Gilmore Girlsis a beloved show from the early aughts that’s become a fan-favorite comfort show, and ten of the episodes embody this feeling that the family drama produces. From 2000 to 2007,Gilmore Girlswas released on television, developing a passionate fanbase. The love for this series only grew when it became available for streaming on Netflix in 2014, becoming one of the streaming giant’s most-watched TV shows.
Between the distinct setting, well-developed characters, and quick-paced dialogue,Gilmore Girlsis the perfect escapism when life and the world become too much. The show balances the reality of dysfunctional families and relationships with the almost fantastical quality ofStars Hollow, giving the show a degree of seriousness and levity at the same time. Although most episodes ofGilmore Girlsare fun to watch, some of them provide a stronger sense of comfort than others, making them rewatchable.
10“They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They?”
Gilmore Girls Season 3, Episode 7
The majority of “They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They?” takes place within a contained setting during an unapologetically Stars Hollow event, offering a sense of consistency and comfort. There’s nothing more fitting for the small town than a 24-hour dance marathon where everyone dresses in 1940s-style clothes and can’t stop dancing in order to raise money for a tarp.
This episode ofGilmore Girlsis also comforting because it lays the seeds for many big storylines. Luke indicates to Lorelai for the first time that he’s open to having kids. Dean and Rory break up so that she can finally be with Jess. Jackson and Sookie talk about their expectations of having kids. Mrs. Kim also meets Dave Rygalski for the first time, laying the groundwork for the Mrs. Kim-approved relationship between Dave and Lane. Ultimately, the episode is equally silly and serious, giving it a nice balance that perfectly representsGilmore Girls.
9“Forgiveness And Stuff”
Gilmore Girls Season 1, Episode 10
At first glance, “Forgiveness and Stuff” feels too sad to be a comfort episode, but it’s precisely the episode to watch for people who find solace in commiseration. The tension between Emily, Lorelai, and Rory lingers throughout the first half of the episode because of “Rory’s Dance,” but Richard’s heart attack brings everyone together. The fear of losing her dad allows Lorelai to express her love and appreciation for her parents. She helps her mom, and for once, Emily appreciates Lorelai’s effort. Ultimately,“Forgiveness And Stuff” shows the Gilmores in some of their highest and lowest moments, making it a perfect representation ofGilmore Girls.
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The episode is also comforting because it displays the true friendship between Luke and Lorelai. He doesn’t hesitate to drop everything and drive Lorelai to the hospital, and he stays at the hospital despite his discomfort with medical settings. Luke even calls her out when she tries to avoid entering Richard’s room – as any good friend would – pointing out that she’s scared. Even Emily recognizes the connection between them, telling Luke they’re idiots for saying there’s nothing between them.
8“A-Tisket, A-Tasket”
Gilmore Girls Season 2, Episode 13
Many comforting episodes ofGilmore Girlsshow Stars Hollow at its zaniest, and “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” is no exception. The entire episode centers on a townwide fundraiser where the women make baskets, and the men bid on them to win the basket and a date with the person who made it. Although antiquated, the premise brings about some hilarious scenes, including a bid-off between Dean and Jess and Lorelei begging Luke to buy her basket. Kirk also opines that his mother previously made baskets for all twelve of his brothers and sisters but not him, delivering a tragic statement in an amusing way.
In addition to the hilarity, “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” includes sentimental moments for three of the show’s best couples. Luke and Lorelei eat under the gazebo whileRory and Jesshave lunch on the bridge. Both couples have meaningful conversations that further their development. Plus, Sookie and Jackson get engaged. It’s rare that so many couples get happy moments in a single episode ofGilmore Girls.
7“Written in the Stars”
Gilmore Girls Season 5, Episode 3
Luke and Lorelai don’t have very many unquestionably sweet episodes as a couple without conflict between them. “Written in the Stars” is one of the few times they’re truly on the same side throughout an episode. Lorelei and Luke go on their first date outside the wedding, and viewers learn about how the couple met for the first time. The duo’s only problem in the episode is Taylor getting nosy and trying to turn the town against the relationship. Even then, Luke gives an impassioned speech about how it’s none of their business.
“Written in the Stars” also displays how the close friendship between Paris and Rory has matured. Even though Rory is never fully on board with Paris and Asher’s relationship, she doesn’t hesitate to help Paris throw a wake at the dorm. This season 5 episode shows how much these relationships have grown, making it one of the most comforting episodes ofGilmore Girls.
6“The Lorelais’ First Day At Yale”
Gilmore Girls Season 4, Episode 2
One ofGilmore Girls’ happiest episodes, “The Lorelais’ First Day at Yale,” also ranks among the best comfort episodes. While many of Lorelai and Rory’s moments feel more like best friends, this storyline is one where they genuinely feel like mother and daughter. Lorelai puts aside her emotions and makes the experience of going to Yale exciting for her daughter, documenting every moment. Meanwhile, Rory seems anxious and overwhelmed about leaving home for the first time. Lorelai feels like a rock throughout the episode, grounding her daughter as she navigates this major life transition.
