Gossip Girl was made up of main characters, significant others, friends, peers, bosses, teachers, siblings, and parents, and all of these people played their parts in bringing the drama. While the family dynamics were not the main focus of the show, they were featured quite often.
And it is no wonder that this main group got into trouble, based on who their parental figures were! Yes, there were low moments involving faking deaths, lying, sending people to prison, and getting sent to prison… but there were some good parents and moments on this show, too. Here they all are, ranked.
Bart Bass
Bart Bass blamed his son for his wife’s death and really did not want to have anything to do with him. When they did interact, he was just griping about what a disappointment Chuck was, even though he was his only child. Oh, and then, Bart faked his own death and did not even tell his son that he was back.
Elizabeth Fisher
More sadness came for Chuck, as it turned out his biological mother was alive. Elizabeth Fisher, who used to be Evelyn Bass, was alive and popped up at one point in this story. Soon after, though, she vanished again, leaving Chuck with even more questions and alone, still.
Lily Van Der Woodsen
The list regarding Lily van der Woodsen’s bad decisions could go on and on, but here are some of her biggest: She was embarrassed by her children at times, as she tried to cover up their time at wellness/mental health facilities. She did not tell Rufus that they had a child together. And she got an innocent man, Ben, sent to prison, because she just assumed the worst from her daughter, Serena.
Howard Archibald
Howard Archibald did not exactly set a good example for his son, Nate. He was arrested for possessing cocaine then charged with fraud and embezzlement. He fled the country to avoid his trial, leaving his family behind. And when Nate tried to help him/gave him a place to crash, he proved he had not changed.
William Van Der Woodsen
Serena’s father, William van der Woodsen, was mostly an absent father, but when he was around, there was trouble: He had a daughter, Lola, with Lily's sister, Carol. He was in a relationship with Ivy, in order to bring down Lily. And he said that he was actually just using Ivy in an attempt to help Lily, which seemed to win his ex over, as they were seen together in the finale.
Even if he had changed his ways, he was not the best dad around.
Anne Archibald
Similarly, Anne Archibald, Nate’s mom, was not the best nor the worst mother on the show. However, she did make some questionable decisions, such as supporting her husband’s decision to flee the country, as he was guilty of several crimes.
She just never seemed very loving or supportive, which is sad.
Alison Humprey
Another not-always-present parent was Alison Humprey; she had an affair, tried to work things out again with Rufus yet ended up leaving anyway. She may have just been doing what she thought was best, but it was sad to see Rufus yanked back and forth like that.
When Dan and Jenny spent time with their mother, though, they seemed to have a nice time, as this was a very close-knit group.
Eleanor Waldorf
Eleanor Waldorf had high hopes for her only child, Blair, yet it took her awhile to realize and admit just how great Blair was. Early on in the show, her interactions with her daughter either involved her being too busy or insulting Blair!
She eventually realized the error of her ways, though, and these two had a nice bond over things like travel, fashion and pie.
Harold Waldorf
Blair’s father, Harold Waldorf, was not really in the picture, as he left Eleanor for a man. There were times when he let his daughter down, but he did live on the other side of the planet.
When he was in New York, it was clear how much he meant to his family and vice versa. Plus, he made Blair a picture-perfect room in his new house, and he was known for his famous Thanksgiving pies!
Rufus Humphrey
Without a doubt, one of the best parents on the show was Rufus Humphrey. He lived in Brooklyn, and he worked hard to make sure his kids had the best lives possible. For the most part, the glitz and glamour of the Upper East Side did not impress or fulfill him, as he was content with making waffles in his loft, playing board games with his family and creating music.
There were some mistakes along the way, like sleeping with Ivy, but no one is perfect. Besides, he always made up for it with his go-to advice sessions.
Cyrus Rose
And finally, there was Cyrus Rose, Blair’s step-father. At first, she was not a fan at all, as everything from his looks to his personality and his catchphrases annoyed her. He quickly grew on everyone, though, and offered so much goodness: He was a smart and successful man. He was madly in love with Eleanor, which softened her up and made her family love him even more. And he was one of the sweetest and most authentic characters, full of happiness and great advice!