Country of origin United States Original network The WB | No. of episodes 21 | |
Starring Lauren Graham
Alexis Bledel
Melissa McCarthy
Scott Patterson
Keiko Agena
Yanic Truesdale
Kelly Bishop
Edward Herrmann Original release October 5, 2000 (2000-10-05) – May 10, 2001 (2001-05-10) | ||
The first season of Gilmore Girls, an American Comedy-drama television series, began airing on October 5, 2000 on The WB television network. The season concluded on May 10, 2001, after 21 episodes. The season originally aired on Thursday at 8/7c. The series was moved Wednesday nights on December 21, 2000.
Contents
Overview
The first season introduces Lorelai Gilmore and Rory Gilmore and their town Stars Hollow. Lorelai deals with her family problems and her love life with Max Medina, while Rory deals with the ins and outs of first loves and how to survive in a new school. In the pilot Rory is accepted into Chilton, an elite prep school, Lorelai then has to deal with the large fee associated with Rory's attendance there. Lorelai, as a last resort, reluctantly decides to go to her parents (Emily and Richard Gilmore) for the money. They agree to loan Lorelai the money for Rory's tuition, but Emily comes up with the condition that Lorelai and Rory attend dinner at their house each Friday night, until the loan is repaid as a way to finally be more involved in their daughter and granddaughter's lives.
As the season progresses, Rory develops a relationship with Dean, a new arrival in the town. Their relationship suffers a short hiatus when Dean breaks up with her after she can't say the three words: 'I love you'. Rory attempts to overcome her sorrow of losing Dean by not wallowing. Instead of not wallowing Rory tries not to deal with it by keeping her brain busy. She buys things and she goes to a party for Chilton students. At the party she kisses Tristan and then comes home and starts to wallow. In the season finale, Rory professes her love for Dean and they reunite.
Meanwhile, Lorelai develops feelings for Max Medina, Rory's English teacher. They initially start a budding relationship. but then a more serious relationship. Rory finds this out from Paris, her frenemy, but eventually accepts the fact. Max and Lorelai continue their relationship, however Max wishes to grow closer to Lorelai, scaring her. She breaks things off with Max, angering Rory. However, later on, Lorelai sees she still has feelings from Max, after seeing Luke with his ex-fiance, Rachel. They enter a one-night relapse and decide to start "talking". Max eventually reveals he wants to marry Lorelai. She, at first, is confused by the notion. The following day, at the Independence Inn, she walks into the reception to find 1,000 daisies, her favourite flower, from Max. She accepts the proposal. The final scene to the season finale shows Rory and Lorelai embracing each other with happiness.
Also, Luke, who runs his own diner that is frequently visited by the Gilmores, receives a blast from the past when his ex-fiance Rachel returns to town. Rachel is an adventurous and outgoing explorer who could not adapt to the small town lifestyle Luke lives. She eventually left him, until her return. They reignite their relationship, though Rachel has her doubts. Lorelai encourages Luke to think about his future with Rachel. She moves in with Luke and begins to work at the diner. However, Rachel's doubts overcome her and she leaves yet again. Before she departs, she tells Luke "don't wait too long" to tell Lorelai his true feelings. She is never seen again throughout the series. Luke arrives to Lorelai's house to confess, but sees she is now with Max. Both Luke and Max are cold towards one another, igniting a rivalry.
The season ends with Rory and Lorelai, overjoyed to tell each other good news.
Crew
The season was produced by Warner Bros., Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband Daniel Palladino and was aired on the WB Network in the U.S. The series was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, who acted as an executive producer. Sherman-Palladino served as the seasons show runner.