One of the most fondly remembered TV shows of the aughts, Gilmore Girls (2000–07) has been introduced to a whole new audience, thanks to Netflix, which streamed the original seasons and produced a short one of its own in 2016. Stache and Davidson share their appreciation for the titular "girls," Lorelai and her 16-year-old daughter, Rory, whom Lorelai had when she was just a teen, as well as the family, friends, and love interests in their orbit. The show was conceived by creator Amy Sherman-Palladino as a portrayal of best friends who just happen to be mother and daughter, and Stache and Davidson limn the complexities of that relationship as well as Lorelai's often fraught one with her own mother, Emily. The authors also examine the father figures in Rory's life and the men Lorelai and Rory fell for, then delve into the feminist bent of the show and the many pop culture references that distinguish Lorelai and Rory's banter. An extensive episode guide adds to the appeal of this enjoyable look back at a beloved show.

Booklist

Recommended: Communication scholars Lara Stache (Governors State Univ.) and Rachel Davidson (Hanover College) provide a cultural analysis of the show’s representation not only of mother-daughter dynamics, fatherhood, romance, and friendship but also of broader issues such as feminism, popular culture, class issues, and small-town living. . . The authors conclude by arguing that Gilmore Girls represents “a changing television-watching culture and fandom," which makes it culturally significant. Stache and Davidson's analysis is a fun and informative read.

Choice Reviews

A standout show amid the soapy teen dramas in the early aughts (think The O.C. and One Tree Hill), Gilmore Girls gained a cult following owing to its quippy dialog, cultural references, and portrayal of an endearing nontraditional mother-daughter relationship. . . . Authors Stache and Davidson examine the show’s depictions of parenting, feminism, and class clashes through a cultural studies lens, while still reveling in Dean vs. Jess deliberations.

Library Journal

This is a fun read, a thought-provoking read, and a comfort-read. It’s like spending a couple of hours talking with some pretty intelligent friends about a TV show you all really like. . . . Not only is this a good book and a good way to examine a beloved show, it’s a great introduction to this series of books. I know I’ll be picking up more of them.

The Irresponsible Reader