List of Gilmore Girls episodes

The Gilmore Girls intertitle and logo

Gilmore Girls is an American comedy drama series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino. Sherman-Palladino shares executive producer duties with David S Rosenthal, Gavin Polone, Daniel Palladino. It is produced by Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions, Hofflund/Polone and Warner Bros. Television.

The show follows single mother Lorelai Victoria Gilmore (Graham) and her daughter Lorelai "Rory" Leigh Gilmore (Bledel) in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, a close-knit small town with many quirky characters, located roughly thirty minutes south of Hartford.

Between October 5, 2000, and May 9, 2006, the first six seasons of Gilmore Girls aired on the American television network The WB, before it merged with UPN in 2006 to form The CW, the broadcaster since September 26, 2006.[1] All seven seasons are currently available on DVD in Regions 1, 2, and 4. Since the series premiered, it has averaged 5 million viewers per episode over its seven seasons.

The show placed No. 32 on Entertainment Weekly '​s "New TV Classics" list,[2] and in 2007 it was listed as one of Time magazine's "All-TIME 100 TV Shows."[3] The show is known for its fast dialogue with endless run-on sentences.

Over the course of seven seasons, Gilmore Girls aired a total of 153 episodes.

Series overview

Season Episodes Originally aired
First aired Last aired
1 21 October 5, 2000 May 10, 2001
2 22 October 9, 2001 May 21, 2002
3 22 September 24, 2002 May 20, 2003
4 22 September 23, 2003 May 18, 2004
5 22 September 21, 2004 May 17, 2005
6 22 September 13, 2005 May 9, 2006
7 22 September 26, 2006 May 15, 2007

Episodes

Season 1 (2000–01)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code
11"Pilot"Lesli Linka GlatterAmy Sherman-PalladinoOctober 5, 2000226730
22"The Lorelais' First Day at Chilton"Arlene SanfordAmy Sherman-PalladinoOctober 12, 2000226701
33"Kill Me Now"Adam NimoyJoanne WatersOctober 19, 2000226702
44"The Deer Hunters"Alan MyersonJed SeidelOctober 26, 2000226703
55"Cinnamon's Wake"Michael KatlemanDaniel PalladinoNovember 2, 2000226704
66"Rory's Birthday Parties"Sarah Pia AndersonAmy Sherman-PalladinoNovember 9, 2000226705
77"Kiss and Tell"Rodman FlenderJenji KohanNovember 16, 2000226706
88"Love and War and Snow"Alan MyersonJoan Binder WeissDecember 14, 2000226707
99"Rory's Dance"Lesli Linka GlatterAmy Sherman-PalladinoDecember 20, 2000226708
1010"Forgiveness and Stuff"Bethany RooneyJohn StephensDecember 21, 2000226709
1111"Paris Is Burning"David PetrarcaJoan Binder WeissJanuary 11, 2001226710
1212"Double Date"Lev L. SpiroAmy Sherman-PalladinoJanuary 18, 2001226712
1313"Concert Interruptus"Bruce Seth GreenElaine ArataFebruary 15, 2001226711
1414"That Damn Donna Reed"Michael KatlemanDaniel Palladino, Amy Sherman-PalladinoFebruary 22, 2001226715
1515"Christopher Returns"Michael KatlemanDaniel PalladinoMarch 1, 2001226713
1616"Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers"Lesli Linka GlatterStory: Joan Binder Weiss
Teleplay: John Stephens and Linda Loiselle Guzik
March 8, 2001226714
1717"The Breakup, Part 2"Nick MarckAmy Sherman-PalladinoMarch 15, 2001226716
1818"The Third Lorelai"Michael KatlemanAmy Sherman-PalladinoMarch 22, 2001226717
1919"Emily in Wonderland"Perry LangJohn Stephens, Linda Loiselle GuzikApril 26, 2001226718
2020"P.S. I Lo..."Lev L. SpiroElaine Arata, Joan Binder WeissMay 3, 2001226719
2121"Love, Daisies and Troubadours"Amy Sherman-PalladinoDaniel PalladinoMay 10, 2001226720

