As I reminisce about my recent visit to Stars Hollow, I can’t help but feel a warm, nostalgic glow enveloping me. You see, I was one of those lucky souls who grew up with Lorelai, Rory, and Luke – their stories becoming an integral part of my own life.
With Gilmore Girls marking its 25th anniversary next year, it seems like the show just keeps growing in popularity, especially since it’s now accessible for streaming on Hulu (and Netflix). As a devoted fan who’s watched this iconic series countless times, I was thrilled to be invited by Warner Bros. for an extraordinary day in Stars Hollow this week. Being a lifelong admirer of the show, I can’t wait to share my once-in-a-lifetime experience that included a cast reunion and even a chat with Luke Danes himself!
On a Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to attend the yearly “Holidays Made Here” event at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, taking place in Burbank, California until January 5th. The debut of this event saw numerous fans, including myself, queuing for coffee at Luke’s Diner, capturing holiday memories around Stars Hollow, and enjoying a reunion of the original cast reminiscing about their classic series. Here are my key observations from the day.
I’m So Happy The Original Set Still Exists, And Can Be Experienced By Fans
It’s astonishing, even after more than 15 years since its last airing (with the exception of the 2016 Netflix revival titled “A Year In The Life”), to find that the set of Stars Hollow remains untouched on the Warner Bros. lot for tourists from all over the globe to explore. Though it’s no secret that the location has been open to the public for quite a while, the experience of wandering around, stepping inside, and immersing oneself in the atmosphere of this fictional Connecticut town feels truly enchanting. I found myself particularly captivated by visiting spots like Kim’s Antiques, Doose’s Market, and the Dragonfly Inn.
Remarkably, that particular day in December, California seemed uncharacteristically tropical, with temperatures soaring well into the 80s Fahrenheit. Consequently, I swapped my sweater for a charming “Stars Hollow Books” T-shirt and a refreshing smoothie from one of the counters (creatively named “The Luke,” due to its coffee content). Being physically on the set instilled in me a genuine admiration for the team’s ability to convincingly transport me to another part of the United States when I watch it, even though the filming was happening merely hours away from where I stood.
The Gilmore Girls Cast Genuinely Seem Like A Family, And That Extends To The Fans
As a devoted fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the unique opportunity to witness the fervent community engage not just with the elaborate sets, but also with some beloved cast members during the Warner Bros. festive gathering. Unbeknownst to many, Scott Patterson, the man behind Luke Danes, has been hosting a “Gilmore Girls” podcast titled “I’m All In” since 2021. Having just completed his first watchthrough of the entire series, he announced that he would be recording additional episodes, aptly named “I’m All In… Again“. This time around, he’ll invite celebrity guests to join him for a rewatch of the show, including some familiar faces from the cast.
At this gathering, he recorded a podcast session, where Michael Winters (Taylor Doose), Ted Rooney (Morey Dell), Gregg Henry (Mitchum Huntzberger), Rose Abdoo (Gypsy), Emily Kuroda (Mrs. Kim) and others gathered onstage in Stars Hollow, delighting fans as they reminisced about the show’s production. The cast and audience seemed so content and at ease, with fans occasionally providing additional details for specific scenes. During the event, a fan expressed how the group had played a significant role in her life, saying “they raised” her. Throughout the day, I observed fans pointing out various town locations where show events took place, and there was even an engagement among attendees.
One Gilmore Girls Debate Is Alive And Well With The Fandom, But I Was Surprised About The Cast’s Thoughts On It
Discussions about the television show Gilmore Girls often focus on whom Rory should have ended up with. Fans are divided into three main groups on this issue: supporters of Dean (Team Dean), advocates for Jess (Team Jess), and champions of Logan (Team Logan). As a fun way to express their allegiance, buttons displaying these labels were handed out to fans. During an event, the cast was asked about Rory’s baby daddy from the series finale of A Year In A Life, and all but two of them agreed that it was Logan. Winter claimed he had no idea, while Henry humorously stated, “I don’t approve of this situation.” Even Kelly Bishop, who played Rory’s grandmother, admitted she was once Team Logan!
It seems clear to me that I must re-watch “Gilmore Girls” since I’ve forgotten which team I align with beyond Team Rory, and it struck me as peculiar that nobody considered Jess to be a possibility. In the 2016 version, my perception was that it was definitely Jess. If it turns out to be Logan’s, I can accept that, but I was taken aback by the lack of debate among the cast about this issue. Maybe they have information we don’t.
The Impact Of Gilmore Girls Is Very Much With Scott Patterson, And He’s So Sweet About It
At the event, Warner Bros. gave me an incredible opportunity to chat with Scott Patterson for a few moments on his set. This experience was incredibly surreal, especially since Patterson was dressed as his character that day – a flannel shirt and a backward cap. When I asked him about returning to Stars Hollow now that it’s a tourist attraction, he said:
Yesterday, I toured this location where I once again felt a rush of emotions as I visited each set. Actors invest so much emotion into these spaces, making them vulnerable and personal. These feelings seem to linger within the walls, resurfacing when you step inside. It’s an intense, satisfying sensation to be in a place that played a small role in connecting fans with a cherished show that provides comfort. Knowing I was part of something meaningful and relatable to so many people is truly remarkable. The reactions of these fans still astound me. Incredible!
The significance of the actor as an icon for the show “Gilmore Girls” has significantly increased since filming it in the early 2000s. Back then, when the series was produced, creator Amy Sherman-Palladino mentioned that they had virtually no budget. It seems nowadays like this show is a major production by Warner Bros, and as Patterson shared, being recognized as Luke is an everyday occurrence for him.
Each day brings me to either the gym or the grocery store, or some other place, but there’s always a pleasant interaction. The people are incredibly kind, and these fans show great respect and appreciation for my work. They often share a story or two and express their gratitude. It’s truly a delightful way to spend each day.
Incidentally, Scott Patterson comes across as extremely authentic. He genuinely appreciates being part of the Gilmore Girls cast and fully understands the significance of the show for fans.
And, The Cast Didn’t At All Shy Away From Offering Hope For Another Revival
Reflecting on my heartwarming journey back to Stars Hollow, I couldn’t help but ponder one intriguing question that arose during the Q&A session – a fan’s eager inquiry about potential future revivals. In response, Patterson fueled our anticipation with his reply.
Listen, the mind is a very powerful instrument. If you think it, it will be, right? So keep thinking it, and you do and we hear you loud and clear, and we’re thinking it too. So, expect it.
I’m really hoping that’s the case! It’s been nearly a decade since “A Year In A Life” and we’re eager to find out what happens next with all the characters. Here’s to hoping it gets made. We’ll follow wherever you lead! The Holidays Made Here event is ongoing at Warner Bros. Studios, and the show is currently streaming on two platforms. Despite many shows attempting to replicate the charm of “Gilmore Girls”, this experience once again highlighted just how unique this series truly is.
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2024-12-20 04:37