One of the main characters on Gossip Girl was Nate Archibald. He was an athletic and attractive young man from an affluent family, and he also enjoyed having a good time, letting loose and avoiding responsibilities… especially with a pretty lady or two.
Over the years, Nate evolved into a mature young man, winding up quite different from the boy fans first met and fell in love with.
Changed: Stood Up To His Family
The families on this show were notable and shown a lot, as they were the reason the main characters led such privileged lives; they had money, they sent their kids to fancy schools, and they had certain expectations.
Over time, though, as Nate learned more and more secrets about his parents and grandparents, he started standing up to them. He started speaking out and telling them off even. And he paved his own path in life.
Same: Was Sweet & Kind
Nate didn’t have a mean bone in his body, though, so even in the middle of arguments with friends or family members, he was sweet, kind, respectful and so cute. He really was one of the most genuine and caring characters within this entire story!
Changed: Hurt His Loved Ones A Couple Of Times
Still, he was not perfect, and he was only human. Therefore, there were times he hurt others. In fact, the show started by talking about the time Nate cheated on Blair with Serena. There were other relationships that led to hurt, as he was involved with a married woman and had a thing with Jenny. He also did not always agree with his pals, which led to a few more squabbles over the years.
Same: Never Sent Any Dirt In To Gossip Girl
Nate saw a lot, especially in his own house and within his own friend group. But after all the time that went by, he never sent in a tip to Gossip Girl! And he was the only one who could say that, as everyone else was used to immediately sharing the latest and greatest secrets out there… even if it was about one of their loved ones.
Changed: Ended Up Running A Magazine/For Office
As mentioned, the well-off families on this show had certain lofty goals for their children. Some of these kiddos, though, wanted to do their own things and chase their own dreams.
For instance, Nate ended up working at a magazine, The Spectator, and he worked his way up, becoming the man in charge. In the final episode, it was also noted that he was planning a mayoral run, so his family may have rubbed off on him some; he just needed to do it all in his own way and time.
Same: Still Had A Way With The Ladies
Even in the midst of the craziest episodes, Nate was always shown having a way with the ladies! All of these main characters had several juicy relationships over the years, but Nate in particular seemed to turn heads left and right, hook up with so many different people and woo the women… Just look at him.
Changed: Let Go Of The Love(s) Of His Life
Two of his relationships were with two of his closest friends: first, there was Blair Waldorf, a young woman he thought he was going to marry at one point, and then there was Serena van der Woodsen, a blonde beauty he had always had a crush on.
He gave it a go with both of them, but it was clear that Blair belonged with Chuck and Serena belonged with Dan.
Same: Would Do Anything For His BFFs
All of these main characters were best friends, and they would have done anything for each other. The fighting, the dating, the lying, the breaking up, the gossip… None of it mattered in times of need/deep down, as they built each other up and remained close through it all, including the one and only Nate Archibald.
Changed: Matured
When Gossip Girl started, Nate was in high school, and his hobbies included playing video games, drinking, playing sports, spending time with the opposite sex, and partaking in certain extracurricular activities with Chuck.
As time progressed, Nate matured, leaving some of this behind and cutting down on some of his wild behaviors (some of them... only!).
Same: Still Enjoyed Video Games, Sports & Parties
Still, he was a very laid-back and happy-go-lucky character, so he liked games and sports and parties. He just handled it all in a different way and in moderation, since he graduated from high school, went on to college and became a successful businessman!