MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

Gilmore Girls, an hour-long dramedy about the exploits and romances of single mother, Lorelei Gilmore, and her teenage daughter, Rory, premiered on the WB Network in 2000 and ran for seven seasons. It was modestly successful, winning praise from critics for its clever, fast-paced scripts filled with popular culture references, its charming—if unrealistic—small-town Connecticut setting, and its assemblage of quirky, lovable characters. And it won the hearts of legions of fans, many of whom have remained devoted to the show throughout the nine years since it left the air.

Numerous television programs have engendered devoted fan followings, of course, but the Gilmore Girls fandom is somewhat unusual in that it more closely resembles the fanatical fandom of a sci-fi or fantasy show than that of a dramedy about family relationships. Fervent fans have divided themselves into Team Dean, Team Jess, or Team Logan, based on which of Rory’s boyfriends they think was best for her. Copious analysis has been written about all aspect of the show, including the appropriateness of the “best friend” relationship between Lorelei and Rory, the show’s feminism (or lack of same), and the quality of season seven—which featured a new production team—relative to the prior six seasons.

This paper will explore characteristics of the show that have engendered such fan devotion, as well as discuss the roles social media, YouTube, the WB network, the show’s 2014 Netflix release, and a very popular podcast/touring performance called Gilmore Guys, have played in the Gilmore Girls phenomenon. Finally, the way in which all of the above factors may have contributed to the decision by Netflix to produce four upcoming Gilmore Girls movies, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, will be discussed.