What to Watch Based on Your Favorite Episode of Gilmore Girls

I have seen Gilmore Girls at least 5 times. I know, that’s a lot. But this show brings an immense amount of comfort in the characters, the setting, and the humor. Although I would love to dissect the characters, relish on the plots and the imperfections, it’s about time to branch out of Stars Hollow. Don’t worry, it will be there when you get back.

Starting off with my favorite episode, season 5, episode 7: “You Jump, I Jump Jack”. This episode features the infamous secret society gathering of the Life and Death Brigade. I would even go as far as saying this episode is Logan’s big break, we are introduced to his world. And if you fancy the extravagant plots of teenagers with copious amounts of money, I suggest another show with ‘girl’ in the title, Gossip Girl. Getting into the drama of the Upper East Side, privileged teenagers take on big events, scandals, and love.

Now, this show has a large following, so if you’ve already seen the second GG, The OC involves the same angsty rich teens but includes the one and only, Dave Rygalski. Lane should’ve ended up with Dave (that's besides the point), but Adam Brody does wonders for this show. He brings out the quirks we see in Dave while adding sarcasm and self-awareness, but minus the guitar.

I would deem the second best episode as the, why did you drop out of Yale episode, also known as season 6, episode 8, “Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out”. One of the best monologues of the show is delivered by Jess. Throughout the series, Rory and Jess’ complicated relationship always brings them back to each other; which is very reminiscent of Normal People, based on Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel. Take Rory and Jess, complicate it even more, put in a little more love and passion, and you’ve got Marianne and Connell. It even perfects a similar quality Amy Sherman-Palladino uses, leaving the series on a cliffhanger. Which is kind of annoying but also complete and truthful. Another stand-out of the show is the character development. You will see these two starting at high school and navigating their adult lives, flaws and all.

Switching gears, let’s head into some reality TV. If you’re into Lorelai’s dressmaking skills as seen in season 1, episode 9, “Rory’s Dance”, check out Making the Cut. This show is presented by Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, with fashion designers from around the world competing to win $1 million to jumpstart their own brand. The competitors are brought to different cities to find new influences, and must make new designs from scratch to present on a runway. And good news, it was just revived for a second season.

Another memorable episode is Sookie and Jackson’s wedding; the season 2 finale, “I Can’t Get Started”. Now, this is a jam packed episode but let’s focus in on Rory and Paris. They have been running for student council and if they win they’ll have to go to Washington DC for the summer. This is where The Politician comes in. This is another teen drama by Ryan Murphy, surrounding a high school campaign that goes awry. With dark undertones, this show will keep you on your toes. Now, if you’re a sucker for suspenseful political dramas, I would also recommend Designated Survivor, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, and The Blacklist. These are straying from the comfort of a show like Gilmore Girls, but nevertheless deserve a watch (or two).

One of the last shows I suggest to watch is Jane the Virgin. This show involves three generations of women like Gilmore Girls with some soap-opera inspired plots. Even with the twists and turns, the show comes down to familial relationships...and the main character is a writer.

And just for fun… here are some honorable mentions if you wanna see the same faces or names on your screen:

• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, with Liza Weil and Alex Borstein
• The Handmaid’s Tale with Alexis Bledel
• Parenthood with Lauren Graham
• Bunheads, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, with Kelly Bishop
• This is Us with Milo Ventimiglia
• One Tree Hill with Chad Michael Murray
• The Resident with Matt Czuchry
• Supernatural with Jared Padalecki