There's so much to love about Luke Danes and Lorelai Gilmore on Gilmore Girls. They help each other out when they get into a bind, Luke loves Rory, and they enter into an enviable and meaningful relationship after the show's first few seasons. It's wonderful seeing them finally connect after caring about each other for multiple episodes.
Fans enjoy watching Luke and Lorelai because they have a swoonworthy love story that feels offbeat and stands out from others on TV dramas. There are many reasons why they're easy to relate to, from the sweet beginning of their romance to the struggles that they go through.
Luke And Lorelai Are Friends Before Dating
Fans might want Luke and Lorelai to begin dating in the pilot episode, as it's tough watching them see other people and ignore their feelings, but it's important that they build a friendship before committing to each other.
This not only strengthens their connection once they do start their relationship, but it helps fans relate to them. Many people develop feelings for friends or prefer taking things slow.
Their Romantic Moments Feel Accessible
Luke and Lorelai's romantic scenes on Gilmore Girls make viewers swoon and feel well-earned thanks to their years of banter and flirting. They also feel totally accessible and real.
When Luke surprises Lorelai on their first date, he's saved the horoscope that she wrote him once, which feels like something that could happen IRL. Instead of flying around the world on private jets or only dining at five-star restaurants, the couple always shares small, quiet moments in Stars Hollow, and viewers love them all.
They Have Enough In Common But Show Opposites Attract
Luke and Lorelai are a fascinating case. While Lorelai loves coffee, pop culture both mainstream and obscure, and junk food, Luke loves healthy food, doesn't know much about the entertainment world, and lives a fairly simple life.
This couple is relatable since they show that the old adage that opposites attract is true but they have the important things in common. They both prefer getting take-out and hanging out at home to fancy events, and they manage to overcome any differences by spending lots of time together. This feels real and honest, as not every couple has every little thing in common with one another.
They Date The Wrong People Before Falling For Each Other
From marrying Nicole to dating Rachel, Luke makes some wrong moves in the romance department before admitting that he loves Lorelai. And Lorelai comes close to marrying Max, falls for Jason, and has a few minor love interests beforehand as well.
Many people feel that all of their dating mishaps and bad relationships were worth it when they finally meet the right person, and it's possible to see this same journey in Luke and Lorelai. They've learned a lot while they're been apart and are so glad to finally have found each other.
Their Relationship Is Informal And Unpretentious
With so many hilarious Gilmore Girls storylines, fans could tell that once Luke and Lorelai started dating, they would have a fun relationship that feels casual and without any pressure.
While they do have problems over the years, they also share some sweet scenes that feel peaceful and chill. The season 5 episode "Written In The Stars" is a great example, as they go out for dinner in a town that is near Stars Hollow, and viewers can tell that they're at ease with each other.
Luke And Lorelai Deal With Family Tension And Judgement
While Emily seems to come around to Luke in the revival, she does judge Luke a lot beforehand, with the belief that his diner is a low-class business and that Lorelai should be with a more esteemed person.
Anyone who has had family conflict over a relationship can relate to Luke and Lorelai, especially to all the awkward Friday Night Dinner scenes. It often seems like Emily and Richard could be a lot nicer and more fair toward Luke, who runs an amazing business and treats Lorelai really well.
They Listen To Each Other And Adapt To Life's Changes
TV dramas and romantic comedies can sometimes feel unrealistic because the characters face obstacles, share an epic kiss, and then live happily ever after. Luke and Lorelai show fans the in-between as they do fight, break up a few times, and wonder if they're going to make it.
Luke and April Nardini have many heartwarming moments, but Lorelai soon realizes that Luke wants to wait to get married because of his daughter's new presence in his life. And when Rory and Lorelai aren't speaking, Luke agrees to postpone the wedding. This couple always listens to each other and adapts, which proves that they have staying power, even if it takes them a while to truly commit.
They Don't Pretend To Be Perfect
Luke and Lorelai accept their flaws and that they aren't a perfect pair, and that really works for them. This is definitely in contrast to their romantic history. When Sookie St. James talks about Luke and Rachel's relationship, it sounds peaceful and idyllic, as if they had no problems at all. And when Max and Lorelai are together, they don't talk about any obstacles that could come up in the future.
While fans appreciate Luke and Lorelai's connection, they also like that they argue, have trouble communicating sometimes, and have a lot to work on. This helps them feel like a real couple, not just a picture perfect one on TV.
They Don't Plan A Big Wedding
There are many Gilmore Girls episodes about Lorelai and Luke, and although it's painful when Luke wants to postpone their wedding, fans are still on the edge of their seats hoping that things will work out.
Since Luke and Lorelai don't plan a huge wedding, fans who have eloped, had a small intimate wedding, or are in a common-law relationship can see themselves in this couple. These characters prove that being together and loving each other is what counts.
They Don't Get Married Based On A Traditional Timeline
When fans see Luke and Lorelai in the Netflix revival, they still haven't gotten married yet, and while they each wonder if that's normal, they still feel good about their relationship for the most part.
These beloved characters ignore traditional timelines and society's expectations, which is definitely relatable. Instead of worrying about how other people expected them to tie the knot by now, they listen to their gut instincts and their hearts. Fans are relieved that they do get married since they love each other so much, but it feels like it happens at the right time.