What of it?
About two months ago, I found myself without anything to watch on Netflix. I had just finished a spree of crime documentaries and wanted something different.
I was tired of the same type of show. I didn’t want to watch anything that had cops, detectives, or could be described as “dark”. I wanted something out of my comfort zone.
So I made it my mission to look for shows that I’d otherwise not watch. You never know what might stick.
I’d used that method last year and it resulted in me watching a movie – a romantic comedy called, Table 19.
Lo and behold, I enjoyed it, even though the whole thing was the exact opposite of what I thought I’d like.
“Everything you want is wrong.”
With that in mind, I went show searching.
The first show I found was called, Between. It was about a mysterious virus and a town and people and…I stopped watching after three minutes. I wasn’t feeling it.
I’m also now realizing that Netflix describes the show as “dark”. No wonder I didn’t get far. I didn’t want “dark”.
Then I found myself clicking on Goosebumps. An old classic! I had no interest in watching it, but I looked to see if they had a specific episode – the one where my childhood babysitter was the main character. I was curious.
They had it. I watched two minutes and moved on.
Next, I clicked on a show called, Cheer Squad. This is when I knew I was getting desperate. I clicked on it because it was a behind the scenes documentary style show about a cheer team.
I thought, I’ve watched shows like this for football, maybe it could work.
It didn’t work. Less than five minutes later, I was done with it.
Then I found a show called, The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes. Alright, this could be cool. Maybe it will give me some inspiration. Maybe it’ll give me something to aspire to, like a hockey rink in the basement and a baseball diamond on the roof.
A few minutes in, I felt like I had aged myself 30 years. I was thinking about drainage systems and snow removal and all the stuff that professional adults worry about.
Feeling my innocence being taken from me, I clicked away from it.
By this point, I was putting the “aged” in “discouraged”, when it finally happened.
Gilmore Girls.
It was just sitting there on the screen, daring me to click it.
When I was a kid, my sister watched Gilmore Girls. She would try and get me to watch it, or call me over to see specific scenes that were “good”. I didn’t care.
Truthfully, I thought it was a girly show that was about girly things. I mean, the word “Girls” was in the title. I just assumed it was a show not meant for me. Besides, from the few seconds I did take in, I had determined that the characters talked way too fast.
And for years and years and years, that’s how I categorized the show.
Girly and too fast. I’d make fun of it and scoff at any recommendations to watch.
Multiple people would tell me I remind them of Luke from Gilmore Girls, they’d send a YouTube clip, and then I’d say, “Yeah I guess I am.”
But I still had no intention of watching.
Until that night.
So I clicked on it. It was happening. I was going to watch Gilmore Girls.
How’d it go? Well, I’m currently on Season 3, Episode 8.
Dare I say I was wrong about the show?
It is not a girly show. The characters don’t talk too fast. If anything, I appreciate their quick-witted comebacks.
I was so wrong. I actually like this show. I like Gilmore Girls.
It’s a show about a mother and daughter, who are best friends, living in a small town with people who have eccentric personalities. I’ve yet to feel like I’m eavesdropping on a “girly show not meant for me”.
Do a lot of guys watch this show? Probably not. They probably have too much pride, or are like me, and thought the show was too girly.
If the main characters were a father and son, would more guys watch? I have no idea, but Gilmore Guys would be the title. Just wanted to get that in there in case it happens in the future.
I feel like we live in a time where there are no more “guy things” or “girl things”. Anyone can like anything. And from a male perspective, maybe we can start redefining what masculinity actually is.
There are all these phrases. Real men do this. Real men do that. I’ve never walked around asking myself if I’m a “real man”, or if I measure up to societal pressures. There are different kinds of masculinity.
I just try and be a respectful human being, who does the right thing, and enjoys an array of interests, while making jokes about most things.
I think that still makes me a man, doesn’t it? Then again, deep down I know I’ll always be 12 years old, so who knows?