Season 2 (2001–02)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code
U.S. viewers
(million)[4]
221"Sadie, Sadie"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-PalladinoOctober 9, 20012274515.0
Lorelai accepts Max's proposal. Lane is being sent to Korea, with fear of no return in sight. Dean joins Rory and Lorelai at Friday Night dinner, at which Dean is interrogated about his education and his intentions by an angry Richard. Emily finds out about Lorelai's engagement...from Sookie.
232"Hammers and Veils"Michael KatlemanAmy Sherman-PalladinoOctober 9, 20012274525.0
Rory volunteers to help build a house, hosting panic due to her lack of extracurricular activities. Lorelai tells Emily about her engagement yet Emily responds coldly since she heard it through someone else and was told at the last minute. Sookie throws Lorelai and Max an engagement party. Lane departs for Korea.
243"Red Light on the Wedding Night"Gail MancusoDaniel PalladinoOctober 16, 20012274534.5
Lorelai and Max continue planning their wedding, until Lorelai's bachelorette bash...a different kind of signal gives Lorelai second thoughts...Luke builds Lorelai a chuppah. A new traffic light is installed in front of Luke's diner. Lorelai and Rory leave Stars Hollow for vacation...
254"The Road Trip to Harvard"Jamie BabbitDaniel PalladinoOctober 23, 20012274544.8
...After canceling the engagement, Rory and Lorelai take a road trip. After staying at a B&B, a visit to Harvard is a must, where Rory feels at home and Lorelai feels a few pangs. Lane returns from Korea and her trip wasn't as bad as she thought it would be.
265"Nick & Nora/Sid & Nancy"Michael KatlemanAmy Sherman-PalladinoOctober 30, 20012274554.8
When Luke's rebellious 17-year-old nephew, Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) moves in with him, Lorelai offers unwelcome parenting advice. Rory's on the school newspaper staff, but editor Paris is still mad due to her supposed "date" with Tristan.
276"Presenting Lorelai Gilmore"Chris LongSheila R. LawrenceNovember 6, 20012274565.6
Rory, under obligation to her Grandmother, formally comes out to society. Lorelai gets a second surprise when Christopher agrees to fulfill his fatherly deb duties. Richard, growing increasingly hostile, vents his frustrations about being "phased out" of his job. A third surprise hits when Christopher tells Lorelai about Sherry, his new girlfriend.
287"Like Mother, Like Daughter"Dennis ErdmanJoan Binder WeissNovember 13, 20012274575.1
Rory is told that her antisocial tendencies at Chilton are frowned upon and she must better socialize herself. She does so, accidentally tangling herself up in a secret sorority known as The Puffs, and however unwanted the connection is; it reconciles Paris and Rory's damaged relationship. The inn crowd hosts a school fashion show that features Lorelai and Emily in matching outfits... Sookie and Lorelai decide to move forward in opening their own inn.
298"The Ins and Outs of Inns"Michael KatlemanDaniel PalladinoNovember 20, 20012274584.4
Lorelai and Sookie cheerfully make plans for opening their own inn, and look into the Dragonfly and find out that Fran Weston owns the property and doesn't want to sell it. But when the Independence Inn's owner, Mia (Elizabeth Franz), comes for a visit and Lorelai learns the Inn might be sold, she has second thoughts that cause a fight between her and Sookie. Emily meets Mia for the first time.
309"Run Away, Little Boy"Danny LeinerJohn StephensNovember 27, 20012274594.9
Tristan and Rory must play Romeo and Juliet in a school project, and Dean is peeved on the matter; yet the night of the performance Tristan is sent to military school. Meanwhile, Lorelai dates a much younger business school classmate, much to Luke's amusement.(Last appearance of Chad Michael Murray.)
3110"The Bracebridge Dinner"Chris LongDaniel PalladinoDecember 11, 20012274605.0
At the last moment, a Chicago snowstorm strands guests who paid for a fabulous dinner at the inn, so Lorelai invites most of Stars Hollow to the feast, along with Emily and Richard. The evening goes awry when Richard reveals he quit his job a few days ago.
3211"Secrets and Loans"Nicole HolofcenerLinda Loiselle GuzikJanuary 22, 20022274615.3
Lorelai's house has termites, and despite Lorelai's protests, Rory spills the financial aspects of the situation to Emily, who offers a loan, but Lorelai balks at becoming even more indebted to her. Lane has become a cheerleader, which shocks Rory and creates a fight between them.
3312"Richard in Stars Hollow"Steve GomerFrank LombardiJanuary 29, 20022274625.3
Newly retired Richard is driving Emily crazy, so Lorelai agrees to fathersit for one day. Paris looks to expose the corruption she's sure she's seeing and finds something in Stars Hollow: Censorship.
3413"A-Tisket, A-Tasket"Robert BerlingerAmy Sherman-PalladinoFebruary 5, 20022274635.0
A yearly festival (Bid-A-Basket) in which the women make picnic lunches and men bid on them and enjoy the lunch and the basket-makers presence. All couples go awry; Kirk bids on Sookie's, Jess bids on Rory's, and Luke buys Lorelai's. Jackson proposes to Sookie. Emily agrees with Lorelai on her opinion of Jess and gives her parenting advice.
3514"It Should Have Been Lorelai"Lesli Linka GlatterDaniel PalladinoFebruary 12, 20022274644.9
Christopher visits, bringing his girlfriend Sherry to Stars Hollow. Sherry is desperate to spend time with Rory, Lorelai is a bit uncomfortable...but Emily is furious. Lorelai and Christopher have a fight when Christopher feels that Lorelai blames him for her relationships.
3615"Lost and Found"Gail MancusoAmy Sherman-PalladinoFebruary 26, 20022274654.8
Rory, who lost her bracelet in episode "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" which was found by Jess, gets panicked when Dean notices its absence on her wrist. Lorelai assumes Jess had stolen it. Luke looks for a larger apartment for him and Jess.
3716"There's the Rub"Amy Sherman-PalladinoSheila R. LawrenceApril 9, 20022274664.8
Lorelai and Emily spend a weekend at a luxurious spa which goes awry. Rory has the night to herself which also takes a turn for the worse when Dean discovers Jess at her house, and Paris stays the night making them friends. Lorelai and Emily steal bathrobes together.
3817"Dead Uncles and Vegetables"Jamie BabbitDaniel PalladinoApril 16, 20022274674.5
Luke's uncle dies, but the funeral is poorly attended, as nearly everyone has a grudge against the antisocial old man; Luke worries he has followed his uncle's example. Emily helps Sookie plan her wedding, and it becomes too much for Jackson. Emily tells Lorelai that she and Luke are a match made in heaven.
3918"Back in the Saddle Again"Kevin DowlingLinda Loiselle GuzikApril 23, 20022274684.8
Richard helps Rory with a project for her business class, and it confirms how much he misses the business world. He wants to start his own company.
4019"Teach Me Tonight"Steve RobmanAmy Sherman-PalladinoApril 30, 20022274695.1
Rory, attempting to tutor Jess, ends up with a fractured wrist when Jess crashes her car that Dean made her. Lorelai and Luke get into a fight while she looks for Jess. Luke sends Jess home to New York.
4120"Help Wanted"Chris LongAllan HeinbergMay 7, 20022274704.6
Richard starts an insurance consulting business, and Lorelai helps him find a new secretary, which brings them close together. Lane decides that drums are her destiny. Carole King guest stars as music store owner Sophie Bloom.
4221"Lorelai's Graduation Day"Jamie BabbitDaniel PalladinoMay 14, 20022274713.4
Lorelai graduates from business school, but Rory misses the ceremony because she skipped school to visit Jess in New York and find out why he never said goodbye.
4322"I Can't Get Started"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-Palladino, John StephensMay 21, 20022274725.2
It is Sookie's and Jackson's wedding day. Christopher breaks up with Sherry, and spends a romantic night with Lorelai at the Inn, after which they make plans to reunite and be a family. When Chris discovers the next day that Sherry is pregnant with his child, he tells Lorelai he cannot fail the new baby the way he did Rory. Lorelai tries to make amends with Luke, but fails. Rory is surprised to see Jess at the wedding; she kisses him and runs off, telling him to keep it all a secret.

