There are many Gilmore Girls episodes that are universally beloved, especially in season 1 alone. There’s the time when Lorelai invites Dean to join her movie night, when Rory shoplifts cornstarch after Dean kisses her, and of course, the season 1 finale when Max proposes to Lorelai with yellow daisies. There are many beloved episodes in later seasons as well, from Emily and Richard’s vow renewal to Rory beginning her time at Yale.
But while viewers have their list of common favorites, there are some episodes that stand out to fans but aren’t usually mentioned as among the most interesting, dramatic, or entertaining. Reddit users are sharing their favorite Gilmore Girls episodes that don’t get talked about quite as much as others.
“Hay Bale Maze” (S7, E18)
When Gilmore Girls fans think about season 7, some enjoy some parts of it and others feel that the entire season is difficult to get through.
Reddit user Kaz22475 said, “I always found Hay Bale Maze. to be a very fun episode.” While many fans don’t like this season, this episode does stick out as Stars Hollow has its annual Spring Fling festival and Luke and Lorelai begin to communicate again. Fans who ship these characters and want them to reunite can appreciate the scenes when they discuss about why they didn’t get married.
“Concert Interruptus” (S1, E13)
In season 1, Lorelai, Sookie, Rory, Paris, Louise, and Madeline go to see The Bangles, which allows Rory and Paris to finally be nice to each other. The situation quickly becomes chaotic when Paris’s friends go to a party.
Reddit user Biotrachitcs loves this episode because of “Rory’s Chilton world finally connecting to her Stars Hollow One” and also because Lorelai decides that she doesn’t need to be “cool” and tells Louise and Madeline that they’re putting themselves in danger. While this episode might get lost in the shuffle of memorable season 1 storylines, it’s definitely a fond memory for many fans.
“‘S Wonderful, ‘S Marvelous” (S7, E4)
Reddit user todayisme noted that while most people don’t love season 7, they appreciate this episode because “It’s the kind of thing I always wanted to see between Chris and Lorelai.”
Fans of Lorelai and Christopher can find a lot to love about this episode as they are finally together again. Christopher thinks that he can convince Lorelai that they’re meant to be with creative date ideas. Even if viewers don’t want them to be romantically involved, it’s interesting to see these characters finally give their love story a real chance.
“The Reigning Lorelai” (S4, E16)
This season 4 episode is one of the saddest Gilmore Girls episodes as Richard grieves the death of his mother.
Reddit user maritojours says, “Lauren Graham’s acting in the underwear store scene is legitimately breathtaking.” It’s sweet watching Lorelai plan the funeral, as she really takes charge and tries to help her parents, and it’s different to see Lorelai in this caretaker role. This isn’t the most memorable episode, but it makes sense that fans would love seeing Lorelai in a more dramatic situation.
“So… Good Talk” (S5, E16)
When fans talk about the best episodes from this TV series, season 5 isn’t often mentioned, but this one stands out.
Reddit user ConsiderationIcy5611 loves this season 5 episode and wrote, “I love Emily seeing repercussions for her meddling.” Lorelai is devastated after her split from Luke and she hates that her mom got involved. Emily rarely shows any support for this couple, and Lorelai is finally fed up with it, which fans sympathize with and understand.
“Dead Uncles And Vegetables” (S2, E17)
Several Gilmore Girls fans mentioned this episode as an underrated favorite, with one Redditor saying it “highlighted how Lorelai will also be there for Luke when he needs her.”
In this heartwarming episode, Luke is dealing with his uncle’s funeral and Rory and Lorelai take charge of Luke’s diner. Of all the season 2 episodes, this one predicts the Luke/Lorelai romance the most. Lorelai will stop at nothing to be there for Luke and it feels like just a matter of time before they begin dating.
“It’s Just Like Riding A Bike” (S7, E19)
Luke and Lorelai’s wedding takes forever, and it’s hard not to watch every episode of season 7 hoping that they will come to their senses and reunite.
For Reddit user noirdiva, it was “great seeing Luke and Lorelai interacting again” in this episode. The fan wrote that they don’t enjoy season 7 because the characters are rarely together but this is a nice episode. Lorelai and Luke finally begin talking again when her Jeep is broken and she wants Luke to go to the car dealership with her. They do argue, but as the fan mentioned, these characters do need to be in each other’s lives again and this episode feels like the start of something.
“Face Off” (S3, E15)
In this season 3 episode, Rory attends a hockey game and realizes that Dean and Lindsay are together. There are some other big things happening here, including Lane and Dave trying to go on a secret date. Reddit user Disastrous-Ad7627 loves this episode because “No arguments with the core characters. Lorelai and Emily are on good terms, Lorelai gives good advice to Rory.”
It’s nice seeing Rory deciding to go to a game and have some fun, and fans also like Lane’s plotline here as Lane and Dave are an adorable couple.
“Take The Deviled Eggs…” (S3, E6)
Going to Sherry’s baby shower is one of the sweetest Lorelai decisions on Gilmore Girls, as she knows that Rory needs her support.
Reddit user lesoiseaux loves this episode because it’s “silly, yet relatable and balanced” and “the writing is at a certain peak here.” This episode might not get mentioned as much as other season 3 episodes about Rory stressing out about Harvard or graduating from Chilton and making a beautiful speech, but it does cement Rory and Lorelai’s connection even more.
“Lost And Found” (S2, E15)
In this season 2 episode, Jess finds the bracelet that Dean made for Rory, and Rory gets incredibly upset and scared about having lost it.
Reddit user mizbizsav suggested this episode as an underrated one because it’s “Luke-centric” and they enjoyed “the banter.” Luke gets so angry at Jess that he ruins the wall and says that this is going to be Jess’s bedroom now. While this episode might get lost in the sea of Luke and Jess interactions, it’s definitely a sweet and special one.