Your actions define who you are. Who you are does not define your actions. Boom. Quote it.
Sure, you can call me a hypocrite for holding out on watching Gilmore Girls based on my misperceptions, but I’m also just stubborn sometimes. Get enough people telling me to do something, and I’ll do the opposite. I have to want to do something on my own accord.
Anyway, I just wanted to get that little spiel out.
Let’s talk about the show now. Most of these will be rapid fire thoughts.
I don’t like the theme song, straight up.
The comparisons between me and Luke are about 80% accurate. I feel like I fully understand why he is the way that he is. He’ll be adamant against something, but that’s only for show. He can be talked into anything by Lorelai because he likes her and his resistance is just his way of not giving in too quickly.
It’s weird, but I get it.
He’s not actually cranky, that’s just a cover, which is always blown when someone needs his help at a moment’s notice.
As for Lorelai’s mother, I thought she had a British accent for the first few episodes. Then my sister told me she doesn’t; she just talks like a rich person.
That was an a-ha moment.
Grandpa Gilmore is great. Me and him would be friends.
In Season 1, when Dean was introduced, I thought it was the prototypical case of the network getting involved and telling the show runners that Rory needed a love interest.
So I thought he would just be there until the end of the first season, when he’d eventually do something dastardly that would send Rory home in tears, leading to a break-up.
Nope! They were a couple until Season 3, Episode 7!
Do people still use the word “dastardly” in 2018?
Dean was weird. Didn’t he basically stalk Rory until she noticed him? His hair looked like he put on half at a time. It was very early 2000s. Rory looked too young for him. If Dean and Lorelai were a couple, I’d believe it.
What 15-year-old knows how to put a car together without any help? Just because he wore a leather jacket doesn’t make him a mechanic. I wasn’t buying it.
And then the way he broke up with Rory, let’s go through this.
There was a 24-Hour dance in the school gymnasium, which started at 6AM. The last couple left dancing, would win. Naturally, Lorelai and Rory were a team. They were joined by about 150 other couples.
As soon as it started, everyone took off to a flying start, like they were filming a musical. Meanwhile, I’m thinking, “CONSERVE YOUR ENERGY!”
Poor strategy by everyone.
Anyway, 23 hours pass and they’re down to the final six couples. One of the couples were senior citizens. I couldn’t believe it. More power to them, but I just figured this test of endurance would favour the younger participants.
Then they cut away from the dance, and Seth Cohen from The OC shows up to talk to Lane and her mother. Based on simple math, he showed up to “check out” the dance at 5AM. What? That makes no sense. That’s 2AM west coast time, which is still late. Go back to California, Seth.
Note: The actor who played Seth Cohen in The OC, also plays a character in Gilmore Girls. Now read that last paragraph again, if you didn’t understand.
Back to the dance. Dean starts yelling at Rory and breaks up with her because it’s obvious that she likes Jess, and hasn’t been interested in him since the beginning of Season 2.
Took him long enough.
Not sure where the show goes from here. Jess and Rory are now in their awkward phase.
That can’t last, though, because Jess is Luke’s nephew and Luke and Lorelai will eventually end up together, right? They’ll end up together, RIGHT?
Don’t answer that. I don’t want spoilers. But if they aren’t a couple by the end of this show, something is wrong.
Sookie is great. Took me a few episodes to realize it’s Melissa McCarthy.
Taylor is great. He’s obnoxiously entertaining.
Does Michel actually have that accent in real life?
Kirk looks like the kind of guy who would try out for television game shows, wouldn’t hear back, and then go to Blockbuster to pick out three movies and microwavable popcorn.
Paris is played by the same actress who plays Bonnie in How To Get Away With Murder. That took some getting use to.
Paris’ friend Louise, I recognize from a TV movie from 2002 called Double Teamed. She had brown hair in that movie, but the same voice, which is how I caught on.
Nothing gets by me.
Tristan got written out of the show because he had to go film One Tree Hill.
