Of the many TV series released throughout the 2000s, one of the most beloved and nostalgic isGilmore Girls, which makes audiences eager to find another show that can unlock the same kind of magic. First released in 2000,Gilmore Girlsfollows mother-daughter duo Lorelai Gilmore and Rory Gilmore. Over the course of seven seasons, the two bicker, bond, and grow in indefinable ways intheir idyllic town, Stars Hollow.Gilmore Girlsboasts a lovable cast and compelling drama, but above all, the series is best known for its peaceful and comforting ambiance.
AlthoughGilmore Girlsis a fairly quirky and unique series, there are many other TV shows out there that have similar features. Shows that focus onmother-daughter connectionsare the most obvious comparisons. However, there are also series that center on small town drama or have large, eccentric casts, which feel kindred to the 2000 series. Of course,there are also series that come close to replicating the feel-good atmosphere ofGilmore Girls.Even better, some series even have similar writing styles that, regardless of plot, make viewers feel like they are right back in Stars Hollow.
One Tree Hill
Cast
Set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, One Tree Hill chronicles the complicated and intertwined lives of its residents. Following half-brothers and rivals Lucas and Nathan Scott as they compete both for positions on their school basketball team and for the affection of their fellow students, Tree Hill’s community is built around community spirit and the complex workings of the ever-growing Scott family.
Viewers who are craving more of the small-town drama ofGilmore Girlsshould definitely check outOne Tree Hill.This 2003 series follows Nathan and Lucas, two half-brothers who vye for the same spot on the high school basketball team and get into trouble due to their romantic relationships. Although a brotherly bond is quite different from that of a mother and daughter,One Tree Hillstill provides captivating commentary on family, romance, and lifeat large through the lens of young people.
One Tree Hillmay have a different premise fromGilmore Girls,but the shows are inextricably linked due to their time periods. Bothshows are steeped in the early 2000s, which has a very specific on-screen ambiance. With the addition of their small towns,One Tree HillandGilmore Girlsfeel quite similar, despite following vastly different characters. LikeGilmore Girls,One Tree Hillstill maintains a rather large following, and for that reason, it is worth looking into.
Parenthood
Parenthood is an American comedy-drama series that ran for six seasons on NBC between 2010 and 2015. Its story centers around the extended Braverman family, whose hilarious antics earned the show numerous awards and nominations over the years. The show was generally well-received by viewers and critics, with millions of people tuning in each and every week.
A series that puts all the focus on parent-child dynamics is 2010’sParenthood.Following three generations of the Braverman family,Parenthoodcenters on the highs and lows of parenting in a small California town. While the Braverman patriarch and matriarch go through marital issues in their older age, their four children contend with the pains of family life, including divorce, medical issues, and adoption. Notably,Gilmore Girl’sLauren Grahamstars as Sarah Braverman-Holt.
Viewers are sucked into the lives of all three generations of Bravermans, giving just about anyone a chance to feel seen by this drama series.
The tie that connectsParenthoodandGilmore Girls(aside from Lauren Graham) is the fact that the shows are coming-of-age stories for all ages. InGilmore Girls,audiences see Rory go through big changes and issues, but they also see Lorelai go through the same thing.Parenthoodhas a similar narrative. Viewers are sucked into the lives of all three generations of Bravermans, giving just about anyone a chance to feel seen by this drama series.
Virgin River
Virgin River is a romantic drama series released in 2019, centering on a recently divorced nurse who relocates from a big city to the redwood forests of California. There, she starts a new life and encounters an intriguing local man, setting the stage for a complex narrative of personal and community relationships.
Stars Hollow is the underappreciated gem ofGilmore Girls,and another series that almost turned its small town into another character isVirgin River.Based on a series of books,Virgin Riverfollows Mel, a nurse practioner who moves to the quiet town of Virgin Riverseeking a new start. There, she meets a number of lovely (and not-so-lovely) people, and forms an intimate bond with a mysterious man named Jack. With six seasons under its belt,Virgin Riverhas captivated audiences with its high-stakes drama and feel-good vibes.
Virgin River Season 6: Everything You Need To Know
Netflix’s drama series Virgin River returned for a sixth season, and here’s what you need to know about the latest installment in Mel and Jack’s saga.
Virgin Riveris just likeGilmore Girlsin all the ways you might imagine. There is small-town drama, sweet romances, and a lead character who is easy to root for, even despite her faults. However, one thing thatVirgin Riverhas thatGilmore Girlsdoesn’t is a slightly darker plot. The 2019 show delves into some tragic plots involving murder and drugs. Thus,Virgin Riveris great for those who like a little more bite to their drama series.
