Creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and stars Lauren Graham and Kelly Bishop have all expressed a willingness to return toGilmore Girls. This comes after the mixed reception toGilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, the 2016 Netflix revival that ended on a controversial note. The miniseries picked up nearly a decade after the original series concluded, with Lorelai (Graham), Rory (Alexis Bledel), and Emily (Bishop) navigating life changes. The revival’s final scene offered a full-circle moment for the beloved daughter-mother duo afterRory revealed she was pregnant.
In a conversation withTV Insider, Sherman-Palladino, Graham, and Bishop shared their thoughts onA Year in the Lifeandrevealed that they are open to revisiting theGilmore Girlsuniverse. Sherman-Palladino expressed that while she hadn’t initially intended to return with a revival, the chemistry among the cast led to a decision to make the series happen. Graham, too, mentioned that the show never felt “done.” Read more of what they had to say below:
Sherman-Palladino: We never said ‘never’ because we didn’t actually intend to do the [revival] for Netflix. Then, we all got together for a panel [similar to tonight’s] and we went to a bar afterwards. We all thought, ‘Well, this was fun! Let’s just do it again! As you know, I love Stars Hollow. I love Lauren Graham more than life. I love Alexis, and Kelly Bishop is my ‘Contessa.’ I bow to her.
Graham: I’ve never been shy to sayI would welcome coming back. My armchair analysis is that…when we went back to do the Netflix [revival], it didn’t yet feel done, which is why the story ended in a way that was not done or could potentially [be a beginning].
Bishop: I think [Emily] would just look at that little baby and say, ‘What can I do with this one? I can really mold this one to be the way I want!'
What This Means For Gilmore Girls
There’s Still Some Love For The Show
The potential for aGilmore Girlscontinuation remains uncertain despite the enthusiasm of Sherman-Palladino and some ofGilmore Girls' core cast. Graham has often expressed openness to returning, buther comments underscore the importance of whether a new season would feel right artistically.“Is it creatively warranted? Is it, you know, something? I don’t know. I don’t know. But yes, technically yes,”Graham explained in a 2021 interview (viaUS Weekly). Still, theending ofA Year in the Lifepartly left the door open for Rory to embark on her journey as a mother.
While the idea of a new season or continuation remains in flux,Netflix has yet to announce any official plans to renewA Year in the Life.TheGilmore Girlsrevival was a disappointmentfor some viewers, with only a 68% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. However,Gilmore Girlscontinues to enjoy remarkable popularity: in 2022, it ranked among the most streamed shows globally, according toThe Hollywood Reporter. This enduring love from audiences, coupled with the revival’s nostalgic appeal, means that, despite the lack of official news, there remains a significant interest in the future ofGilmore Girls.
Our Take On Returning To Stars Hollow
Nostalgia Can’t Always Carry A New Season
It’s tempting to want moreseasons ofGilmore Girls, but continuing the story would likely diminish its lasting appeal. The revival’s ending, particularly Rory’s pregnancy, felt forced and a regression from her character’s journey for the sake of a brief full-circle moment. There’s also the risk of repeating the same storylines, which would only weaken what made the original series so compelling.Gilmore Girlsis best remembered as an iconic, comfort show that’s perfect for a seasonal re-watch.
Gilmore Girls
Cast
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.