I felt like a very knowledgable viewer. I guess this is what happens when you wait 15+ years to watch a show.
I think that covers most of my thoughts on the show. If you want to hear my opinion on something I didn’t mention, ask me about it. Just don’t spoil anything.
So there it is in black and white.
I’m just a guy watching Gilmore Girls.
What of it?
This post just made my day. And I’m so glad you realized Louise is from Double Teamed! She was a jerk in that movie haha. Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and try something. I actually know quite a few guys who have watched this show and love it, but they don’t outright say that they watched it. I’ll just mention something about it and they will admit that they love it. Mr. Jess watches it but I tend to just play it all on a loop as background noise so he gets irritated haha or he will be like, “Wait…what happens here? Where did he go?” and I’m like, “Were you not paying attention at all when you last watched this?”
I strongly dislike Dean. I think he’s a sweet first boyfriend for Rory but he was too clingy and annoying. The episode in Season 2 when she finally gets the house to herself and orders Indian food and does her laundry really bugged me. Granted, Jess and Paris hijack her evening, but Dean calls her up and says, “I’m coming over! I miss you!” and she’s all like, “No don’t!” and he’s all like, “I don’t care! I’ll see you in a second!” Even if Jess and Paris weren’t there, I would have been so aggravated that Dean was just crashing my alone time. I like my alone time and having someone just come over unannounced would have pushed me over the edge.
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I might’ve had a crush on her in Double Teamed….hahah young Paul. Sounds like Mr. Jess has a cue card of generic questions/responses to seem like an active viewer. Smart!
Ohhh yeah that episode he was extra annoying. And he brought her food didn’t he? Is that what people did back then, get bored sitting at home doing nothing so they get food and surprise their girlfriend, who probably already had dinner? Rory shouldn’t of answered the door.
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Paul liked the bad girls! Lolol he was just so me me me me me. TEAM JESS 😬
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She was misunderstood, okay! She just wanted her dad to go to her games and care!
Not gonna lie, it took me a few episodes to realize his name was actually Jess and I wasn’t mishearing. Because they said it and I thought of you, and things weren’t adding up. Is his name actually Jesse?
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Haha most likely, yes. He’s such a jerk when he’s dating her 🤷🏻♀️
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I also want to point out that I find it weird that Rory is able to listen to music and read at the same time.
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Really? I used to do that all the time lol
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Oh gosh no. I can only focus on one thing at a time haha if I’m listening to music and reading, you can be sure I’ll be singing to the music and not comprehending anything I’m reading 😂
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What about when you’re writing a blog post. Can you listen to music then?
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Nope haha no TV either. I need silence.
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OMG YAAAASSSSSS! Gilmore Girls is awesome sauce with cherries and sprinkles! I’m glad you are liking it. I’m 90% sure that all my sass comes from watching shows like that growing up. Lorelai and Chandler Bing from Friends basically make up my entire personality haha
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Ahhhhh that’s what I forgot to write about! I meant to say that a lot of people I know seem to have stolen their personality from this show. I understand some of my friends so much more now lol. And yes! I’m basically a combination of Luke and Chandler Bing haha
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Lol!!! Its crazy how media can shape us so much!
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I’m also a little bit of Sookie haha
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She’s the best. What do you think of Jackson?
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Ummm he’s ok. He kind of grows on me a little bit. But Kirk is my hands down favourite! Omg I love Kirk so freaking much!!!! Will you watch the new “season” that just came out? It’s four 1.5 hour long episodes that take place about 10 years into the future from the end of the regular show
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I definitely will! I can’t finish this series fast enough. I’m scared I’m going to get hit by spoilers at some point, somehow.
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Lol its been out so long I don’t think you’re in too much danger of just randomly coming across spoilers.
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I LOVE THIS SHOW. I HAVE WATCHED IT TWICE SO FAR. ALL 7 SEASONS PLUS THE A YEAR IN THE LIFE. YES, I REALIZED THAT I WAS USING CAPS BEFORE I STARTED TYPING.
