Fans often feel nostalgia for the hit show Gossip Girl. From show marathons to fashion roundups of Serena and Blair, people can't stop reminiscing the iconic television masterpiece, which was the beginning of many people's obsessions with headbands and the Met steps.
Gripping writing, gorgeous styling, a peek into the lives of the obnoxiously wealthy, and, most importantly, a stellar cast of characters made Gossip Girl unforgettable. Each character had distinct personalities, which took the show to new heights, and it's always fun to remember how Blair, Chuck, Serena, Nate, and the others behaved at the beginning versus the end of the show.
Gossip Girl
First: Hey Upper East Siders, Gossip Girl here... and I have the biggest news ever. One of my many sources, Melanie91, sends us this: Spotted at Grand Central, bags in hand: Serena van der Woodsen. Was it only a year ago our It-Girl mysteriously disappeared for quote 'boarding school'? And just as suddenly she's back. Don't believe me? See for yourselves: Lucky for us, Melanie91 sent proof. Thanks for the photo, Mel!
Last: Who am I now? That's one secret I'll never tell. Xoxo, Gossip Girl.
Although Dan was revealed to be Gossip Girl at the end of the series, it's safe to say that the Kristen Bell-voiced entity was a character by herself and a very sassy, sort of villainous one at that.
She started her world-famous voiceover announcing Serena's arrival in Manhattan, which stirred the proverbial hornet's next and kickstarted the tv show. Her last missive was as mysterious as she had been in every episode — setting the stage nicely for the next Gossip Girl to take the mantle.
Blair Waldorf
First: Thanks, mom. Keep that in mind. Great party.
Last: How is she?
The Queen Bee of the Upper East Side had a strained relationship with her mother at the beginning of Gossip Girl, which showed right from her first line in the series. Eleanor pointed to her that if Blair was going to wear her designs, she should at least get it fitted.
Blair's response was an indicator of her acerbic personality and sense of humor which would reveal itself in the rest of the show. The young Waldorf's friends mattered more than anyone to her (apart from maybe Chuck), so it was fitting that her last line in the series was her worriedly asking Lily how Serena was doing before her wedding with Dan.
Chuck Bass
First: Nathaniel, any interest in some fresh air?
Last: It was all Blair. Thank you.
Bad boy Chuck's first words on the show were in the midst of Blair's mother's party, which was getting a bit dull for him, so he asked Nate if he wanted to leave and partake of some more festive refreshments.
It's safe to say that Chuck went through huge character development during the show, and the last episode saw him committed to Blair, with a beautiful son to call their own. When Cyrus complimented him on the home décor for Serena's wedding, he gave his wife all the credit.
Serena Van Der Woodsen
First: Mom... mom! Hey.
Last: But what he did with that power was write a love letter, not just to me but to all of us. He made me realize that I didn't want to run away. That you guys are my family and I belong here. And so does Dan.
The It Girl's return to New York was much discussed, but her first move was to seek out her mother and ask her how Eric was doing and whether he was home.
Her empathetic nature and kindness continued through the show, right till the end, when she revealed to everyone that Dan was Gossip Girl. She didn't hold it against him but gave him credit for keeping her in the city with her birth and chosen family, telling him that he was no longer an outsider looking in.
Nate Archibald
First: Yes, dad's always spoken very highly of Dartmouth. But I would like to check out west. You know, maybe USC, UCLA?
Last: Hey, sorry I'm late.
The Archibald scion showed his rebellious streak early on in the show when he and his father talked to associates about which college he would go to, and he made it clear that Dartmouth was not his only option.
In the last season, Nate paved his own successful path into news and politics, making him a busy man — hence his apology for the tardiness to his best friend's wedding.
Dan Humphrey
First: She's fine.
Last: Yeah. Gossip Girl's dead.
Just like Serena, Daniel was first spotted in Grand Central Station, where Rufus was picking him and Jenny up after a visit to their mother's house.
When Rufus asked how Alison was doing, Dan gave this non-committal answer. Years later, when he sat down with the gang in the last episode, he was a lot more self-assured than he used to be, promising that he shut down the site and that the blog was dead.
Jenny Humphrey
First: Hey, dad!
Last: Last minute inspiration!
Little J also uttered her first words at Grand Central Station to Rufus when he received her. She was a very different character at the beginning of the show, full of innocence and excitement.
By the end, she was a lot more jaded and grown-up but collaborating with Waldorf designs. She turned up with a "J For Waldorf" bag, presumably with an accessory for Serena to wear on her big day.
Vanessa Abrams
First: Hi, yeah it's me!
Last: No. Way.
Dan's best friend said her first words on the phone to him, pretending like she was in Vermont while waiting to surprise him in his room. It was clear from their exchange that they hadn't spoken for a while.
Vanessa exited the show much before the last season, but she made an appearance in the final episode in Barcelona, where she got a text about the true identity of Gossip Girl, which left her shocked.
Rufus Humphrey
First: Dan, Jenny! Over here!
Last: Hey, it could've been me. I always thought it was Nate.
Ever the caring dad, Rufus' life revolved around his children (and sometimes Lil Van der Woodsen). He called out to his kids at the train station in the first episode, worried about his estranged wife but happy to see his kids again.
Rufus remained very much involved in the lives of the gang and the GG drama, so when they all gathered to hear Dan and Serena out, everyone made their speculations about Gossip Girl's identity — Serena pointed out that she thought for a while she was Rufus.
Lily Van Der Woodsen
First: So I told him: Forget it, I don't care if it's Murakami. It clashes with my sofa.
Last: Great, not nervous at all. I am. I need a drink.
In true Lily Van der Woodsen-style, her first line was witty tête-à-tête with other high-society friends about her expensive interior design while her daughter returned home, unbeknownst to her.
Lily was never a present parent, but this changed over six seasons, and her last missives were for her daughter, said to Blair, about how the wedding was giving her jitters for her little girl.