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Nearly twenty-three years after its debut,Gilmore Girlsremains a beloved and massively popular part of millennial pop culture. The show about a mother-daughter duo with a remarkably close relationship keeps finding new audiences, with younger generations becoming hooked on the girls' drama thanks to Netflix.
Gilmore Girlsaired for seven seasons, adding to 153 episodes filled with laughter, joy, tears, and countless pop culture references. Everyone has their favorite chapters, but someGilmore Girlsepisodes are essential viewing, to the point where fans can watch them repeatedly and never get tired of them.
Updated on August 09, 2025, by David Caballero:
Gilmore Girlsremains as beloved today as it was during its original run - or perhaps even more. The show has received a revival, the much-discussedGilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, which only reignited interest in the universally-acclaimed show. Although there’s no news about a second revival, fans can always revisit the show’s most important episodes, those classic chapters that are essential viewing for any self-respecting Gilmore fan.
Season 1, Episode 1
A show’s pilot is often a remarkable episode that establishes the series' tone and intent. TheGilmore GirlsPilot is no exception, introducing Rory and Lorelai’s unique dynamic, establishing Lorelai’s complicated relationship with her parents, and hinting at her future romance with Luke.
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TheGilmore GirlsPilot is everything the show represents: it’s cozy, fast-paced, full of pop culture references, and charming to a fault. Fueled byLauren Graham’s tornado of a personality andAlexis Bledel’s calm and relatable vibe, the Pilot remains a fan-favorite episode that audiences will probably never get tired of seeing.
14"Kiss and Tell"
Season 1, Episode 7
Every fan has their favorite out of Rory’s three major boyfriends. Season 1 focused on her blossoming romance with newcomer Dean, and episode “Kiss and Tell” features two major milestones in their relationship: their first kiss and first date.
Lorelai feels weird when Rory doesn’t immediately tell her about the kiss but helps out to set up her daughter’s date. The episode is fun, charming and perfectly uses Rory and Lorelai’s special connection. Rory’s first date is awkward but endearing, proving that her early days with Dean were great.
13"Nick & Nora/Sid & Nancy"
Season 2, Episode 5
Jess’ arrival at Stars Hollow throws the town - and the show - on its head.Milo Ventimigliamakes his now-memorable debut in the season 2 episode “Nick & Nora/Sid & Nancy,” which sees him meeting the Gilmore girls for the first time and making a strong impression.
“Nick & Nora/Sid & Nancy” is the best introduction for a bad boy like Jess. The character instantly annoys Lorelai and enchants Rory, while poor Luke tries his best to keep up with his nephew’s wild antics. Jess would eventually become a fan favorite, and he and Rory would become one ofthe best couples inGilmore Girls, and it’s easy to see why. From the moment Jess set foot in Stars Hollow, things were never the same.
12"The Bracebridge Dinner"
Season 2, Episode 10
Some ofGilmore Girls' best episodes showcase how quirky and out-of-the-box the inhabitants of Stars Hollow are; nowhere is this clearer than in the season 2 episode “The Bracebridge Dinner.” When the guests to an elaborate holiday dinner cancel due to being stuck in Boston by the snow, Lorelai invites most of Stars Hollow, along with her parents and Paris, to the dinner.
“The Bracebridge Dinner” is classic Stars Hollow quirk; it has everything: Jackson and Kirk dressed in Elizabethan costumes, sleigh rides under the snow, and a snow-woman resembling Bjork. The episode also includes several major plot developments, including Rory and Jess becoming closer and Richard revealing he has already retired. In short, this is a must-watch season 2 episode, not to mention one of the most enchanting hours inGilmore Girls.
11"Teach Me Tonight"
Season 2, Episode 19
Jess and Rory’s relationship spends most of season 2 in a constant state of flirtation. Things finally reach their boiling point in the nineteenth episode, “Teach Me Tonight;” Rory tutors Jess but he convinces her to go for a ride in his car instead. When the two get into a minor car accident, Lorelai loses her mind and lashes out at Luke, who sends Jess away from Stars Hollow.
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“Teach Me Tonight” is a major turning point for the show. Featuring one of Lauren Graham’s strongest performances, the episode features a deterioration in Lorelai and Luke’s relationship, leading her to realize his importance to her. It also marks the return of the dreaded Christopher and Jess' momentary absence. Dramatic but never over-the-top, “Teach Me Tonight” isGilmore Girlsat its best.
10"They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They?"
Season 3, Episode 7
TV has had its fair share of quirky towns, but Stars Hollow has a special place. The singular town was charming and cozy, organizing numerous bizarre but endearing events that made many want to move there. Season 3’s “They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They?” includes one of these curious events, the 24-hour dance marathon Lorelai wants to win.
The episode is funny, with Lorela’s desperation to beat Kirk making for a hilarious hour of entertainment. More importantly, Rory and Dean break up, allowing her to finally get together with Jess after one-and-a-half seasons of build-up and teen drama. With the townies' antics and a healthy dose of drama, “They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They?” is an all-timer.
9"A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving"
Season 3, Episode 9
Lorelai and Rory are famous for their notorious eating habits. Their ability to over-indulge is one ofthe best running gags onGilmore Girls, and it takes center stage in the season 3 episode “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving.” The episode centers on the duo’s four Thanksgiving dinners at Luke’s, Sookie’s, Mrs. Kim’s, and Emily and Richard’s.
“A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” is classicGilmore Girls. Funny, hectic, slightly silly, and full of memorable quotes. Nothing major happens, but each dinner is hilarious and eccentric, offering precious insight into each character and showcasing the girls' shocking ability to eat, eat, eat, and… well, eat.
8"Those Are Strings, Pinocchio"
Season 3, Episode 22
Rory’s graduation is a momentous occasion for theGilmore Girlscommunity. Season 1 begins with her enrolling in the prestigious school, meaning audiences were on this journey with her throughout the first three seasons; seeing her achieve so special felt incredible, especially for what it meant to her mother and her grandparents.
Although her graduation speech is cheesy, it’s worth it if only because ofKelly Bishopand the lateEdward Herrmann’s reactions. The episode also includes Rory and Jess' official break-up after he walks out on her.Jess might’ve been a great boyfriend to Rory, but his selfishness and inability to express his feelings eventually sabotage their connection. Still, “Those Are Strings, Pinocchio” is a crucialGilmore Girlsepisode that fans have surely watched multiple times.
7"The Festival of Living Art"
Season 4, Episode 7
“The Festival of Living Art” isGilmore Girls' greatest technical achievement. The plot centers on the titular festival, where people dress up and re-enact classic paintings. Stars Hollow gets to host it for the first time in years, leading to one of the show’s most iconic and impressive episodes.
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Nothing major happens in the episode, except for Sookie going into labor at the end. However, “The Festival of Living Art” is a stunning showcase for the show’s artistry, featuring jaw-dropping production values and arguably Star Hollow’s most original celebration. It gave the show its only Emmy win and remains a timeless classic twenty years after its original air date.
6"Last Week Fights, This Week Tights"
Season 4, Episode 21
Liz and T.J. were somewhat annoying guest characters, but they are the right kind of oddballs for Stars Hollow. Their Renaissance-themed wedding is also surprisingly sweet, especially because it sets the stage for Luke and Lorelai’s first dance.
Moreover, “Last Week Fights, This Week Tights” is a milestone in their relationship, as Luke finally grows a pair and asks Lorelai out after four whole seasons. Their first dance to Sam Phillips' “Reflecting Light” was perfect, so much so that the song was brought back a decade later for their wedding inA Year in the Life.
