Common Sense Media Review
Fun coming-of-age drama that's great for teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Gilmore Girls
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 68 parent reviews
Parents say this show is well-loved for its strong mother-daughter relationship and positive role models, especially through the character of Rory, who inspires young viewers with her ambition and intelligence. However, many reviewers caution about the mature content, such as sexual situations and underage drinking, advising parents to watch with their children to facilitate discussions about these themes.
- role models
- mother-daughter relationship
- mature content
- watch together
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 419 kid reviews
Kids say that the show is both entertaining and relatable, highlighting the strong mother-daughter bond while addressing themes of romance and maturity. Opinions vary widely; some viewers believe it offers a great balance of humor and life lessons, while others caution about the mature content, suggesting it may not be suitable for younger audiences without guidance.
- bonding experience
- humor and heart
- mature themes
- role model discussions
- age recommendations
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Set in the fictional New England town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, GILMORE GIRLS follows the relationship between single mom Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and her teen daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel). When Rory is accepted into a prestigious private high school, Lorelai turns to her wealthy parents, Emily and Richard Gilmore (Kelly Bishop and Edward Herrmann) for financial help despite years of estrangement. The loan marks the beginning of a new family dynamic and the start of Rory's high school adventures. While Rory studies and hangs out with friends like Lane Kim (Keiko Agena), Lorelai's life revolves around her daughter, her job, and friends like Sookie St. James (Melissa McCarthy) and coffee shop owner Luke Danes (Scott Patterson).
Is It Any Good?
The often moving, quirky series mixes drama and comedy as it follows the mother-daughter duo negotiating friendship, romance, and family. The titular Gilmore Girls Lorelai and Rory have deep conversations that make their complex relationship seem more sister-like than parental, but the fiercely independent Lorelai never wavers in her commitment to her daughter regardless of her own romantic entanglements. While Rory is a typical teenager, her love of learning, her maturity, and her overall decision-making process consistently make her a positive role model.
Part of what makes the seven seasons (and Netflix revival) of Gilmore Girls so successful is the clever writing, which mixes pop culture and literary references and includes fast-talking conversations that are delivered with artful ease. The show has its share of melodramatic moments, but it also delivers a lot of insight about growing up and dealing with the complications of life without being preachy. It's a TV show that doesn't shy away from difficult issues but approaches them in ways that can be relatable and empowering.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Rory's decisions in Gilmore Girls. Is she self-aware, or does she make choices based on peer pressure? Does Lorelai's relationship with her own parents impact Rory's relationship with her grandparents? Does this change over the years?
What positive aspects are there to the show's central mother-daughter relationship? Are there any negative aspects?
Gilmore Girls ran for seven seasons (plus a Netflix revival). Do you think new generations of viewers will find it entertaining and relevant?
How do the characters in Gilmore Girls demonstrate communication, gratitude, and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?
Has Gilmore Girls influenced the way single mothers are portrayed in popular culture? Might a single mother who isn't White be portrayed differently? If so, is this fair or realistic?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 5, 2000
- Cast : Alexis Bledel , Lauren Graham , Scott Patterson
- Networks : Freeform , CW
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Gratitude , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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