When TV fans go back to a favorite '90s or 2000s show, it's always going to be a bit of a messy experience, as some jokes and plotlines will inevitably be dated. Gilmore Girls does have some lines of dialogue that aren't funny and some characters have some odd opinions. But there are still many reasons why the show's fanbase is still so large.
When discussing Gilmore Girls on Reddit, many viewers have found a lot of things to love about the series, from relationships between the characters to some major storylines that left a positive impression.
The Female Main Characters
Gilmore Girls has relatable characters and it's particularly special watching Rory and Lorelai continue to bond, Lorelai and Sookie open their inn, and Paris and Lane find their way in the world. So many can relate to the way that each character finds more confidence and follows their dreams as the seasons progress.
Reddit user VeniceGok likes the "female power" on Gilmore Girls and said, "at its core Gilmore Girls was one of the few shows that really celebrated female relationships and women on tv."
Rachel And Lorelai's Friendship
When Luke's ex-partner Rachel shows up in Stars Hollow, viewers expect Lorelai to be jealous, and she is definitely envious of their past relationship. But Rachel and Lorelai connect and can relate to each other as they're both independent, strong, free-spirited people who don't do things the way that others expect them to.
Reddit user Reflectiveruse loves that Rachel and Lorelai are able to be friends and wrote, "There was a bit of tension there but Lorelai actually liked her." Reddit user Tri_Sara_Tops agreed that this is a part of the show that holds up well.
Jess Has An Unconventional Life Path
From the moment that fans meet Jess, it's clear that he's someone who does his own thing and that he will experience a lot of tension with the people in his life because of it. While he and Rory connect, their futures couldn't look more different, and although Jess can be mean during his high school days, the show depicts him as someone who changes.
Reddit user TwincessMomma wrote, "It's cool to see Jess carve out a different path, successfully" and said that many of the main characters on Gilmore Girls attend college and seem to want a more traditional job or life.
Luke Listening To A Self-Help Tape
While some things about Luke on Gilmore Girls aged badly, other parts of his character are sweet and memorable. It's particularly great looking back on how Luke and Lorelai's relationship changes as they begin to date.
Reddit user Hold-Effective loves the season 4 storyline when Luke listens to a self-help tape so he can become more confident and ask Lorelai out. The fan wrote, "I think characters taking time to grow and work on themselves is great (and still not something I see a ton." While this is a funny storyline, it's also true that it allows viewers to see that Luke is trying to become a better person.
The Characters Love Snow
Gilmore Girls fans know that when Lorelai smells snow, some flakes are definitely on the way, and she's passionate about winter. The snow in Stars Hollow always adds to the comforting and warm atmosphere of the episodes that are set during the colder months.
One Redditor loves how positive the characters are about the place where they live, writing, "It's so nice that there's a show where the main characters are always stoked about snow."
Paris Is Always Totally Herself
Paris improves on Gilmore Girls and thanks to her hilarious dialogue, tough exterior, and competition with Rory, the show would feel so different and empty without this character.
One Redditor wrote that they love "PARIS!" because "she never toned herself down and refused to be anything less than who she was." Paris really grows on viewers, who learn more about her home life and why she is so ambitious, and she's such a special part of the show.
The Look Of The Show
Fans know that Gilmore Girls looks a certain way, with Reddit user JellyPatient2038 commenting on "That lovely autumnal sepia-toned look of the show (in seasons 1-6)."
Many fans associate the series with the fall season, thanks to the cozy feel of Stars Hollow, the many episodes set during this season, and the excitement that Rory feels around attending Chilton. Even if some aspects of the series feel old, this part makes people who love Pumpkin Spice Lattes and a chill in the air that makes them grab a sweater very happy.
The Pop Culture References
It's interesting to look back on the pop culture references on the show. Rory and Lorelai often talk a mile a minute about stars, and Reddit user JellyPatient2038 thinks, "A lot of the celebrity comments have aged surprisingly well."
While of course some references will seem dated, others still hold up. The fan noted that some of the show's dialogue mentions Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt splitting up, along with fans wanting Sean Penn and Madonna to reunite.
Lane And Mrs. Kim's Relationship
Rory and Lane's friendship is a memorable part of the show, and so is Lane's relationship with Mrs. Kim. They go through quite the journey, from Lane hiding stuff under her bedroom floorboards to coming clean about her secret life.
Reddit user Terrifying_Turnip likes how the series depicts Lane and her mom learning how to get along. The fan wrote, "they show how Lane loves her mom and creates a middle ground where they have a good relationship."
The Stars Hollow Residents Don't Have Stereotypical Careers
Reddit user WITWITS loves that the residents of Stars Hollow have jobs that don't conform to outdated and offensive gender standards, writing, "Gypsy as a mechanic and Jackson as a guy finding a passion in gardening and growing his own vegetables."
This is definitely a positive part of the show that still works today, and the show would feel so empty without these quirky characters and their various careers.