Bunheads
Bunheads is a TV series centered on Michelle Simms, a former ballerina who becomes a small-town dance instructor after marrying on a whim. Starring Sutton Foster as Michelle, the series explores her adjustment to rural life and her impact on a new generation of young dancers. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show combines elements of comedy and drama against the backdrop of a ballet school.
A hidden gem that is perfect forGilmore Girlsfans isBunheads.This 2012 series follows Michelle, a former professional dancer who moves to a sleepy California town with her new husband. She soon meets his demanding mother, Fanny, who is also a ballet teacher.Michelle becomes invested in the lives of Fanny’s ballet students, while also teaching them the rules of dance and life. Despite being canceled after only one season,Bunheadsis a fantastic watch with a lot of heart.
Bunheadswas canceled due to poor ratings.
The most obvious reason whyBunheadsis a perfect follow-up toGilmore Girlsis because both shows were created by Amy Sherman-Palladino. Despite having quite a different plot,Bunheadshas the same wry humor asGilmore Girls,and a definite focus on women and female relationships. Plus,Bunheads’cast includes Kelly Bishop, who played Emily Gilmore, alongside Broadway star Sutton Foster. Even with just one season,Bunheadsholds up.
A Million Little Things
Created by DJ Nash and starring David Giuntoli and Romany Malco, A Million Little Things is a family drama that began in 2018. The series is about five men that met and became friends after being stuck in an elevator and the trials and tribulations they faced in their lives after.
Another complex family dramedy isA Million Little Things.First released in 2018, the series follows a group of adults who are thrown into turmoil when one of their friends takes his own life. In the aftermath,the friends must come to terms with their loss and reevaluate their relationships to each other, all while handling the struggles of parenthood and romance. Though far from being a small town, Boston is the setting of this series, and it plays a somewhat important role in the overarching story.
Stephanie Szostak
Delilah Dixon
At first glance,A Million Little Thingsmay seem like a far cry fromGilmore Girls.There are more characters, no small town, and a sad main plot. Yet,A Million Little Thingsis not all darkness, and it’s this comedy that makes it a great alternative toGilmore Girls.Apart from the difficult issues the characters face inA Million Little Things,there are countless heartwarming and hilarious moments that will make audiences feel like they are a part of the family. It is this love that makesA Million Little Thingsa spiritual successor toGilmore Girls.
Schitt’s Creek
Schitt’s Creek is a sitcom series created by and starring Dan and Eugene Levy. When the Rose family’s business manager embezzles funds from their fortune, they discover that all of their money is gone except for one last piece of property - a small town called Schitt’s Creek that they purchased for fun years ago. Now forced to acclimate to an average, borderline impoverished life, the Rose family will attempt to make due with what they have while trying to revitalize the town.
A major element ofGilmore Girlsis its humor, and one hilarious family comedy isSchitt’s Creek.Running for six seasons starting in 2015,the series follows the Rose family, who suddenly lose their fortune and must move to a small townthat they own called Schitt’s Creek. With two eccentric parents and two equally eccentric adult children, the Rose’s must learn to cope with their new surroundings while also letting go of their privileged lives.
There are actually a number of subtle similarities betweenSchitt’s CreekandGilmore Girls.For one, Johnny and Moira Rose have a very similar wealthy arrogance asEmily and Richard Gilmore. In particular, Moira and Emily share a heightened sense of privilege that almost verges on the ridiculous. This causes issues for their children, i.e. Lorelai and David. On top of that,Schitt’s Creek itself is a play on the classic small town, yet through the comedy, there is a true sense of heart, just like in Stars Hollow.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Miriam “Midge” Maisel is a 1958 New York City woman who has everything she’s ever wanted—the perfect husband, two kids, and an elegant Upper West Side apartment perfect for hosting Yom Kippur dinner. But her perfect life suddenly takes an unexpected turn and Midge discovers a previously unknown talent for stand-up comedy—a talent that changes her life forever.
Yet another series that is perfect forGilmore Girlslovers isThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.Once again, this is a series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, which follows ahousewife in the 1950s named Midge who, upon discovering her husband has been cheating on her, accidentally falls into the New York comedy scene. Realizing her own potential, Midge teams up with an unorthodox agent to become a comedy star in a business mainly run by men.
