with similar problems and experiences.
As iconic fashion trends of the early 2000s are making a comeback, people on popular apps such as TikTok have made videos on how to become like Rory Gilmore. Fans give tips on how to have her lifestyle of studying, perfect hair, and a serious addiction to coffee.
Clothing and Makeup
Fashion is something that is always evolving. Trends are cyclical, like the takeover of 80s fashion in the summer of 2019. Recently, 2000s fashion has come back drastically. The outfits in “Gilmore Girls” display the trends of the previous years, whether that be bootcut jeans, thick knit sweaters, or combat boots.
Using snapshots from the show, people all over the internet are using Rory’s face as an inspiration for their makeup routine. Her thinner, straight eyebrows and rose-colored blushed cheeks are some makeup trends that are resurfacing online. Rory’s simple but dainty hairstyles are also being recreated on both straight and curly hair.
Music
“Gilmore Girls” is filled with references of bands from the 2000s. The Go-Go’s, The Shins, Dixie Chicks, and Paul Anka are just some of the many bands and artists featured.
Mazzy Star’s “Fade into You” was used in the ninth episode of the first season. Its popularity and attention have skyrocketed recently because of the show.
“There She Goes” by The La’s was used in the pilot episode of the show, and is now used on many videos on social media associated with “Gilmore Girls”.
The show has introduced teenagers to bands that might have been previously lost to Y2K.
Relationships
However, the show is most famous for illustrating the affectionate, codependent, unique relationship between mother and daughter. It proves to teenage girls that while mothers and daughters can have their disagreements and long periods of silent treatment, they always find their way back to each other.
Lorelai’s relationship with her mother, Emily, is constantly changing. It’s refreshing to see that it is okay to not have a perfect family or a perfect relationship.
Teenagers commonly feel misunderstood, and this series makes them feel heard and helps break the “perfect lifestyle” stigma we all think we should have. “Gilmore Girls” is timeless and will always be loved because of its incomparable influence on today’s generation.