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YES ISSA! YOUR ENTHUSIASM IS OUTSTANDING.
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HAHAHA
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The all caps in Issa’s comment are 100% justified because Gilmore Girls is all the feels (but in a very nonsexist, nobody should feel their manhood is being questioned kind of way). I LOVE LOVE LOVE this show and cannot talk about most of it because my brain can’t process what happened after season 3 episode 7 and I CAN’T be the person who ruins GG for you.
Except the theme song. I’m sorry — it sticks. They never give it up. I eventually figured out how to fast forward it in Netflix so I dropped back in right as Lorelei and Rory were having coffee at Luke’s. Happy viewing!
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I definitely press the “Skip intro” button when the theme song comes on. I do that with every show, after giving it one full listen just to see what it’s like. If at the part where Rory and Dean broke up and she transitioned to a relationship with Jess just 5 minutes later. And they just went on the tour of Yale and Grandpa Gilmore set up a meeting for Rory with admissions. When I’m done the show I’ll probably write about it again so then we can discuss more!
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“I just try and be a respectful human being, who does the right thing, and enjoys an array of interests, while making jokes about most things.
I think that still makes me a man, doesn’t it? Then again, deep down I know I’ll always been 12 years old, so who knows?”
I think being a man is a very personal idea. Despite many people saying, “You must do [XYZ] to be a man/woman,” none of it’s true. Men can like baking, women can like working on cars, etc. No one can tell you you’re not a man/woman.
The idea that there’s only one “right” way to be a gender is silly. We’re not all the same person; that would be boring!
“Your actions define who you are. Who you are does not define your actions. Boom. Quote it.”
Dude. That’s poignant. 🤯 I might have to quote that statement. Quick, TM it before everyone is using it to sound super smart & deep!!
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Thanks for this! Well said, anyone can do anything regardless of gender. Labelling people and their limits is dumb.
I shall trademark it right away!
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Well, yeah, but a lot of stuff is dumb nowadays. People still stick to it due to various reasons – fear of change, tradition, “this is how I was raised,” etc. – I think being uniquely yourself is much more fun. Besides, who wants to be like everyone else?! Boooooooring!
Let me know how much it is to use it. I feel like I’m going to be doing it a lot. I shall credit, of course. 😉
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I binged that show finally about a year ago. Every single episode. I, like you, had some weird preconceived ideas about it, and I, like you, wound up falling in love. Totally in love. It’s such an idealistic little world they live in…but still real enough…makes you think you could actually maybe find that kind of life for yourself. 🙂 It’s sweet. We need more sweet, if you ask me.
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Well said! This is exactly what I love about the show. It feels real, like a town and group of people like that exists. There’s no crime or huge problem that needs solving, it’s just people living in happiness. TV doesn’t have many shows like that anymore.
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Well I see nothing wrong with a man watching that, I actually respect that you got some good taste in shows. I only wish my fiancé was like lol 😂 but I did enjoy the post as well
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Thank you! Haha you just gotta force him to watch, eventually he’ll give in.
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Possibly lol
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oh my god, this is why you’re great. I’ve never seen Gilmore girls but now I want to watch it. I’ll have to add it onto my list! You do make me laugh, thanks paul!
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Haha glad to hear it! I think you’ll really like the show. It’s very binge-able.
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I remember bits and pieces of
Gilmore girls but I was never consistent with it and I stopped watching.
I remember liking it! I just think I wasn’t mature enough to “get it” at the time or something. Was I in high school or college when this came out?! I can’t remember! But it’s been a long time! I wouldn’t mind starting from scratch! Also, it’s so awesome that you like it and appreciate it! What is it with men these days! It’s 2018 people! Get 👏with 👏the 👏program!
