As much as I love the adventure of diving into a new television show, most of the time I just want to go somewhere where I know everyone's name — and for me, that somewhere is Stars Hollow. I live my life by the rule that there is nothing an episode of Gilmore Girls cannot fix: Whether I just had the worst day ever and I want to crawl under the covers and not come out for a year or I am super hyped up on sugar and want to settle in for a Netflix marathon, Lorelai and Rory have my back. There is, I kid you not, a Gilmore Girls episode for every single mood.
Gilmore Girls displayed a crazy amount of variety during its seven seasons on air. The show offered up the best family drama, comedy, romance, and coming of age stories anyone could ask for. Bummed because your relationship is going nowhere? There is an episode for that. In need of some serious life affirmation? Gilmore Girls has you covered. Want to watch something low-key and non-stressful? You see where I'm going with this. There is nothing Gilmore Girls cannot offer you. If you wanted to, you could seriously just watch Gilmore Girls on a loop for the rest of your life and never get bored (I know that's not just me, right?).
Before you queue up your next Gilmore Girls episode, though, let me guide you with my useful mood-based episode suggestions. Trust me, hanging with Lorelai and Rory is way cheaper than therapy.
You Just Got Dumped/Did The Dumping And Now You Just Want To Cry And Eat Ice Cream
The Perfect Episode: "The Breakup, Part 2" from Season 1, Episode 17
Why?: Because breakups suck, and you deserve the chance to wallow — at least, for a tidy 45 minutes or so. In Season 1's "The Breakup, Part 2," Rory tries everything she can think of to avoid thinking about her breakup with Dean, from making an epic to-do list to going to a party and kissing Tristan. In the end, it is all for naught, because no matter how hard you run from an emotion, it always catches up with you. Go ahead and let Rory show you how the healing process begins. It's not pretty, but it is important.
You Feel Like You Are In A Perpetual State Of Missing Your Mom
The Perfect Episode: "Those Are Strings, Pinocchio" from Season 3, Episode 22
Why?: The Season 3 finale is overflowing with beautiful Lorelai and Rory moments, and it manages to establish their realization that they can no longer see each other every single day when Rory goes to Yale. Watch this episode, and then call your mom for a nice, long talk — and don't forget to thank her for everything she's done for you.
You Are Drunk Watching Netflix And You're In The Mood For Something Weird And Comforting
The Perfect Episode: "The Festival of Living Art" from Season 4, Episode 7
Why?: There are few things stranger than watching the citizens of Stars Hollow turn themselves into art — and drunk watching Kirk get super method as Jesus is just surreal. However, there's also a bit of Jess/Rory goodness and a glorious subplot about Lorelai's inability to stay still during the festival.
You Are Super Psyched To Be Spending The Day With Your Bestie
The Perfect Episode: "Girls in Bikinis, Boys Doin' The Twist" from Season 4, Episode 17
Why?: Rory and Paris do spring break! Of course, though, they do it the Rory and Paris way, which involves misunderstandings about bananas, the return of Louise and Madeline, and the first time the girls get drunk. After a long day with your bestie, there is nothing better than settling in to watch your favorite TV besties having an adventure too.
You Are Having An Actual Existential Crisis
The Perfect Episode: "Fight Face" from Season 6, Episode 2
Why?: You think you're confused about life? Wait until you see Rory doing court-mandated community service, staring blankly at The Graduate, and generally having a breakdown. (Meanwhile, Lorelai gets a dog.) See, your problems don't seem so bad now, do they?
Your Boredom Is Getting Too Real
The Perfect Episode: "The Road Trip to Harvard" from Season 2, Episode 4
Why?: Sometimes, you are just too bored to motivate yourself to do anything. When you need something to catch your attention turn to Season 2's "The Road Trip to Harvard." Not only is the episode infinitely quotable ("I ate the fuzzy certs."), it also never gets old. Maybe it's because it is the first time Lorelai and Rory had an adventure outside of Stars Hollow on the series, or maybe it's because it's just so full of emotional, strange, and funny moments — but, for whatever reason, this episode never fails to entertain.
You Are In The Mood To Have Your Life Majorly Affirmed
The Perfect Episode: "Forgiveness and Stuff" from Season 1, Episode 10
Why?: When Richard gets sent to the ER during his annual Christmas party, all of the Gilmores are forced to make amends with each other after a big blow-up in the previous episode. I personally find it impossible to get through this episode without crying, but it is so full of love that it also makes me feel better about the world.
You Are Crushing On Someone Super Hard
The Perfect Episode: "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" from Season 2, Episode 13
Why?: The unresolved romantic tension between Rory and Jess is palpable in this episode, while Lorelai and Luke's relationship is at a full simmer. Your feelings of longing will go along perfectly with the picnic basket bidding war and the adorable conversations that follow.
You Really, Really Want To Watch Gilmore Girls
The Perfect Episode: Insert your favorite episode here
Why? Because everyone has a favorite, and when the mood to watch the Gilmore Girls strikes, that is the episode you are going to want to queue up. For me that episode is Season 4's "Ted Koppel's Big Night Out" because I love Lorelai and Jason's supermarket date, the frog waiter, and Rory's attempt to have school spirit. For you, it might be a different episode entirely.
One fact remains universally true for all Gilmore Girls fans, though: no matter what life throws at you, watching this show will always make things just a little bit brighter.
Images: Warner Bros. Television; Giphy (9)
