It's that time of year again. Autumn, the season of pumpkin spice, apple picking, pumpkin fields, and warm apple cider. The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and the acceptable time to eat pumpkin pie is approaching. This seasonal change is often associated with the TV show “Gilmore Girls” and the terms “Gilmore Girls Fall.” However, as “Gilmore Girls Fall” gained popularity in the media, especially on Tiktok, the phrase began to be countered with a new concept: “Gossip Girl Fall.”
“Gilmore Girls” is a drama comedy that aired in 2000. The story of Lorelai and Rory, a resourceful and adorable mother-daughter duo. For seven seasons, viewers watched and fell in love with their lives in the small town of Starz Hollow, Connecticut. “Gilmore Girls” is known for its depiction of complex family relationships, quirky characters, and perfect atmosphere.
On the other hand, “Gossip Girl” is a drama that started in 2007 and depicts a group of wealthy teenagers living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. The show is narrated by a mysterious omniscient blogger known as “Gossip Girl.” Gossip Girl is beloved for its glamor, ongoing drama, and iconic fashion. New York City is also a central theme of the show, becoming a kind of character in its own right.
It's no surprise that both shows are associated with fall. Although both are year-round performances, they emit the essence of the season. “Gilmore Girls” depicts autumn in a cozy small town in New England, while “Gossip Girl” depicts the classic autumn in New York City with the atmosphere of a dark academic world surrounded by status, wealth, and gossip. I am. And of course, there's the iconic “Gossip Girl” Thanksgiving episode. My favorite is episode 11 of Season Tthree, “The Treasure of Selina Madre.” Because Aaron Tveit is in it. Both shows embody the fall aesthetic, although their central themes contrast with each other.
The question of which of the early 2000s female teen TV shows represents fall may seem trivial, but it's an important discussion for many. It's a GG battle, so to speak.
I always thought of “Gilmore Girls” as being about fall, so I had no idea about this discussion. As a New Englander, I can think of nothing better than a small town in Connecticut where the main characters go to the same small coffee shop every day and eat a lot of familiar food. As the weather gets cooler, I naturally turn to “Gilmore Girls” for solace. This is a program that will make you feel peaceful and carefree. My sister, who is an avid “Gilmore Girls” fan, said, “'Gilmore Girls' is so warm and comforting, almost like fall.”
Karina Cole '26 [Disclaimer: Cole is an Assistant Features Editor for The Miscellany News] I agree with this sentiment. When she was asked about “Gilmore Girls,” she said: “This is, and always will be, the fall of Gilmore Girls. I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania that reminds me a lot of Stars Hollow. It's that time of year when it's fun to listen to the speed of car wheels crunching through the leaves. Go to the local coffee shop, throw on a big comfy sweater, and sit outside for hours doing nothing. It's also about continuing to look at the orange and red hues of “Gilmore Girls.'' “Gilmore Girls'' embodies fall for Cole, so fall is naturally associated with the show for her.
However, while fall is classic in small-town New England, it's not for everyone. The saying, “There's nothing quite like fall in New York” is surprisingly true. There's something special about being in a place with endless lines of buildings, sidewalks, and people, and catching a glimpse of fall with the bright colors of the leaves. Autumn brings a lot of natural beauty to the city.
Differences in fall aesthetics are at the root of the Gilmore Girls vs. Gossip Girl debate. On a rainy day, curl up in a big cozy sweater, read a good book, drink hot coffee and tea, take a walk among the autumn leaves, or wear fashionable autumn clothes to parties and events. As opposed to going out, drinking iced drinks, and reading heavy aesthetic-historical literature. building.
Native New Yorker Sophia Fredericks, 26, believes this is the fall of Gossip Girl. She said, “My personal style is more in line with the girls on Gossip Girl.” For Fredericks, she feels she matches the aesthetic of Gossip Girl more than Gilmore Girls. But Fredericks also said that she “loves that the characters on Gossip Girl are just as fun, intelligent, and educated.” She personally doesn't like Rory's behavior after he goes to college, and isn't going to align herself with it. ” This discussion goes deeper than just the aesthetics of the show. Fredericks has a broad view of what a show represents, and that influences which shows she attends.
Fredericks continued, “As college students, we should strive to be more independent. I feel like the characters on Gossip Girl are carving out their own path, but Rory doesn't necessarily do that.” Fredericks appreciates the energy of Gossip Girl and wants to bring it into her own life.
Despite such strong pro-“Gossip Girl” sentiments, Cole understands the connection to our own campus community because he saw the connection to Fredericks' own life. She said, “'Gilmore Girls' perfectly captures this small-town fall. In a way, our campus is like a small town. Maybe it would be different if I went to a city school. It may feel weird, but it's definitely a Gilmore Girls fall, at least for now.”
I don't think there is a true answer to this argument. It all depends on your preferences and what you consider fall to be. This could be because of where you grew up or the type of community you're looking for. In any case, I wish you a happy autumn. Fall is a magical season in the Northeast, so we hope you embrace the fall aesthetic that resonates with you.