Season 3 (2002–03)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code
U.S. viewers
(million)[5]
441"Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-PalladinoSeptember 24, 20021750015.7
Lorelai has a strange dream in which she is pregnant with Luke's twins, which Rory interprets as either: Lorelai subconsciously wants to marry Luke and have his twins or that she is jealous that Sherry's pregnancy has doomed Lorelai's hopes with Christopher. Rory comes back from her internship in Washington, where Paris meets and starts dating a Princeton student, Jamie. Rory is surprised to see Jess making out with another girl and is instantly jealous, but resolves to appreciate her relationship with Dean. The town hosts a summer festival, including a barbershop quartet who only sings "Those Crazy Hazy Lazy Days of Summer" over and over, much to Lorelai's irritation. Lorelai tells her parents about the breakup with Christopher and walks out on Friday night dinner. Luke and Lorelai make up.
452"Haunted Leg"Chris LongAmy Sherman-PalladinoOctober 1, 20021750025.8
Lorelai turns down a date with Kirk and goes back to Luke's Diner after the reconciliation. Rory and Jess quarrel in Doose's market when he points out that she has no right to be jealous, having not contacted him while she was away. Christopher shows up unannounced at Friday-night dinner, having talked with Emily, but is sent away by all three Gilmore women.
463"Application Anxiety"Gail MancusoDaniel PalladinoOctober 8, 20021750035.2
Rory is scared that she may not get in to Harvard after a panel of admissions consultants visits Chilton and emphasizes the competitive process. Rory and Dean start talking about what would happen when Rory leaves for college. Lane joins a rock band, and Taylor wins the town's backing of his plans to open an old-fashioned soda shop.
474"One's Got Class and the Other One Dyes"Steve RobmanDaniel PalladinoOctober 15, 20021750045.4
Lorelai and Luke are invited to speak about success at Stars Hollow High, but the kids just want to hear about Lorelai's teenage pregnancy – and their mothers blame Lorelai. Lane, driven to rebellion, dyes her hair purple but loses her nerve and immediately dyes it back. Rory confronts Jess' new girlfriend, Shane.
485"Eight O'Clock at the Oasis"Joe Ann FogleJustin TannerOctober 22, 20021750055.5
An irritatingly cheerful new neighbor, partial to board games and kitsch, gives Lorelai detailed instructions for watering his lawn and violets during his business trip; when Rory takes over the watering, however, disaster strikes, which causes Jess to come to her rescue. Lorelai meets a guy at an auction Emily organized, but their subsequent date does not go well.
496"Take the Deviled Eggs..."Jamie BabbitDaniel PalladinoNovember 5, 20021750065.5
Rory and Lorelai attend Sherry's baby shower. Lorelai is jealous because Sherry seems to be living the life she was unable to have with Christopher. Sherry gives Lorelai and Rory left-over deviled eggs from the party, which they proceed to throw at Jess's new car.
507"They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They?"Kenny OrtegaAmy Sherman-PalladinoNovember 12, 20021750075.7
Lorelai is desperate to win the annual Stars Hollows Dance Marathon in which Kirk has won four times previously. Lorelai convinced Rory to be her partner after she fails to find anyone else suitable. Dean comes to watch. Jackson and Sookie fight over his hopes for four children in four years which Sookie, Lorelai and Luke find ridiculous. Jamie visits Paris at school during his break and convinces her to go out for coffee with him. Jess comes to watch the Dance Marathon with his new girlfriend, Shane. Rory will not stop talking about Jess and how much he annoys her and so Dean snaps. He announces to the entire dance hall that Rory and Jess like each other and everyone knows it and that he is done with Rory. Lorelai loses to Kirk once again. Rory and Jess finally admit their feelings to each other.
518"Let the Games Begin"Steve RobmanAmy Sherman-Palladino, Sheila R. LawrenceNovember 19, 20021750085.7
Richard guilts Rory into coming with him to Yale. When Rory tells Lorelai, she is angry at her father for tricking Rory into it when he knows Rory only wants to go to Harvard. But Rory convinces her that she does not mind looking around and asks Lorelai to join them and Lorelai grudgingly accepts. Rory and Jess awkwardly begin dating, which Luke is very happy about but Lorelai is wary about Jess. Kirk parades around town, bragging about his Dance Marathon trophy but like every year, someone steals it. Rory, Lorelai, Emily and Richard head to Yale where they look around and Richard then tricks Rory into doing an interview with the Dean of Admissions, whom Richard knows well. Lorelai is extremely mad at Richard for tricking her daughter once again. She goes to get a cab, which Emily tries to talk her out of. When Rory comes out, she is mad at Richard for not preparing her and springing the interview on her. Lorelai and Rory leave, angry. Emily is also mad at Richard, although she tried to defend him. Rory and Jess have their first real kiss and Rory goes to Dean's house to tell him she is sorry about the way she treated him and that she hopes he will not hate her one day. At bedtime, the Gilmore girls each secretly read promotional material from Yale.
529"A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving"Kenny OrtegaDaniel PalladinoNovember 26, 20021750095.4
Rory and Lorelai are expected to be at four different Thanksgiving meals. First the Kim's, then Sookie's, followed by Luke's and finally Richard and Emily's. They decide that Luke won't mind if they miss his, but when they tell him they won't be able to come, he seems very disappointed, and so they pretend to change their plans so they can go. Rory is uncomfortable being affectionate in public with Jess since she just recently broke up with Dean. Kirk gets a cat, named Kirk who eventually drives Human Kirk from his home. The Gilmores attend each Thanksgivings meal and when they make it to Richard and Emily's, Rory lets it slip that she had applied to Yale, which Lorelai seems angry about and blames on Richard and Emily. Lane gets a kiss from Dave. After he sees Rory and Jess kiss, Dean confronts Jess.
5310"That'll Do, Pig"Jamie BabbitSheila R. LawrenceJanuary 14, 20031750105.5
Paris has a boyfriend, and is not herself. Lorelai gives Emily tips on coping with Richard's mother, Trix. Rory runs into Dean and they become friendly. Jess initially refuses to attend the Winter Carnival, but when Dean asks Rory to join him and his little sister Clara, Jess becomes jealous and decides to escort Rory after all.
5411"I Solemnly Swear"Carla McCloskeyJohn StephensJanuary 21, 20031750114.8
Francie tricks Paris into believing that Rory is plotting against her in the Student Council. Lorelai and Sookie attend a lecture on running an inn; it is a total waste, but Sookie meets an old friend Joe, and sparks fly between Lorelai and Joe's business partner Alex. Emily, sued by a fired servant, presses Lorelai to give a deposition, and is outraged at the result.
5512"Lorelai Out of Water"Jamie BabbitJanet LeahyJanuary 28, 20031750124.9
Alex invites Lorelai on a fishing trip, so Luke teaches her how to fish without embarrassing herself. Luke also meets Taylor's attractive lawyer, Nicole. Paris escalates her one-sided feud with Rory, and both are reprimanded by the headmaster. Lane is thrilled that her mother said maybe to her request of going to the Prom — that is, until her mother picks out her date.
5613"Dear Emily and Richard"Gail MancusoAmy Sherman-PalladinoFebruary 4, 20031750135.3
Rory receives an invitation to Sherry's C-section. Sherry goes into labor early, and Rory is the only one present. Lorelai has flashbacks about her own pregnancy and, realizing anew what her mother suffered, makes a reconciliatory gesture toward Emily.
5714"Swan Song"Chris LongDaniel PalladinoFebruary 11, 20031750145.1
Jess comes to Friday night dinner with a black eye, and Rory accuses him of having a fight with Dean, which he denies. Later, Jess admits to Luke that he was attacked by a swan. Rory stays the night at her grandparents' house. Emily yells at Lorelai for letting Rory go out with Jess. Luke gives Jess a talk about the importance of communication in his relationship with Rory. Rory and Jess make up after Dean confirms there was no fight. Rory later tells Lorelai that she might have sex with Jess soon. Zack and Brian guess that Lane and Dave are hiding a secret, but think that the secret is their religious faith.
5815"Face-Off"Kenny OrtegaJohn StephensFebruary 18, 20031750155.3
When Jess does not call, Rory goes to a hockey game and sees Dean with his new girlfriend, Lindsay. Emily gets revenge for Trix's slights when she finds her making out with a man in a purple jogging suit. Lane and Dave convince her male friend Young Chui to become Lane's fake boyfriend. Rory leaves an angry message for Jess, but after discovering that he was out preparing a surprise for her, she asks him to delete it without listening.
5916"The Big One"Jamie BabbitAmy Sherman-PalladinoFebruary 25, 20031750165.7
On the eve of presenting joint speeches over C-SPAN for the school's bicentennial, Paris has a heart-to-heart with Rory, confiding that she had sex with her boyfriend and getting Rory to admit she is still a virgin (to an eavesdropping Lorelai's relief). The next day, Paris has a meltdown on live TV, announcing her rejection by Harvard as judgment upon her premarital sex and predicting the virginal Rory will be accepted. Lorelai runs into Max and sparks fly. Sookie discovers she is pregnant. Rory arrives home to find she has been accepted to Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.
6017"A Tale of Poes and Fire"Chris LongDaniel PalladinoApril 15, 20031750174.0
The Independence Inn catches fire during a meeting of the Poe Society, so guests move into Lorelai's house, and she spends the night with Luke and Jess, where she tells Luke about her strange dream of months before. Lane discovers Young Chui may never initiate the breakup that would free her to date Dave. Rory must choose among Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, but is torn when her pro-con lists points her away from the lifelong dream of Harvard and towards Yale, where Lorelai didn't even want her to apply. Luke is concerned that Jess is spending too much time at work and not enough time at school.
6118"Happy Birthday, Baby"Gail MancusoAmy Sherman-PalladinoApril 22, 20031750184.6
Rory has decided to attend Yale and tells her grandparents about it, bringing happiness to them, and she plans Lorelai's big birthday blowout, including a town-sized pizza. Richard gives Lorelai the $75,000 payout from an investment he had made at her birth. Lorelai, in turn, writes a check to her mother to repay the loan for Chilton and end the Friday dinner agreement, then is shocked when her mother is angry at being repaid. Luke's adventures in parenting also go badly when he cannot convince Jess to prioritize school, then scares off Nicole's parents by raving about the situation.
6219"Keg! Max!"Chris LongDaniel PalladinoApril 29, 20031750195.3
Jess agrees to attend Stars Hollow prom with Rory. Jess learns he does not get to graduate. Rory, Jess, Dean and Lindsay attend a party where Lane's band is playing. A drunken Lane calls her mother and admits all her deceptions as she despairs of ever having the relationship she wants. Depressed at his failure, Jess is withdrawn at the party and he and Rory fight when she tries to find out what's upset him. She leaves the room crying, which Dean sees, leading him to start a fight with Jess and destroy their host's home. Lorelai, meanwhile, invites Luke and Nicole to stay at the inn, then is distressed by a close look at their coziness.
6320"Say Goodnight, Gracie"Jamie BabbitJanet Leahy, Amy Sherman-PalladinoMay 6, 20031750204.9
Jess's father appears, meets Jess, then vanishes after Luke warns him off. Dean and Lindsay get engaged, upsetting Rory. Fran Weston dies, meaning Lorelai and Sookie may have a chance to buy the Dragonfly Inn and make it their own. Mrs. Kim agrees to let Dave take Lane to the prom, but only after a mysterious quote that he cannot find anywhere in the Bible. After days of mutual avoidance with Jess, Rory finally tells Lorelai what happened at the party. Jess fights with Luke over how they will handle his failure to graduate, with Luke suggesting he retake his year, and when Jess refuses Luke kicks him out. Jess then leaves for California in search of his father, but sees Rory on the bus as he's leaving. Jess tells Rory he can't take her to prom, but doesn't tell her he's failed out of school and he's leaving town.
6421"Here Comes the Son"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-PalladinoMay 13, 20031750215.0
Jess goes to live with his dad in Venice Beach (in a backdoor pilot for a show that was to star the Jess character). Rory stresses over graduation, while Lorelai ponders how to break the news that Jess has left for good.
6522"Those Are Strings, Pinocchio"Jamie BabbitDaniel PalladinoMay 20, 20031750225.5
Rory's graduation day from Chilton has arrived. With the Independence Inn set to close, a newly unemployed Lorelai plans to use her inn-buying funds to pay for Yale, until Rory goes behind her back to make a new deal with her grandparents and reinstates Friday night dinners. Lorelai and Sookie buy the Dragonfly Inn. The Gilmore Girls get ready for their European adventure, and Luke decides to go on a cruise with Nicole prompted by a conversation with Lorelai. Jess repeatedly calls Rory and keeps hanging up. Even though he doesn't speak back, Rory says goodbye to Jess, telling him she loved him but she has to move on.

