While the arrival of autumn has only just begun, for me no matter how much the trees change it can never truly begin until my annual watch of Gilmore Girls. Ever since its premier in 2000, Amy Sherman-Palladino’s hit show has been an international staple when it comes to cozy autumn shows.   

Its intimate small-town setting, filled with quirky seasonal events, enables the audience to feel truly at home as each season passes. Despite following the mother and daughter duo Lorelei (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel), it is the community of Stars Hollow that gives it personality. The show draws you in as you watch the humorous conflict of the town’s meetings. And with the show’s beautiful cinematography, you feel as though you are walking through the streets of Stars Hollow.   

From the first viewing a sense of familiarity that I have yet to find with any other show is present. This feeling is indicated even within the opening credits, as the title emerges through autumn leaves, continuing to various scene cuts of heartfelt moments between the characters, providing a warmth that’s irresistible. 

While presented by various media outlets as a comedy, the show doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions (some which to fellow fans cause genuine hurt – most notably with the line “I demand to go first”). Somehow a show about complex mother and daughter relationships captures a balance of nostalgia and warmth that perfectly embodies the upcoming colder months.   

From witty comebacks and obscure pop-culture references that will take multiple viewings just to catch, to being a strong independent woman with the dream autumnal wardrobe, Lorelei Gilmore is a signature character whom I look up to. Being from early 2000s mainstream TV, where prominent characters featured Rachel Green and The Desperate Housewives, Lorelei acts as a standout figure amongst them. She never falls into the trap of being admired strictly for her femininity or, in the eyes of some, falling flat against her male counterparts. Rather, every scene she is in Graham steals it, creating a portrayal which is almost impossible to dislike and likewise copy. It is as if she is playing an extension of herself.   

The prominence of autumn is most notable during the opening of each season, due to it following the younger protagonist Rory throughout her school years. While her immense passion for academics is something most of us can only dream about, the famous image of her sat reading the classics or studying while sipping hot coffee helps the audience to romanticize the busy atmosphere that comes along with a new semester. If her academic endeavors happen to inspire you to expand your own knowledge then there is always the ‘Rory Gilmore reading challenge’, to keep you up to date with the shows many references.   

As the seasons run on (both in the show and reality), the change that is demonstrated through the characters is also reflective of those within our personal lives. It is a long watch, spanning seven seasons and a 2016 reboot, therefore much like the characters it is almost certain you will leave the show a different person than when you started (and most likely with a new respect for coffee).   

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