Similar to the women ofGilmore Girls,Midge is stubborn and headstrong, but in many ways, Midge is an even better version of Lorelai or Rory.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maiselis hilarious, thought-provoking, and empowering.Midge shares the same dry sense of humor as the cast ofGilmore Girls,but she packs even more of a punchdue to her circumstances. Similar to the women ofGilmore Girls,Midge is stubborn and headstrong, but in many ways, Midge is an even better version of Lorelai or Rory. Midge always perseveres, and never gets bogged down by romantic relationships. Ultimately,The Marvelous Mrs. Maiselis a witty adventure that will never leave audiences feeling bored.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
The Summer I Turned Pretty, released in 2022, follows a pivotal summer in the life of Belly, who turns sixteen during her family’s annual stay at the Fishers' beach house. This transformative season involves first love, heartbreak, and personal growth, marking a significant journey of self-discovery.
One show that comes very close to the atmosphere ofGilmore GirlsisThe Summer I Turned Pretty.In this series based on novels, a young woman namedBelly returns to her summer home in the small town of Cousins and discovers that her long-time childhood crush may finally like herback. However, her crush’s brother may also have feelings for her, leading Belly into a complicated dynamic that is only worsened by some shocking bad news.
The Summer I Turned Prettyhas idyllic small town energy, themes of girlhood, and a sweet mix of comedy and drama that makes it a perfect follow-up toGilmore Girls.Although the show centers on Belly’s romantic relationships,The Summer I Turned Prettydoes a great job of balancing this plot with other important themessuch as growing up and mother-daughter relationships. Though lacking the distinct humor ofGilmore Girls, The Summer I Turned Prettywill take viewers through the same emotional journey.
Ginny & Georgia
Ginny & Georgia is a television drama series that follows fifteen-year-old Ginny Miller as she navigates life feeling more mature than her vibrant thirty-year-old mother, Georgia. Set in picturesque New England, the series explores themes of family, identity, and the shadows of Georgia’s past threatening their quest for normalcy.
If the idea of a darkGilmore Girlssounds exciting, thenGinny & Georgiais the perfect show to add to your watch list. This Netflix series follows Georgia,a single mother who settles into a picturesque New England town with her daughter Ginnyand her son Austin. Georgia and her family have always been on the run from bad boyfriends and bad situations, which makes them eager to set down roots in this town. Yet, Georgia’s secrets have a way of haunting her and her family.
Ginny & Georgia Admits A Harsh Reality That Gilmore Girls Never Could
Ginny & Georgia and Gilmore Girls have a surprising amount in common, but the former acknowledges a big problem that the latter never could.
Ginny & Georgia’sclaim to fame is its shocking story and compelling relationship between the two titular characters. AlthoughGilmore Girlsnever got as dark asGinny & Georgiadid, the focus on mother-daughter relationships is hard to ignore. Just like Lorelai and Rory,Georgia and Ginny can often be at odds and struggling for power in the relationship. A big similarity between them is that Lorelai and Georgia often seem more like friends than mothers to their daughters. Ultimately, this leads to a very interesting dynamic with significant consequences.
My Life with the Walter Boys
My Life with the Walter Boys is a 2023 series about a teenage girl who moves in with her guardian’s large family following a personal tragedy. Set in a small town, the story explores themes of love, hope, and friendship as she navigates her new life.
Finally, there isMy Life with the Walter Boys.This 2023 series follows Jackie, a teenage girl who loses her parents in a tragic car accident and moves in with her new guardians, the Walters, in a small town in Colorado. Suddenly,Jackie is entangled in the lives of the Walters' seven sons.Though it may not seem obvious at first, Jackie has a strong connection to Rory inGilmore Girls.Despite lacking a mother figure, Jackie is thrust into this exciting world of boys and families, and must figure out who she is in the midst of all of that.
As expected,My Life with the Walter Boyshas all the drama and small town energyone would expect. In reality, it is the main character that makes this series feel most likeGilmore Girls.Audiences are quickly attached to Jackie and want to see the best for her in the same way they do for Rory. Ultimately,My Life with the Walter Boysis a short and sweet seriesthat will probably be appreciated by those who grew up lovingGilmore Girls.
Gilmore Girls
In the fictional town of Star’s Hollow, single mother Lorelai Gilmore raises her high-achieving teenage daughter Rory. Mother and daughter rely on each other throughout their own life changes, romantic entanglements, and friendships.
