Of the many TV series released throughout the 2000s, one of the most beloved and nostalgic is their idyllic town, Stars Hollow. Gilmore Girls boasts a lovable cast and compelling drama, but above all, the series is best known for its peaceful and comforting ambiance.

Although Gilmore Girls is a fairly quirky and unique series, there are many other TV shows out there that have similar features. Shows that focus on mother-daughter connections are the most obvious comparisons. However, there are also series that center on small town drama or have large, eccentric casts, which feel kindred to the 2000 series. Of course, there are also series that come close to replicating the feel-good atmosphere of Gilmore Girls. Even better, some series even have similar writing styles that, regardless of plot, make viewers feel like they are right back in Stars Hollow.

10 One Tree Hill

Two Brothers Come Of Age In Tree Hill

Viewers who are craving more of the small-town drama of Gilmore Girls should definitely check out One Tree Hill. This 2003 series follows Nathan and Lucas, two half-brothers who vye for the same spot on the high school basketball team and get into trouble due to their romantic relationships. Although a brotherly bond is quite different from that of a mother and daughter, One Tree Hill still provides captivating commentary on family, romance, and life at large through the lens of young people.

One Tree Hill may have a different premise from Gilmore Girls, but the shows are inextricably linked due to their time periods. Both shows are steeped in the early 2000s, which has a very specific on-screen ambiance. With the addition of their small towns, One Tree Hill and Gilmore Girls feel quite similar, despite following vastly different characters. Like Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill still maintains a rather large following, and for that reason, it is worth looking into.

9 Parenthood

A Multi-Generational Family Story

A series that puts all the focus on parent-child dynamics is 2010's Parenthood. Following three generations of the Braverman family, Parenthood centers on the highs and lows of parenting in a small California town. While the Braverman patriarch and matriarch go through marital issues in their older age, their four children contend with the pains of family life, including divorce, medical issues, and adoption. Notably, Gilmore Girl's Lauren Graham stars as Sarah Braverman-Holt.

Viewers are sucked into the lives of all three generations of Bravermans, giving just about anyone a chance to feel seen by this drama series.

The tie that connects Parenthood and Gilmore Girls (aside from Lauren Graham) is the fact that the shows are coming-of-age stories for all ages. In Gilmore Girls, audiences see Rory go through big changes and issues, but they also see Lorelai go through the same thing. Parenthood has a similar narrative. Viewers are sucked into the lives of all three generations of Bravermans, giving just about anyone a chance to feel seen by this drama series.

8 Virgin River

A Woman Moves To An Idyllic Town

Stars Hollow is the underappreciated gem of Gilmore Girls, and another series that almost turned its small town into another character is Virgin River. Based on a series of books, Virgin River follows Mel, a nurse practioner who moves to the quiet town of Virgin River seeking a new start. There, she meets a number of lovely (and not-so-lovely) people, and forms an intimate bond with a mysterious man named Jack. With six seasons under its belt, Virgin River has captivated audiences with its high-stakes drama and feel-good vibes.

Virgin River is just like Gilmore Girls in all the ways you might imagine. There is small-town drama, sweet romances, and a lead character who is easy to root for, even despite her faults. However, one thing that Virgin River has that Gilmore Girls doesn't is a slightly darker plot. The 2019 show delves into some tragic plots involving murder and drugs. Thus, Virgin River is great for those who like a little more bite to their drama series.

7 Bunheads

A Former Dancer Moves To A Small Town

A hidden gem that is perfect for Gilmore Girls fans is Bunheads. This 2012 series follows Michelle, a former professional dancer who moves to a sleepy California town with her new husband. She soon meets his demanding mother, Fanny, who is also a ballet teacher. Michelle becomes invested in the lives of Fanny's ballet students, while also teaching them the rules of dance and life. Despite being canceled after only one season, Bunheads is a fantastic watch with a lot of heart.

Bunheads was canceled due to poor ratings.

The most obvious reason why Bunheads is a perfect follow-up to Gilmore Girls is because both shows were created by Amy Sherman-Palladino. Despite having quite a different plot, Bunheads has the same wry humor as Gilmore Girls, and a definite focus on women and female relationships. Plus, Bunheads' cast includes Kelly Bishop, who played Emily Gilmore, alongside Broadway star Sutton Foster. Even with just one season, Bunheads holds up.

6 A Million Little Things

An Ensemble Drama Set In Boston

Another complex family dramedy is A Million Little Things. First released in 2018, the series follows a group of adults who are thrown into turmoil when one of their friends takes his own life. In the aftermath, the friends must come to with their loss and reevaluate their relationships to each other, all while handling the struggles of parenthood and romance. Though far from being a small town, Boston is the setting of this series, and it plays a somewhat important role in the overarching story.

