With the 'Gilmore Girls' reboot "A Year in the Life" just around the corner (and rumored to be released in November of 2016), it is the perfect moment in time to catch up on or rewatch the original seven seasons. Whether you watch every episode in a row from the beginning to the end, or only watch your favorites ("You Jump, I Jump, Jack"), each episode is sure to provide the perfect mix of everything Gilmore: from coffee to witty dialogue to the savage brilliance of Emily Gilmore. To better prepare you for the sure-to-be spectacular reboot, I have compiled 15 must-watch episodes for those of you who need to refresh your memory or for those of you who never watched the series to begin with.
1. Pilot
The pilot episode is a must watch for those who wish to understand the basic nature of Lorelai's relationship with her parents and is also the episode where Dean is first introduced as a potential love interest for Rory. Rory's journey at Chilton begins in the pilot episode, and fans first learn of her dream to go to Harvard in this episode.
2. The Big One
In the episodes leading up to "The Big One," it is revealed that Rory applied to two fallback schools, Yale and Princeton, and Lorelai does not take the news well. In "The Big One," Rory waits to receive the envelopes from each school that will decide her fate — and hopes for the big one. This episode is important because it reestablishes Rory and Paris' friendship and also reveals Rory's options for her future.
3. A Tale of Poes and Fire
In "A Tale of Poes and Fires," Lorelai and Rory spend a majority of the episode comparing and contrasting Princeton, Yale and Harvard in an effort to reveal the pros and cons of each one — and Rory has a realization regarding the school she's always dreamed of attending. In the end, Lorelai makes a lot of progress as a character, revealing that she doesn't care where Rory goes to school, so long as she's happy — a stark contrast to her former feelings towards Rory's fallback colleges.
4. The Lorelai's First Day at Yale
In "The Lorelais' First Day at Yale," Rory finally begins college and is shocked to find that Paris is her roommate. She struggles with leaving home for the first time, but eventually comes to terms with moving out after Lorelai spends the night at Yale and helps Rory get acclimated.
5. Written in the Stars
In "Written in the Stars," Logan Huntzberger, Rory's final and best boyfriend of the series, is finally introduced. We finally get to witness his wit that can rival the Gilmores' and he and Rory meet for the first time.
6. You Jump, I Jump, Jack
In "You Jump, I Jump, Jack," Rory and Dean face relationship problems due to their conflicting schedules, while Logan and Rory grow closer with her introduction to a secret society. This episode is important because it shows all the ways that Rory and Logan could be good together — he challenges her and forces her to face her fears, convincing her to take chances she wouldn't have without his encouragement.
7. The Party's Over
In "The Party's Over," Rory grows closer to Logan and his group of friends after Richard and Emily throw a party for her with only boys her age in attendance in an effort to set her up with someone other than Dean. Dean realizes that he no longer fits into Rory's world after he sees how well she fits into Richard and Emily's lifestyle, and they break up.
8. Wedding Bell Blues
In "Wedding Bell Blues," Lorelai and Luke face relationship problems, while Rory proposes a no-strings-attached relationship to Logan — the only kind of relationship he's capable of.
9. But I'm a Gilmore...
Plagued by anxiety and heartache from her and Logan's no-strings-attached relationship, Rory attempts to break things off with Logan, but he shocks her instead by taking their relationship to the next level. We are then introduced to the familiar coldness of Shira and Mitchum Huntzberger that we've all come to hate when he attempts to introduce Rory to his parents as his girlfriend.
10. New and Improved Lorelai
Following an incident where Mitchum Hunzberger reveals his heartless nature to Rory, she drops out of Yale and moves in with her grandparents. In this episode, Lorelai and Rory's relationship is tested, while we fans are forced wonder what the future holds for Rory. Will she go back to school? Will she and Lorelai reconcile? What does this mean for her future as a journalist?
11. Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out
In this episode, Jess Mariano returns, all new and improved with his sights set on Rory. After a confrontation with Logan, he leaves, and Logan and Rory take a break following his jealous outburst.
12. The Prodigal Daughter Returns
In this episode, Rory and Lorelai finally reunite and all is well in the world. Rory moves out of her grandparents' poolhouse and makes plans to return to Yale.
13. Friday Night's Alright for Fighting
In "Friday Night's Alright for Fighting," Rory finally forgives Logan and their relationship is taken to the next level following a nasty argument between Paris and Rory.
14. Partings
Logan and Rory are forced to face the struggles of a long-distance relationship when Mitchum ships Logan off to London for work for an extended period of time. Fans can see the love they share for one another in this episode and the future of their relationship is mystery as Logan steps into an elevator, leaving Rory to watch the doors close.
15. Unto the Breach
In "Unto the Breach," many developments occur. Rory is finally graduating from Yale and is set to cover Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Logan and her have survived long distance and misunderstanding, but they unfortunately cannot survive their desires for different things. He wants marriage, and she wants time. The end result is a bitter farewell that breaks the hearts of fans everywhere as Logan walks away for the last time ever.
While the series ended with a lot of loose strings, fans can only hope that the revival answers who Rory will end up with (#TeamLogan4eva), who Lorelai will end up with, and where Rory's career ended up. With only four months left to wait, take the time to rewatch all of your favorite moments and discover new favorite moments if this is your first time watching the series — you won't regret it!



