Season 4 (2003–04)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code
U.S. viewers
(million)[6]
661"Ballrooms and Biscotti"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-PalladinoSeptember 23, 20031761515.2
The Gilmore girls return from their summer holiday and find out they have to cram one-and-a-half weeks of activities into three days before Rory's Yale orientation. Meanwhile, Luke and Nicole have surprising news from their vacation, and Sookie has found out the sex of her baby. Emily takes advantage of Lorelai's skipping of the Friday night dinner, and monopolizes Rory's last night before Yale.
672"The Lorelais' First Day at Yale"Chris LongDaniel PalladinoSeptember 30, 20031761523.9
Rory and Lorelai prepare to leave for Yale, packing and with Lorelai taking photos of Rory heading off. Lorelai borrows Luke's truck to take Rory's things to Yale but doesn't mention to Luke that she can't drive a stick. Luke tries to teach her but his efforts are wasted and she leaves. Rory arrives at Yale and begins her Orientation. She meets one of her new roommates who is only sixteen and quite strange. Rory soon finds that someone she knows is her other roommate. It's Paris, with her new life coach, Terrance. Rory finds that Paris requested a room with her as they have a history together. Rory is shocked. After seeing what other students have got in their dorms, Lorelai leaves to find better things for Rory's dorm. She brings Rory the things and then leaves again. Just as Lorelai gets back to Stars Hollow, she gets a page from Rory saying to come back and go she heads for Yale again. When she gets there, Rory gives Lorelai a hug and tells her how she missed her after only being away for five minutes. She goes on about how she is pathetic being a mommy's girl and asks Lorelai why she doesn't hate her and want to be away from her like most kids do when they go off to college. Lorelai calms her down and suggests staying the night. Rory accepts and Lorelai begins to order every kind of food for them and Rory's roommates. When the pizza arrives, there is far too much and so Lorelai calls other girls in for a party. They all have a good time and remember Rory for having a really cool mom. Lorelai leaves and Rory feels better, knowing more people at Yale.
683"The Hobbit, the Sofa and Digger Stiles"Matthew DiamondAmy Sherman-PalladinoOctober 7, 20031761534.9
Lorelai and Sookie begin a catering company, starting with a Lord of the Rings-themed children's party that leads Sookie to doubt her abilities as a mother. Richard goes into business with his former associate's son, while Emily surprises Rory with unrequested furniture. Rory has her first college party.
694"Chicken or Beef?"Chris LongJane EspensonOctober 14, 20031761545.5
Lorelai begins renovations on the Dragonfly Inn after dealing with Taylor's approval. Dean invites Rory to his wedding, but Luke later tells Rory not to go after Dean makes a drunken and shocking confession to Luke on the night of his bachelor party.
705"The Fundamental Things Apply"Neema BarnetteJohn StephensOctober 21, 20031761555.5
Rory tries to start dating again, and is disappointed. Lorelai wonders if she should keep her designer after finding out about her previous employer...Emily. Lorelai invites Luke, the "uber-monk," over for movie night.
716"An Affair to Remember"Matthew DiamondAmy Sherman-PalladinoOctober 28, 20031761565.2
Emily plans a launch party for Richard's new business and hires Lorelai and Sookie to cater it. And Kirk prepares – extensively – for a date. But neither affair goes quite as expected.
727"The Festival of Living Art"Chris LongDaniel PalladinoNovember 4, 20031761574.7

The whole town gets involved posing as famous artwork for a festival. Lorelai is nervous about a possible repeat performance of her flinch several years ago in the same role, and Kirk as Jesus in The Last Supper is warring with Grant, the town troubadour, who is playing Judas. While the show goes on, Luke's about-to-be ex shows up, and Sookie's baby is a no-show, days after the due date.