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I believe this came out in 2000 so where were you then? Planning your cake empire? Hahah. I think there are a lot of men who wake up every day with the mission to prove how manly they are – especially the college kids you see on all these viral social media videos doing stupid things. I just like what I like! I think if you started watching this show you’d like it too! It’s a relaxing show that won’t make you think hard like others will.
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LOL. Have you seen these young kids! They’re purposefully making each other FAINT by pressing up against someone’s chest until they pass out- on purpose!! That’s not gender specific but still- ridiculous these days! I could use just about anything that is relaxing lol so I shall start watching!
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What??? That’s a thing? Why can’t they go climb a tree and then be too afraid to come down like most kids? What a weird world.
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Yes!!! It’s a thing!!! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! It’s disgusting. I agree. Climb a tree you little shits. Lol!
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Also in 2000 I was in grade 8. I was too worried about being cool. That’s where I was. LMAO
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Did you rap at recess. I’m picturing you rapping at recess. I don’t know why hahah
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I most certainly did NOT but that’s hysterical lol!!
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Thank you for being “man” enough to admit this amazing discovery. I for one was a late discovery of this series as well even though it was literally all the other girls in my high school chatter about. I wasn’t into it.
But just maybe this show is like a fine wine that as we get older we can get more out of it. I for one laugh probably way too hard while watching due to the fact that as a single mother myself quite literally it is like watching my life with my daughter. We are Lorelei and Rory in so many ways from the witty sarcasm to the pain and hurt but at the end, we are the world for each other.
I am so glad you click “Watch”
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Hey, thanks for the comment! I’m glad I clicked “Watch” as well. This show is definitely like a fine wine. I guess for some of us, this show enters our lives at a time when we can fully appreciate it. That’s really cool that you can see yourself and your daughter through Lorelai and Rory! They’re good characters to relate to. Television doesn’t seem to have characters like them anymore.
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I agree, the magnitude of story telling with in a show is lacking these days. It is unfortunate that decent binge worthy shows are few and far between.
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I never watched it when it was new. Like you, it did not sound like my type of show. About a decade ago I was channel surfing, one of those boring nights, I remember stopping long enough to watch this exchange between some cafe owner wearing a baseball hat and this tall, pretty woman.
The dialog was spot on. Great chemistry. Before I knew it I was watching the entire show. Yes, in that moment I became a Gilmore Girls fan.
You and I are perfect examples of judging something without giving it a chance.It happens to all of us.
I have the entire series and the new one they did a few years back. It was a wonderfully written show.
Good stuff as always. Thanks for bringing back some good memories.
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You hit the nail on the head. The dialog and chemistry is great. It’s never felt like I was watching actors recite their lines – the conversations all feel so natural. It’s a misunderstood show that I think a lot of guys would like if they gave it a chance.
Thanks for the comment, Bryan!
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“Kirk looks like the kind of guy who would try out for television game shows, wouldn’t hear back, and then go to Blockbuster to pick out three movies and microwavable popcorn.”
That had me rolling.
I, too, used to mock my sister for watching this show in its original run. I mocked her even more when she bought all the seasons on DVD. And then she convinced me to just watch the first disc from season 1. And then I didn’t stop. And I’ve rewatched the series on Netflix. And I’ve watched the follow up that Netflix did last year (or was it the year before?). The fast talking sarcasm and snark speaks to my soul.
BTdub, none of the guys that Rory dates are good enough for her. Period.
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Yes Aaron! Welcome to the club. My sister has talked me into watching so many of her “girly” shows that I’ve ended up liking. Darn sisters, eh? I was not expecting this show to have humour but it does and it’s great.
I agree. While Rory was with Dean, I always wondered why. She was way too scholarly for him. At least Jess reads books, but even with him, she can do way better. This is why I thought the network must’ve gotten involved and requested a love interest for Rory even though she doesn’t really need once since she’s so focussed on getting into Harvard.