At first glance, A Million Little Things may seem like a far cry from Gilmore Girls. There are more characters, no small town, and a sad main plot. Yet, A Million Little Things is not all darkness, and it's this comedy that makes it a great alternative to Gilmore Girls. Apart from the difficult issues the characters face in A Million Little Things, there are countless heartwarming and hilarious moments that will make audiences feel like they are a part of the family. It is this love that makes A Million Little Things a spiritual successor to Gilmore Girls.

5 Schitt's Creek

A Family Comedy Of Errors

A major element of Gilmore Girls is its humor, and one hilarious family comedy is Schitt's Creek. Running for six seasons starting in 2015, the series follows the Rose family, who suddenly lose their fortune and must move to a small town that they own called Schitt's Creek. With two eccentric parents and two equally eccentric adult children, the Rose's must learn to cope with their new surroundings while also letting go of their privileged lives.

There are actually a number of subtle similarities between Schitt's Creek and Gilmore Girls. For one, Johnny and Moira Rose have a very similar wealthy arrogance as Emily and Richard Gilmore. In particular, Moira and Emily share a heightened sense of privilege that almost verges on the ridiculous. This causes issues for their children, i.e. Lorelai and David. On top of that, Schitt's Creek itself is a play on the classic small town, yet through the comedy, there is a true sense of heart, just like in Stars Hollow.

4 The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

A 1950s Housewife Pursues Comedy

Yet another series that is perfect for Gilmore Girls lovers is The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Once again, this is a series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, which follows a housewife in the 1950s named Midge who, upon discovering her husband has been cheating on her, accidentally falls into the New York comedy scene. Realizing her own potential, Midge teams up with an unorthodox agent to become a comedy star in a business mainly run by men.

Similar to the women of Gilmore Girls, Midge is stubborn and headstrong, but in many ways, Midge is an even better version of Lorelai or Rory.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is hilarious, thought-provoking, and empowering. Midge shares the same dry sense of humor as the cast of Gilmore Girls, but she packs even more of a punch due to her circumstances. Similar to the women of Gilmore Girls, Midge is stubborn and headstrong, but in many ways, Midge is an even better version of Lorelai or Rory. Midge always perseveres, and never gets bogged down by romantic relationships. Ultimately, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a witty adventure that will never leave audiences feeling bored.

3 The Summer I Turned Pretty

A Young Woman Finds Herself In A Complicated Love Triangle

One show that comes very close to the atmosphere of Gilmore Girls is The Summer I Turned Pretty. In this series based on novels, a young woman named Belly returns to her summer home in the small town of Cousins and discovers that her long-time childhood crush may finally like her back. However, her crush's brother may also have feelings for her, leading Belly into a complicated dynamic that is only worsened by some shocking bad news.

The Summer I Turned Pretty has idyllic small town energy, themes of girlhood, and a sweet mix of comedy and drama that makes it a perfect follow-up to Gilmore Girls. Although the show centers on Belly's romantic relationships, The Summer I Turned Pretty does a great job of balancing this plot with other important themes such as growing up and mother-daughter relationships. Though lacking the distinct humor of Gilmore Girls, The Summer I Turned Pretty will take viewers through the same emotional journey.

2 Ginny & Georgia

A Mother & Daughter Keep Secrets From Each Other

If the idea of a dark Gilmore Girls sounds exciting, then Ginny & Georgia is the perfect show to add to your watch list. This Netflix series follows Georgia, a single mother who settles into a picturesque New England town with her daughter Ginny and her son Austin. Georgia and her family have always been on the run from bad boyfriends and bad situations, which makes them eager to set down roots in this town. Yet, Georgia's secrets have a way of haunting her and her family.

Ginny & Georgia's claim to fame is its shocking story and compelling relationship between the two titular characters. Although Gilmore Girls never got as dark as Ginny & Georgia did, the focus on mother-daughter relationships is hard to ignore. Just like Lorelai and Rory, Georgia and Ginny can often be at odds and struggling for power in the relationship. A big similarity between them is that Lorelai and Georgia often seem more like friends than mothers to their daughters. Ultimately, this leads to a very interesting dynamic with significant consequences.

1 My Life With The Walter Boys

A Teenager Moves To A Small Town

Finally, there is My Life with the Walter Boys. This 2023 series follows Jackie, a teenage girl who loses her parents in a tragic car accident and moves in with her new guardians, the Walters, in a small town in Colorado. Suddenly, Jackie is entangled in the lives of the Walters' seven sons. Though it may not seem obvious at first, Jackie has a strong connection to Rory in Gilmore Girls. Despite lacking a mother figure, Jackie is thrust into this exciting world of boys and families, and must figure out who she is in the midst of all of that.

As expected, My Life with the Walter Boys has all the drama and small town energy one would expect. In reality, it is the main character that makes this series feel most like Gilmore Girls. Audiences are quickly attached to Jackie and want to see the best for her in the same way they do for Rory. Ultimately, My Life with the Walter Boys is a short and sweet series that will probably be appreciated by those who grew up loving Gilmore Girls.