Note: This episode won the show's only Emmy Award, for Outstanding Makeup for a Series (non-prosthetic).[7]
738"Die, Jerk"Tom MooreDaniel PalladinoNovember 11, 20031761584.9
En pointe and in print. To get a story published in the school newspaper, Rory blasts the Yale ballet... and earns the wrath of the lead ballerina, who leaves a note on Rory's door saying "DIE, JERK". Jason wrangles an invitation to the Gilmores' Friday dinner.
749"Ted Koppel's Big Night Out"Jamie BabbitAmy Sherman-PalladinoNovember 18, 20031761595.2
When the four Gilmores run into an old acquaintance at the Harvard-Yale game, Emily fights with both Richard and Lorelai, prompting Lorelai to accept a dinner date with Jason. Meanwhile, Lane begs Luke to let her replace his new employee.
7510"The Nanny and the Professor"Peter LauerScott KauferJanuary 20, 20041761604.1
Sookie's new nanny turns out to be Michel's old rival, who has child-phobic Michel so paranoid he offers to play Mary Poppins to Sookie's new baby, Davey. Meanwhile, one of Rory's professors shows a penchant for women 40 years his junior...Paris Gellar.
7611"In the Clamor and the Clangor"Michael GrossmanSheila R. Lawrence, Janet LeahyJanuary 27, 20041761614.4
Hear the tintinnabulation. Restored church bells set everyone on edge, prompting Lorelai and Luke to a late-night escapade. When Lorelai discovers Luke has "moved" to another town with Nicole, she freaks out. Rory has an embarrassing run-in with a fellow student who turned her down for a date. When Mrs. Kim discovers Lane's stash of rock-'n'-roll music — after a failed gig at the famous CBGB club in New York — she discovers Lane's secret life and kicks her out.
7712"A Family Matter"Kenny OrtegaDaniel PalladinoFebruary 3, 20041761624.9
Luke is wary when his flaky sister Liz unexpectedly visits. Then the other shoe drops: Jess is back in Stars Hollow to pick up his junky car. Paris dumps Jamie for her new flame, Asher Flemming.
7813"Nag Hammadi Is Where They Found the Gnostic Gospels"Chris LongAmy Sherman-PalladinoFebruary 10, 20041761634.6
When Luke wants to do something about Liz's latest boyfriend, who seems to be yet another loser, Jess accuses him of being a know-it-all buttinski... and Luke takes the criticism to heart. Also, Jess runs away from Rory every time he sees her, but later has a surprising proclamation to make.
7914"The Incredible Sinking Lorelais"Stephen ClancyAmy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel PalladinoFebruary 17, 20041761644.8
Things fall apart. Humiliated when she has trouble keeping up with her course load, Rory turns to Dean for support. Running out of time and money to renovate the Dragonfly, and reeling from being labelled as a failure by her grandmother, Lorelai turns to Luke for a loan.
8015"Scene in a Mall"Chris LongDaniel PalladinoFebruary 24, 20041761654.8
Conspicuous consumption. Hurt that Richard spends so much time on business and so little time with her, Emily hits the mall, dragging Lorelai and Rory with her when she runs into them on their mother-daughter day. Lane moves into an apartment with her band mates, Zack and Bryan.
8116"The Reigning Lorelai"Marita GrabiakJane EspensonMarch 2, 20041761665.0
Trix, Richard's mother dies. In the process of attending to every little detail of the plans Trix left for the funeral, Emily finds an upsetting letter that Trix wrote to Richard the night before his and Emily's wedding that states her disapproval of Emily and her preference for Pennilynn Lotte as a daughter-in-law. Emily abruptly halts planning the funeral, leaving the task to Lorelai, who gets help from Rory.
8217"Girls in Bikinis, Boys Doin' The Twist"Jamie BabbitAmy Sherman-PalladinoApril 13, 20041761674.5
Rory and Paris go south for a rite of passage: spring break! While there, they hang out with Madeline and Louise. Jason awkwardly performs the rite of giving Lorelai his house key. Luke is read his rights after attacking a suspicious car outside the house that belongs to him and Nicole.
8318"Tick, Tick, Tick, Boom!"Daniel PalladinoDaniel PalladinoApril 20, 20041761684.2
Taylor returns to Stars Hollow looking a little different, and Kirk panics about a mistake he made during the Easter egg hunt he planned in Taylor's absence. Former business associate Floyd, Jason's father, slaps a lawsuit on Richard and Jason's partnership, simultaneously revealing Lorelai's secret affair with Jason to her astonished parents.
8419"Afterboom"Michael ZinbergSheila R. LawrenceApril 27, 20041761694.3
What happens after an explosion? Everything is in pieces. The crisis in Richard and Jason's business dramatically affects Richard and Emily's marriage as well as Lorelai and Jason's relationship. Lane's band get a gig. Travel agents come to view the Dragonfly Inn. Lane meets her replacement in her Mother's house.
8520"Luke Can See Her Face"Matthew DiamondAmy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel PalladinoMay 4, 20041761704.2
Luke tracks down Jess to convince him to attend Liz's wedding to TJ. The least-likely person to buy self-help tapes buys self-help tapes. And what do you know? They help. Thanks to the voice from the boom box, Luke finally realizes who will make him happy... Lorelai Gilmore. Feeling better, Luke completes his journey by handing over the tapes to a flummoxed Jess, who still loves Rory.
8621"Last Week Fights, This Week Tights"Chris LongDaniel PalladinoMay 11, 20041761714.6
Wedding day at Stars Hollow - and Liz and T.J.'s Renaissance-themed ceremony seems to have an effect on Luke and Jess. Mrs. Kim and Lane begin a tentative reconciliation. Meanwhile, Rory and Dean share another secret conversation. Jess shows up at Yale and asks Rory to run away with him to New York and tells her that they're meant to be together, but Rory harshly rejects him. Jess leaves.
8722"Raincoats and Recipes"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-PalladinoMay 18, 2004176172N/A
Rory has come home for the summer. The Dragonfly hosts a test-run weekend, and it seems everyone Lorelai knows is there (including someone she does not invite). Richard and Emily continue to fight, Kirk suffers from night terrors, Taylor offers up his commentary in classic Taylor style, Michel proposes some changes to the inn, and Luke and Lorelai have a serious discussion ending with a kiss to start their relationship. Rory and married Dean have sex for the first time, and Lorelai's disapproval sparks a fight between her and Rory that ends the season.