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Best of luck NOT hanging in for 157 episodes. What?? For a period of several months, and one memorable all I did all day long, horrendously sick call-in-sick day, Lorelai & Rory were my best friends. I was late to the Stars Hollow party, but what I lost in tardiness was made up for with intensity. Glad you’re enjoying!
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I think I’m about 57 episodes in right now! So glad there are still 100 to go. This show is too good! It makes the days go by faster.
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I’m telling you, I lost months of my life! So good!
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This was probably one of my favorite shows. I sobbed like a baby when the final episode ended. Just to warn you. I don’t think that spoils anything, because the sobbing was just the fact that it ended & the show really finds a way to strike a chord with, well, everyone (even you Luap).
.xo.
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I’m realizing that 97% of girls have seen this show lol. I’m also realizing a lot of them have stolen personality traits from this show haha it’s crazy. I shall have the kleenex ready for the last episode!
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Did I steal a trait?! 😮
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Haha hmm I’ll think about it and get back to you! There are things I’ve picked up on in the show where I go, “Ohhh so that’s why (insert name) is/was like that.”
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I can’t even wait until I read this before I comment. I LOVE THIS SHOW and I’ve seen it at least five times, start to finish. Ok, I’ll read now. Brb.
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Ok, I want to share this with every guy I know. I want to hear guys talking about Season 3 episode 6 in the locker room. Maybe even a Luke Danes fashion revival.
It’s time for other dudes to fall in love with the Gilmore Girls. ❤️
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Liz, I will gladly be the leader of this charge haha. Share away!
Just so you know, I’m almost done Season 4 and have A LOT of thoughts about it that I intend on turning into a post.
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And just so you know, I intend on reading it!
You just may be the perfect man.
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LOL far from it but I’ll put on a plaid shirt and a backwards cap if that helps me fit the part.
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It actually does help so yes, do that. We (I’m speaking for everyone now) are all expecting you to fill our need for real life Luke. So, how are your coffee skills?
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I’ve never made coffee ever in my life and I’ve only tried a teaspoon of it once.
What a plot twist, eh?
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This post made me insanely happy. GILMORE GIRLS IS MY FAVORITE TV SHOW! My mom and I watched it together last summer (not this past summer, the one before). The whole series. I’m currently re-watching it along with like, 3 other tv shows XD
I have never thought guys can’t watch Gilmore Girls. I know at least two guys who I’m very close with that really like it! The humor is the best part.
I’ve got a few things to say:
1) Dean was really sweet to Rory, but as the show progressed he got very whiny and he just goes downhill as a character. Just wait until the end of season 4. I’m still mad.
2) JESS IS THE WORST! Not every girl has to have a “bad boy” boyfriend!
3) Dave is the best 🙂
4) Luke is hilarious. But, it’s so sad because you see that he just stands there and watches as Lorelai goes through many terrible relationships, gets her heart broken multiple times, then goes crying to Luke to fix her window.
All in all, I love this show to death! You should do some Viewing Notes on them!
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Whatever you do, DO NOT WATCH THE NEW SERIES! It just RUINS all of your favorite characters! I left watching it depressed and thinking Rory is pathetic (which cannot be possible if the writers stayed true to her character in the original series -_-)
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The revival was so terrible. Just outrageously bad.
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Woo really glad you liked this! I just finished the entire series yesterday and am gonna do a post about it soon!
1. I think Dean’s inability to have a consistent haircut for more than 3 episodes hindered his likability lol
2. Jess matures by the later seasons which I respected
4. Lorelai and Luke had massive communication issues. They always said what they thought the other wanted to hear, rather than what they both wanted to say.
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Yes yes yes! I agree on everything! Jess (once he got his life together) became a really great character to see every once in a while on the show. And Dean’s hair in season 5 looked like a football helmet lol
All in all, I just really love this show❤️😂
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My cousin is hooked. I began watching but stopped. I have to keep watching it.
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You do! The episodes go by quick, even if the story gets maddening in the later seasons.
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