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Even with mothers holding a special place in most people's lives, accurate pop culture representations such as the one in Gilmore Girls, are few. The mother-daughter relationship in the show makes for an overarching trope that brings the various different plotlines in the show together. The show is largely reminiscent of the relationships we share with our mothers and their way of sticking with children through the ups and downs in life.
The ever-famous bond between Rory and Lorelai has stuck with viewers and has given the show its iconic status. The show also delves into the troubled relationship between Lorelai and her mother, Emily—giving the viewers a well-rounded look at mother-daughter relationships across time and generations.
Nine best episodes of Gilmore Girls to watch when you are missing mom
1) The Lorelais’ First Day at Chilton (season 1, episode 2)
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This episode has a lot of chaotic energy. It is Rory’s first day at the prestigious school in Chilton and Lorelai ends up oversleeping. She then forgets all of Rory's best clothes at the cleaners. Viewers are in for a laugh as she somehow comes up with a ‘cowboy’ outfit.
Although Rory gets buried under academic pressure on her very first day of school, the episode ends on a sweet note as the mother-daughter duo concludes the day with some coffee while they bond over their bad days.
2) The Road Trip to Harvard (season 2, episode 4)
In this episode of Gilmore Girls, Lorelai and Rory leave on a spontaneous road trip after Lorelai breaks off her engagement to Max. The episode has many cute and memorable moments as the mother and daughter spend quality time together. They stay at a cozy bed-and-breakfast inn and check out Rory’s favorite college—Harvard.
3) There’s the Rub (season 2, episode 16)
In this episode of Gilmore Girls, Emily offers her daughter, Lorelai, a spa getaway. Although she is initially hesitant to stay with her mom for such a long time, Lorelai does end up going. The episode showcases several bonding scenes between this different mother-daughter duo.
4) Those are Strings Pinocchio (season 3, episode 22)
This is one of the loudest episodes of Gilmore Girls. In Rory’s valedictorian speech, she thanks her mom for all that she has done in some of the most beautiful words like, as she said:
“My mother never gave me any idea that I couldn’t do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be…give me role models from Jane Austen to Eudora Welty…You are my guidepost for everything.”
This episode truly stirs the heart.
5) The Lorelais’ First Day at Yale (season 4, episode 2)
As the next phase of Rory’s life begins in college, Lorelai and Rory share some loving moments. Rory is upset about her mother leaving and Lorelai decides to spend one more day with her daughter to help her get accustomed to her new life. Rory's desperate need for her mother during such an important transition in her life is a largely relatable feeling for most viewers.
6) The Incredible Sinking Lorelais (season 4, episode 14)
In this episode of Gilmore Girls, Rory gets a taste of college life as she is burdened by academic pressure at Yale. To make matters worse, she scores low on a test and is advised by a professor to drop a class. As a straight-A student, this is tragic news for Rory and she reaches out to her mom for a much-needed pep talk. The talk makes for some of the most memorable conversations in the show.
7) Emily says Hello (season 5, episode 9)
This episode of Gilmore Girls begins with Emily telling her daughter, Lorelai that she plans to start dating. While stunned, Lorelai helps her mom pick out clothes for her date. This results in some sweet moments between the two, not just as mother and daughter, but as two women who care about each other.
8) Gilmore Girls Only (season 7, episode 17)
As the title suggests, this episode is all about the three generations of women, having some quality time together—a rare incidence. In the episode, Rory, Emily, and Lorelai go on a road trip to North Carolina for Mia’s wedding. While Emily feels a bit jealous about Mia’s close bond with Rory and Lorelai, all three ultimately have fun and make memories at the wedding.
9) Bon Voyage (season 7, episode 22)
In this last episode of Gilmore Girls, the whole town of Stars Hollow throws a graduation party for Rory. This episode is heart-warming as Lorelai and Rory must cancel their mother-daughter trip because of Rory’s unexpected opportunity for a new job. Yet, Rory does not forget to thank her mother for all that she has done for her.
While there are plenty of other episodes in Gilmore Girls that resonate with the feeling of mother-daughter closeness, these are some of the most heartwarming ones.
