Gilmore Girls

The fun, quirky series mixes drama and comedy as it follows the mother-daughter duo negotiating friendship, romance, and family up until Rory graduates from college. Lorelai and Rory's glib conversations make their complex relationship seem more sister-like than parental, but the fiercely independent Lorelai never waivers in her commitment to her daughter regardless of her own romantic entanglements. While Rory is a typical teenager, her love of learning, lack of body issues, maturity, and overall decision-making process consistently makes her positive role model.

Part of what makes the seven seasons of the Gilmore Girls so successful is the clever writing, which mixes pop culture and literary references, and which results in some fast-talking conversations that are delivered with artful ease. Yes, it has its share of soap-opera like moments, but what it also delivers is a lot of insight about growing up and dealing with the complications of life without being preachy. It is a television show that doesn't shy away from difficult issues, but approaches them in ways that are both relatable and empowering to young women.