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“The Lorelais’ First Day at Yale” also highlights the sweet relationship between Rory and Luke, with Luke stepping in as a father figure during the transition as well. It wouldn’t have felt right for Christopher to share in this big moment, considering he’s the epitome of an absentee parent. However, Luke’s presence feels entirely natural in this episode. Ultimately, this episode is comforting because it allows viewers to see Luke, Lorelai, and Rory as a family.
5“Friday Night’s Alright For Fighting”
Gilmore Girls Season 6, Episode 13
From the very beginning ofGilmore Girls, Rory always wanted to be a journalist – specifically, Christiane Amanpour – and she works hard to get there. “Friday Night’s Alright For Fighting” is a comforting episode for anyone who hatesRory’s controversial storyline inA Year in the Life. In this episode, Rory plays the role of journalist, editor, and manager, pulling together the Yale Daily News team to put out the paper. “Friday Night’s Alright for Fighting” is also an excellent option for people who love Logan and Rory, as Logan steps up to help Rory, coming across as charming and heroic.
The episode choice is also perfect for those who find comfort in the dysfunction ofthe Gilmore family. The last four minutes of “Friday Night’s Alright for Fighting” show the characters finally being honest and upfront with their feelings instead of being polite. Their ability to go from yelling to laughing to silent and back to yelling encapsulates the dynamics of the family, and it’s a perfect way to define the Gilmores.
4“Pilot”
Gilmore Girls Season 1, Episode 1
Oftentimes, pilot episodes seem weak in retrospect because they have to introduce the characters, establish the setting, and put the story in motion. Plus, actors are still getting a feel for the show. However,Gilmore Girls’ pilot defies this trend. Watching “Pilot” feels more like walking into a story that’s been happening for a long time instead of coming across as a beginning point, creating a homey feel.
TheGilmore Girlscasthas a strong grasp on their characters, immediately immersing the audience in the world of Stars Hollow and the Gilmores. The tone and pacing are consistent with the rest of the first season, rather than feeling jarring. The dialogue is packed with witty banter and quips to keep viewers laughing. Even Dean, who ends up being insufferable in later seasons, feels sweet in “Pilot,” which is excellent for Team Dean fans. Ultimately, the episode is just as much a comfort episode because of the quality as it is because of nostalgia.
3“There’s The Rub”
Gilmore Girls Season 2, Episode 16
Very few episodes ofGilmore Girlsfocus heavily on the loving but complicated relationship between Lorelei and Emily without depicting either as the bad guy. “There’s the Rub” shows how both people harbor some of the blame. The mother-and-daughter duo find a way to bond after a rocky start at the spa. There’s something comforting about this episode ofGilmore Girlshumanizing both characters. In the end, they make strides in their relationship, finding common ground by stealing bathrobes together.
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The secondary storyline in “There’s the Rub” is equally comforting. Although viewers could say the love triangle is the focus, Rory’s plot really has more to do with her developing friendship with Paris. This episode allows Rory and Paris to empathize with one another. Rory recognizes that Paris needs help and puts aside her free time to study. In turn, Paris helps worry out of a difficult situation by lying to Dean. This situation allows them to grow closer to one another, with Paris staying the night.
2“Last Week Fights, This Week Tights”
Gilmore Girls Season 4, Episode 21
Liz and TJ’s wedding is one of the most comforting episodes to rewatch as aGilmore Girlsfan because of the silliness of a Renaissance wedding in Stars Hollow and the fantastic character moments. Luke and Lorelai’s relationship is a cornerstone ofGilmore Girls, and “Last Week Fights, This Week Tights” is one of their best episodes. The chemistry between them is through the roof, and their waltz to “Reflecting Lights” is swoon-worthy.
Jess and Luke have great moments that show how much Jess appreciates his former guardian. The nephew reading the self-help book is a nice moment of self-awareness and growth, even if he makes the questionable choice to ask Rory to leave Yale with him. The episode also shows growth between Mrs. Kim and Lane, with the mother going out of her way to reconnect with her daughter. Liz even has a sweet moment with Lorelai. Ultimately, the only part of the episode worth discarding is Rory’s terrible date and her calling Dean.
1“The Bracebridge Dinner”
Gilmore Girls Season 2, Episode 10
In many ways,Stars Hollow is the true main character ofGilmore Girls, and the Bracebridge Dinner is a perfect example of why. After the Bracebridge group gets snowed in, Sookie and Lorelai throw an extravagant dinner party that, somehow, everyone in town is available to attend. Between the old-timey theme and the winter aesthetic, “The Bracebridge Dinner” has a magical quality that’s quintessential of the small town.
Like all greatGilmore Girlsepisodes, “The Bracebridge Dinner” includes emotional moments like Jess admitting that he knows his mom doesn’t want him. This just furthers the episode that functions as a love letter to chosen family. Even Paris and Rory get a moment to shine when Rory invites Paris to stay for dinner, foreshadowing their sisterly relationship in later seasons ofGilmore Girls. Richard and Emily may appear in the episode, but the emphasis is clearly on the relationships we choose to build instead of the ones forced upon us.