Season 5 (2004–05)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code
881"Say Goodbye to Daisy Miller"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-PalladinoSeptember 21, 20042T5301
Rory and Lorelai are still quarreling about her affair with married Dean. Rory gets an offer to go to Europe for the summer with Emily and accepts. Lindsay tries to find a way to make Dean happy. Emily admits the separation with Richard and their agreement. Luke leaves to be with Liz and TJ.
892"A Messenger, Nothing More"Daniel PalladinoDaniel PalladinoSeptember 28, 20042T5302
While touring Europe with Emily, Rory writes a letter to Dean, hoping to fix the mess she made, but only makes it worse when Lindsay finds the letter and kicks Dean out of the house, and the town witnesses it. Lorelai and Sookie take a day off from the Dragonfly and relax, while Lorelai and Rory reconcile.
903"Written in the Stars"Kenny OrtegaAmy Sherman-PalladinoOctober 5, 20042T5303
Luke and Lorelai finally go on their first date, where Luke shows Lorelai a horoscope she gave to him when they first met 8 years ago and tells her he wants a relationship with her. After sleeping with Luke, Lorelai goes downstairs in Luke's plaid shirt to look for coffee, and finds the diner full of townspeople. Rory meets Logan Huntzberger, whom she does not like.
914"Tippecanoe and Taylor, Too"Lee Shallat-ChemelBill PradyOctober 12, 20042T5304
Frustrated with Taylor's obstructionism, Jackson runs for town selectman and wins.
925"We Got Us a Pippi Virgin"Stephen ClancyDaniel PalladinoOctober 19, 20042T5305
A double date between Lorelai and Luke and Rory and Dean goes terribly wrong.
936"Norman Mailer, I'm Pregnant!"Matthew DiamondJames Berg, Stan ZimmermanOctober 26, 20042T5306
Norman Mailer visits the Inn. Sookie learns she is pregnant again. Christopher calls Lorelai in a panic when Sherry leaves him and Gigi. Lorelai rushes over to Christopher's, much to the disapproval of Rory. Rory does research on the "Life and Death Brigade" for the Yale Daily News, which leads her right back to Logan Huntzberger.
947"You Jump, I Jump, Jack"Kenny OrtegaDaniel PalladinoNovember 2, 20042T5307
Rory gets an overnight inside scoop on the "Life and Death Brigade" with Logan. Emily insists on meeting Luke, and finds him unsuitable. Luke plays golf with Richard, who proposes franchising Luke's Diner – explaining to Emily that Luke would only be a figurehead.
958"The Party's Over"Eric LaneuvilleAmy Sherman-PalladinoNovember 9, 20042T5308
Emily and Richard host a party for Yale alumni (and their sons) but Rory is the unknowing guest-of-honor. When Dean comes to pick her up, he sees her surrounded by Yale men and feels inferior. It ends her relationship with Dean for good. Luke, Lorelai, and T.J. have a complicated dinner.
969"Emily Says Hello"Kenny OrtegaRebecca Rand KirshnerNovember 16, 20042T5309
Rory and Lorelai create a plan to reunite Emily and Richard. Emily goes on a date. Christopher visits Stars Hollow with baby Gigi and has lunch with Lorelai, which upsets Rory and causes him to leave.
9710"But Not as Cute as Pushkin"Michael ZinbergAmy Sherman-PalladinoNovember 30, 20042T5310
Rory shows a student from Chilton around Yale, which ends terribly. Lorelai learns of Luke's "dark day". Rory is embarrassed by Logan and his friends during a class.
9811"Women of Questionable Morals"Matthew DiamondDaniel PalladinoJanuary 25, 20052T5311
A dog temporarily brings Emily and Richard back together; Stars Hollow holds its annual Revolutionary War reenactment with some strange changes; Chris attempts to make amends with Rory. Christopher's father dies and gains support from Lorelai and Rory.
9912"Come Home"Kenny OrtegaJessica QuellerFebruary 1, 20052T5312
A fender bender reunites Emily and Richard, and plan a vow renewal ceremony. Emily and Christopher plot to break up Luke and Lorelai.
10013"Wedding Bell Blues"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-PalladinoFebruary 8, 20052T5313
Richard and Emily renew their vows with an elaborate ceremony and party. Christopher tries to get together with Lorelai, even though she has brought Luke to the reception. Rory is caught by her parents and Luke in the midst of an intimate encounter with Logan. Luke walks out mad after Christopher tells him he is only temporarily with Lorelai and that he and Lorelai are destined to be together.
10114"Say Something"Daniel PalladinoDaniel PalladinoFebruary 15, 20052T5314
Lorelai deals with her break-up with Luke, and Rory deals with her complicated nonexclusive relationship with Logan.
10215"Jews and Chinese Food"Matthew DiamondAmy Sherman-PalladinoFebruary 22, 20052T5315
Lorelai helps with costumes for the elementary school's production of "Fiddler on the Roof" while Luke helps with props in hopes of seeing her. Rory finally reveals her feelings for Logan, as Marty reveals his feelings for her.
10316"So...Good Talk"Jamie BabbitLisa RandolphMarch 1, 20052T5316
Lorelai ignores Emily for driving Luke away and interfering with her love life. Rory faithfully keeps her Friday dinner agreement with her grandparents, but is cold to Emily, making her furious. Emily talks briefly to Luke and says she will stay out of the relationship with Lorelai. Lorelai hears a knock at the door, and Luke reunites with her.
10417"Pulp Friction"Michael ZinbergJames Berg, Stan ZimmermanMarch 8, 20052T5317
A Quentin Tarantino-themed party marks a new phase in Logan and Rory's relationship. Rory goes to the party with someone else, making Logan jealous. Lorelai celebrates her reunion with Luke, but continues to freeze out Emily. Michel wins a motor home on "The Price Is Right". Lorelai tells Emily that she needs time away from her after she haults into Luke's Diner and interrogates him.
10518"To Live and Let Diorama"Jackson DouglasDaniel PalladinoApril 19, 20052T5318
Luke helps Taylor Doose renovate an old house into a museum. Dean tells Luke that Lorelai will eventually get bored with him. Rory, Paris, and Lane become intoxicated at the opening of the house, speaking their minds about their love lives. It ends with Rory being upset, making Lorelai dislike Logan more. (Last appearance of Jared Padalecki.)
10619"But I'm a Gilmore!"Michael ZinbergAmy Sherman-PalladinoApril 26, 20052T5319
Rory lets Logan know that she is a "girlfriend-girl," and Logan takes it as an ultimatum. He is scared at the thought of leaving her, and he decides to commit to a public relationship. He takes her to his parents' house where his family does not accept her because of her mother.
10720"How Many Kropogs to Cape Cod?"Jamie BabbitBill Prady, Rebecca Rand KirshnerMay 3, 20052T5320
Rory begins working as Mitchum Huntzberger's intern at the Stamford Gazette. Emily and Richard have Logan over for dinner, and Lorelai decides to forgive Emily in order to have go to the dinner with Logan. Friday night dinners begin again.
10821"Blame Booze and Melville"Jamie BabbitDaniel PalladinoMay 10, 20052T5321
Sookie's baby arrives early, and forces Jackson to get fixed. Lorelai insults Emily with her insensitive remarks in an article about the Dragonfly, but forgives her. Kirk outbids Luke for the Twickham house, but Luke gets it anyway from the Town Elders because of his wanting it for Lorelai. Rory is upset when Mitchum Huntzberger tells her she wouldn't cut it as a professional journalist. Rory, upset, goes to Logan's sister's engagement party, where they steal a yacht.
10922"A House Is Not a Home"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-PalladinoMay 17, 20052T5322
Lorelai picks Rory up from jail and discovers the truth behind the stolen yacht incident with Logan. Rory decides to take a year off from Yale because of the recent events. This upsets Lorelai, who goes to her parents who agree to help, but they stab her in the back by allowing Rory to live there. Lorelai then asks Luke to marry her...

