When I was 10 years old, I discovered a show that changed my life. That show, in all its feminist glory, is "Gilmore Girls." As I grew into my adulthood, the show grew with me, and I began to understand many of the lessons and hardships Lorelai, Rory and Emily experienced navigating multiple generations of womanhood. In honor of the recent Netflix revival, I thought a quick road trip back to Stars Hollow was seriously in order.
1. Mother/Daughter Relationships Are So Important
You can drive your mom/daughter up a flag pole, but you love them unconditionally anyway. Whether you have a relationship like Rory/Lorelai or Lorelai/Emily, the love you have for one another could move mountains.
2. Best Friends Are Forever
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You can drive your mom/daughter up a flag pole, but you love them unconditionally anyway. Whether you have a relationship like Rory/Lorelai or Lorelai/Emily, the love you have for one another could move mountains.
3. There Is No Place Like Home
Whether you’ve had a long day at work or you’re off at college, your home town is so incredibly important. Friends, neighbors, and family will always be there for you to count on when the real world gets you a little down.
4. You Can Get An Education At Any Age
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Whether you get into every Ivy League like Rory, or get your associates degree at the age of 32 like Lorelai, education is something to do on your own terms. There is no shame in waiting or getting a jump start. It's your life.
5. Coffee Is An Essential Food Group
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From the first line of the first episode, coffee is established as its own character. It is incredibly important and necessary for daily survival, and can make any task seem manageable.
6. There’s Nothing Like A Witty Reference
"Gilmore Girls" is the epitome of early 2000s references. From N’Sync to Juicy Couture Sweat Pants, "Gilmore Girls" made fast talking wit the new hot girl.
7. Carole King Rocks
"If you're out on the road, feeling lonely and so cold. All you have to do is call my name and I'll be there on the next train." You can't help but sing along to the sounds of Carole King's amazing voice singing a beautiful and heartwarming melody. The theme song for "Gilmore Girls" provided an entire generation with a feel-good song about love, family, and lasting bonds.
8. Smart Girls Are Cool Too
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Rory is characterized from the get go as a nerdy smart girl. Most of the time this girl has no friends and no love life, but Rory is just the opposite. She always has a new attractive man, and the entire town of Stars Hollow adores her.
9. There Is Nothing Wrong With An Unconventional Family
In standard television, there's a mommy and a daddy and a daughter in a cute house. Though Lorelai and Rory have a super cool house, they are far from the "average" family. At the time of its premiere, "Gilmore Girls" was one of a kind and paved the way for other programs to exemplify the true modern family.
10. Best Friends Make Great Boyfriends
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From day one, most everyone is Team Luke. He’s a dependable guy, there with the coffee and witty counter points to Lorelai’s crazy banter. Their love takes a few seasons to grow, but when it comes, it is as natural as a good cup of coffee.
11. Girl Power
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This show was truly revolutionary in the way that the women are written as incredibly strong and independent and rarely stereotypical. As a woman, I can appreciate a single mother working hard to provide for her daughter, and taking little crap along the way.
"Gilmore Girls" paved the way for so many empowering women-driven television programming, and stands alone as a timeless piece of history. So get ready to count down to the Netflix revival premiere, for it is sure to feel like coming home.