Season 6 (2005–06)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code
1101"New and Improved Lorelai"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-PalladinoSeptember 13, 20052T6301
Luke says "yes" to Lorelai's question. Rory goes to court for stealing a yacht and gets 300 hours of community service to be completed within six months. Luke goes to Kirk to buy an engagement ring. Lorelai tells her parents she is finished with them after what they did to her.
1112"Fight Face"Daniel PalladinoDaniel PalladinoSeptember 20, 20052T6302
Rory gets into a fight while doing community service, which has an ugly turn. Luke and Lorelai decide they are not going to buy a new house, but expand Lorelai's house instead. Rory finds out about Lorelai and Luke's engagement, which causes another fight between them. Lorelai buys a dog and names him Paul Anka.
1123"The UnGraduate"Michael ZinbergDavid S. RosenthalSeptember 27, 20052T6303
Rory completes her 125th hour of community service, while Paris terrorizes everyone at The Dragonfly Inn. Lorelai's house is under construction, and Lorelai entertains the workers with pizza, beer, and breakfast. Paul Anka eats baking chocolate and Luke takes him to a vet.
1134"Always a Godmother, Never a God"Robert BerlingerRebecca Rand KirshnerOctober 4, 20052T6304
Sookie and Jackson's children are getting baptized, and Jackson's family is coming to The Dragonfly to stay for a few days. Sookie creates a plan to try to get Lorelai and Rory back to together by making them the children's godmothers, forcing them to meet again and break the silence instilled from the fight.
1145"We've Got Magic to Do"Michael ZinbergDaniel PalladinoOctober 11, 20052T6305
Rory hosts a WWII-themed DAR function, which goes incredibly well. Richard and Emily learn the truth about the Huntzbergers and realize that Lorelai was right about how they had treated Rory. Emily faces off and has a talk with Shira Huntzberger. Richard is upset seeing Rory become "only" a host and wants more for her. Paris finds out she's broke.
1156"Welcome to the Doll House"Jackson DouglasKeith EisnerOctober 18, 20052T6306
Taylor changes Stars Hollow's street names to their historical predecessors, much to the displeasure of the staff of the Dragonfly Inn. Logan gives Rory an extremely expensive gift. Rory tells Logan she loves him. Richard shows up on Lorelai's front door with her doll house and wants to talk about getting Rory back at Yale.
1167"Twenty-One is the Loneliest Number"Robert BerlingerAmy Sherman-PalladinoOctober 25, 20052T6307
Rory and Lorelai are unhappy because, due to their estrangement, they cannot carry out their plans for Rory's 21st birthday. Emily and Richard become wary about Rory and Logan becoming serious. Emily throws Rory a party and finds out that Lorelai is engaged.
1178"Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out"Kenny OrtegaDaniel PalladinoNovember 8, 20052T6308
A visit from Jess and his recent success makes Rory rethink her relationship with Logan and her recent life choices. Rory and Logan fight over Jess and decide to take some time apart. Lorelai deals with her and Rory's estrangement by taking care of her sick dog.
1189"The Prodigal Daughter Returns"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-PalladinoNovember 15, 20052T6309
Rory decides to go back to Yale and she gets a job at the Stamford Gazette. Rory and Lorelai reunite. Luke finds out that he has a daughter; he does not tell Lorelai.
11910"He's Slippin' 'Em Bread...Dig?"Kenny OrtegaDaniel PalladinoNovember 22, 20052T6310
Christopher offers to share a recent inheritance with Lorelai and Rory, so Rory asks him to pay for Yale. Zach throws a tantrum during an important concert for the band after Brian writes a song called "Lane." Zach ends his relationship with Lane. Rory finds out that Logan has broken up with her through Logan's sister.
12011"The Perfect Dress"Jamie BabbitAmy Sherman-PalladinoJanuary 10, 20062T6311
Lorelai and Sookie manage to plan Luke and Lorelai's wedding in just one day, much to the shock of Luke. Luke goes to have a talk with his former girlfriend Anna Nardini, mother of his daughter April. Rory has a breakdown while talking to the school psychologist while Logan tries to win her back.
12112"Just Like Gwen and Gavin"Stephen ClancyDaniel PalladinoJanuary 17, 20062T6312
Lorelai and Rory volunteer to man a carnival booth called "The Amazing Doggy Swami". The staff at the Yale Daily News try to rise against Paris. Lorelai finds out about Luke's daughter, but not from Luke himself. Luke and Lorelai postpone the wedding so Luke can get to know his daughter.
12213"Friday Night's Alright for Fighting"Kenny OrtegaAmy Sherman-PalladinoJanuary 31, 20062T6313
Logan helps Rory with a paper crisis that saves their relationship and puts them back on track. Lorelai tells her parents about Christopher paying for Yale. They feel insulted, but Lorelai agrees to have Friday night dinner with them. During Friday night dinner, all four Gilmores vent their frustrations with each other.
12314"You've Been Gilmored"Stephen ClancyJordon NardinoFebruary 7, 20062T6314
Luke attends Friday night dinner with Lorelai. Rory becomes the Yale Daily News' editor and moves in with Logan after Paris banishes her from the apartment after feeling betrayed. Christopher comes to visit Rory, who approves of Logan.
12415"A Vineyard Valentine"Daniel PalladinoDaniel PalladinoFebruary 14, 20062T6315
Lorelai and Luke spend some time with Logan and Rory in Martha's Vineyard during Valentine's Day weekend. Luke feels uncomfortable the entire time and agrees to take one of the gifts Logan was going to give to Rory to give to Lorelai. Lorelai admits to Luke that she feels like the wedding will never happen, so Luke tells her they should elope. Logan's dad shows up and tells Logan he has to stay in London for a year after he graduates.
12516"Bridesmaids Revisited"Linda MendozaRebecca Rand KirshnerFebruary 28, 20062T6316
Rory attends the wedding of Logan's sister and finds out some upsetting things about how Logan spent his time during their separation. Lorelai babysits Christopher's daughter, Gigi, who is very spoiled. Lorelai tells Christopher about her concerns over Gigi's behavior. Zach seeks to reunite the band and spontaneously proposes to Lane, who accepts. Rory and Paris reconcile after Paris dumps Doyle.
12617"I'm OK, You're OK"Lee Shallat-ChemelKeith EisnerApril 4, 20062T6317
Logan comes to explain his actions to Rory. Both couples—Logan and Rory and Paris and Doyle—make-up. Zach and Mrs. Kim team up to write a hit song for Hep Alien. The Gilmore girls face romantic problems.
12718"The Real Paul Anka"Daniel PalladinoDaniel PalladinoApril 11, 20062T6318
Rory becomes worried about Logan's constant drinking and partying. Luke chaperones April's field trip to Philadelphia and visits Jess at his bookstore café. Rory sees and kisses Jess, but then apologizes to him for using him to get back at Logan. (Last appearance of Milo Ventimiglia.)
12819"I Get a Sidekick Out of You"Amy Sherman-PalladinoAmy Sherman-PalladinoApril 18, 20062T6319
Lane and Zach get married and Lorelai realizes that at this rate, she may never be in Lane's shoes.
12920"Super Cool Party People"Ken WhittinghamDavid S. RosenthalApril 25, 20062T6320
Logan is hospitalized and Rory rushes to be by his side. Rory tells Mitchum off over the phone. Lorelai helps throw a birthday party for April with unexpected results and meets Anna Nardini.
13021"Driving Miss Gilmore"Jamie BabbitDaniel Palladino, Amy Sherman-PalladinoMay 2, 20062T6321
Logan comes home from the hospital and Paris and Doyle take care of him. Emily has laser eye surgery and asked Lorelai to drive her around while her eyes heal. Lorelai admits that the wedding is not going to happen to Emily after she offers to buy her and Luke a house. Jackson finds out that a half acre of his field has been planted with cannabis plants and struggles to decide how to dispose of the plants.
13122"Partings"Amy Sherman-PalladinoDaniel Palladino, Amy Sherman-PalladinoMay 9, 20062T6322
Lorelai continues to try to avoid Luke. Lorelai pours her heart out to a therapist and gives Luke an ultimatum that breaks them up. Rory throws Logan a graduation party as he prepares to leave for London.

Season 7 (2006–07)

This is the only season to not have Amy Sherman-Palladino or Daniel Palladino as a show-runner or a writer. The newly formed CW network claimed their departure was due to a salary dispute. Amy Sherman-Palladino later insisted that she and Daniel Palladino could not come to an agreement with CW because they needed a short series hiatus to rest, the hiring of more writers to relieve their work load, and an additional eighth season to finish the story lines properly.

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code
1321"The Long Morrow"Lee Shallat-ChemelDavid S. RosenthalSeptember 26, 20062T7751
Lorelai wakes up next to Christopher after she breaks-up with Luke. Rory receives a model rocket as a going-away present from Logan and struggles to decode its significance. Kirk crashes into Luke's diner. Luke tries to get Lorelai back, but she informs him that she slept with Christopher. Christopher calls Lorelai and says, "That other night was incredible and I hope it can happen again." Lorelai replies, "That night was a mistake and it cannot happen again."
1332"That's What You Get, Folks, for Makin' Whoopee"Bethany RooneyRebecca Rand KirshnerOctober 3, 20062T7752
Luke punches Christopher after finding out Lorelai slept with him. After not being able to go on the trip to Asia with Logan, Lorelai throws Rory an Asian-themed party, but Rory finds out that Lorelai slept with Christopher and gets upset. Lane and Zach return from their less-than-perfect honeymoon in Mexico. Lane reports to Rory that sex is overrated; learning that she is pregnant does not help her opinion. Luke and Lorelai begin to deal with their break-up.
1343"Lorelai's First Cotillion"Lee Shallat-ChemelRina MimounOctober 10, 20062T7753
Lorelai begins to wonder if all the choices she's made have been due to her trying to rebel against her mother. Christopher tells Lorelai that he loves her.
1354"'S Wonderful, 'S Marvelous"Victor Nelli, Jr.Gayle AbramsOctober 17, 20062T7754
Lorelai and Chris begin to date. Christopher forgives Sherry after she sends him a letter apologizing. Rory returns to Yale for the fall semester of her senior year. April is staying with Luke temporarily while her mom, Anna, is out of town. Richard starts at Yale as a guest lecturer. Rory covers an art exhibition for the Yale newspaper and meets her new friends, Lucy and Olivia.
1365"The Great Stink"Michael SchultzGina FattoreOctober 24, 20062T7755
Logan returns to town on business to acquire an internet company and pays Rory a surprise visit. Rory is thrilled but, during a dinner with Logan's colleagues, realizes that she has no connection to his new business world. Lorelai and Christopher fight about Gigi going to Paris to be with Sherry for a few months. Christopher asks Lorelai to go to Paris with him.
1376"Go, Bulldogs!"Wil ShrinerDavid S. Rosenthal, Rebecca Rand KirshnerNovember 7, 20062T7756
Lorelai and Chris attend Yale Parents' Weekend where they find Emily and Richard. Chris takes Rory and all her friends out for dinner after feeling guilty that he wasn't around when Rory was growing up. At the end, she shows her commitment to her duties as editor of the newspaper by gathering the troops to report on a story.
1387"French Twist"Lee Shallat-ChemelDavid BabcockNovember 14, 20062T7757
Lorelai and Chris fly to France to take Gigi to see her mother, Sherry. Once there, Chris proposes to Lorelai and the couple return to Stars Hollow as Mr. and Mrs. Hayden. The joy of Rory's trip to the country (Stars Hollow) with Lucy and Olivia is dampened by Rory's breakdown regarding her fears for the future, and the unexpected appearance of a past friend who disavows having known Rory. Zach and Lane find out they're having twins and break the news of their impending parenthood to Mrs. Kim, with unexpected consequences.
1398"Introducing Lorelai Planetarium"Lee Shallat-ChemelJennie SnyderNovember 21, 20062T7758
Rory is angry that she could not attend Lorelai and Chris's wedding. Logan is moving from London to New York City. He and Rory fight about an article she wrote. April develops appendicitis and Luke takes her to the hospital.
1409"Knit, People, Knit!"Lee Shallat-ChemelDavid GraeNovember 28, 20062T7759
Chris and Lorelai tell Emily and Richard about their marriage. Lorelai becomes determined to make Christopher liked by the people in Stars Hollow. Anna tells Luke that she is moving across the country and taking April with her, in which Luke tells Anna he will fight for custody. Rory moves in with Paris, after moving out of Logan's apartment. She attends a party at Lucy's apartment; Marty reveals to Rory that he still has feelings for her. Luke's evident feelings for Lorelai are still apparent in his behavior.
14110"Merry Fisticuffs"Jackson DouglasDavid S. RosenthalDecember 5, 20062T7760
Luke and Lorelai share a moment when Luke introduces her to Liz's new baby, and Christopher witnesses the scene. Lorelai and Christopher get into a fight over what Lorelai wants versus what Christopher wants. Luke contacts a lawyer over his custody troubles with Anna. Christopher and Luke fight in the town square. Logan discovers that Rory and Marty have been pretending that they just met, and he reveals the truth to Lucy. Emily gives Lorelai advice about her marriage.
14211"Santa's Secret Stuff"Lee Shallat-ChemelRebecca Rand KirshnerJanuary 23, 20072T7761
Luke asks Lorelai to be a character reference in his custody case. Rory comes back from London from Chirstmas with Logan, where she and Logan have made amends. The Gilmore girls celebrate Chirstmas a month late. April sneaks out to see Luke.
14312"To Whom It May Concern"Jamie BabbitDavid BabcockJanuary 30, 20072T7762
Rory makes amends with Lucy while Christopher finds the letter Lorelai wrote for Luke's character reference. Rory witnesses a frightening sight while at Richard's Economics class. Sookie is acting weirdly so Lorelai makes Jackson confess: Sookie is pregnant again, even though Sookie told Jackson to get a vasectomy.
14413"I'd Rather Be in Philadelphia"Lee Shallat-ChemelRebecca Rand KirshnerFebruary 6, 20072T7763
Richard is in the hospital with Emily, Lorelai and Rory in the waiting room; Logan comes to be by Rory's side. Lorelai calls Christopher to let him know, but cannot reach him. Luke hears about Richard and comes running to help.
14514"Farewell, My Pet"Jamie BabbitJennie SnyderFebruary 13, 20072T7764
Richard is feeling better and preparing to leave the hospital. Michel's dog Chin Chin dies and Michel guilts Lorelai into holding his memorial at The Dragonfly. Rory has a crush on the teacher's assistant that is filling in for Richard and confesses her "self-destructive" feelings to Logan. Lorelai and Christopher end their marriage after he calls her out on still having feelings for Luke.
14615"I Am Kayak, Hear Me Roar"Lee Shallat-ChemelRebecca Rand KirshnerFebruary 20, 20072T7765
Lorelai is having a hard time confessing her breakup to Emily but to her surprise encounters sympathy when she does. Rory prepares a "Gilmorish-birthday" for Logan to show him that a birthday can be fun as opposed to the way they get celebrated in the Huntzburger family. Logan learns that his company's patents aren't valid due to prior art.
14716"Will You Be My Lorelai Gilmore?"David PaymerGina Fattore, Gayle AbramsFebruary 27, 20072T7766
Lorelai and Rory throw Lane's baby shower, but Lorelai has to settle a fight between Lane and her mother first. Rory has an interview with the New York Times. Luke sells his father's boat to Kirk and buys a new and bigger one. Logan finally tells Rory about his business situation, and she tries to help out even though there's nothing she can do. She offers to come home from Lane's baby shower early to be with him, but Logan decides to go to Las Vegas with Colin and Finn to blow off some steam.
14817"Gilmore Girls Only"Lee Shallat-ChemelDavid BabcockMarch 6, 20072T7767
Lorelai plans a road trip to attend the wedding of Mia, the woman who served as a surrogate mother/grandmother to the girls for years. Rory has a fight with Logan over his immature reaction to his business disaster, and agrees to go on the trip with Lorelai. Emily invites herself along in an effort to get away from Richard, who is driving her crazy while he recuperates at home. At the wedding, Emily is upset by the close relationship Mia shares with Lorelai and Rory. Lorelai learns that Emily came to see Mia five years earlier to ask for pictures of Lorelai and Rory during the years they were estranged. Logan makes a surprise appearance and asks Rory to forgive him. Meanwhile, Lane and Zack ask Luke to be the godfather to their twins Steve and Kwan. Finally, Lane goes into labor and Luke helps get everyone to the hospital.
14918"Hay Bale Maze"Stephen ClancyRebecca Rand KirshnerApril 17, 20072T7768
When Taylor spends all of the Spring budget on a hay bale maze, it forces Lorelai and Luke to reunite while in the hay bale maze. Rory and Logan come to Stars Hollow for the Spring fair and Rory learns that she was given a job offer for a newspaper. When she evaluates what she truly wants she decides to reject the job offer and wait on an internship at the New York Times.
15019"It's Just Like Riding a Bike"Lee Shallat-ChemelJennie SnyderApril 24, 20072T7769
Lorelai tries to reacquaint herself and Luke by visiting the diner, but the reunion results in an awkward silence. Paris freaks out over too many opportunities when she gets accepted to a quite a few graduate programs. Rory's hopes get squashed when she gets rejected for the internship at the New York Times. While staying with Lorelai, Jackson accidentally destroys her dollhouse.
15120"Lorelai? Lorelai?"Bethany RooneyDavid S. RosenthalMay 1, 20072T7770
After getting into a science camp, April tells Luke that she cannot go on the boating trip with him over the summer. Zach is asked to go on tour with another band. A drunk Lorelai serenades Luke at Karaoke night. Logan gets a job in San Francisco, where he then goes to Lorelai's home to ask permission to propose to Rory and take her with him. Lorelai, shocked, gives no answer.
15221"Unto the Breach"Lee Shallat-ChemelDavid Babcock, Jennie SnyderMay 8, 20072T7771
At Rory's graduation party at her grandparent's house, Logan proposes to her. Emily and Richard sing Rory a graduation song. Rory is caught off-guard and says she needs time to think about it. After Rory graduates from Yale, she tells Logan that she can't marry him. Logan tells her it's all or nothing and Rory decides to decline. Logan ends their relationship. (Last appearances of Liza Weil, Matt Czuchry, & David Sutcliffe.)
15322"Bon Voyage"Lee Shallat-ChemelDavid S. RosenthalMay 15, 20072T7772
Rory lands her dream job as a political reporter in Ohio. Luke enlists the help of everyone in Stars Hollow to throw her a graduation party in order to say goodbye. Luke's thoughtfulness brings out a long-awaited reaction from Lorelai.

Ratings

These were the most watched episodes of the series in the original view in the United States.

Title Season Episode U.S. viewers (million)
"The Third Lorelai" 1 18 4.8[8]
"Presenting Lorelai Gilmore" 2 6 5.6[8]
"Application Anxiety" 3 3 5.8[8]
"Chicken or Beef?" 4 4 5.6[8]
"Wedding Bell Blues" 5 13 6.3**[8]
"He's Slippin' 'Em Bread...Dig?" 6 10 6.3**[8]
"Bon Voyage" 7 22 4.9[8]

Note: ** They are the most watched episodes in the history of the series.

References