1. "Parenthood" (2010-2015) If you loved the family dynamics of the Gilmores, you're gonna be all over "Parenthood." This show revolves around the Bravermans, a sprawling family living in California. You'll find sibling banter, generational challenges, and even a character with Asperger's Syndrome. Sarah Braverman, a single mom, navigates life while dealing with her rebellious daughter and sensitive son.
2. "One Tree Hill" (2003-2012) Loved the high school setting of "Gilmore Girls"? Let's switch coasts to Tree Hill, North Carolina.
The story starts off with two half-brothers, Lucas and Nathan Scott, who couldn't be more different but share a love for basketball. Add to the mix their romantic entanglements — Lucas loves Peyton, Nathan is married to Haley, and Brooke is kinda in-between — and you've got a web of drama worthy of any WB show.
3. "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" (2017-2023) How could I not mention this one? It's literally by the same creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino! Set in 1950s New York, Miriam "Midge" Maisel discovers her talent for stand-up comedy after her husband leaves her. She teams up with a manager, Susie, and the two of them navigate the male-dominated world of comedy.
It's like if Lorelai Gilmore lived in the '50s and decided to do stand-up. Plus, it won eight Primetime Emmy Awards in its first season alone!
4. "Younger" (2015-2021) If you liked Rory's journey into the world of journalism, you might enjoy "Younger." Liza is a 40-year-old woman who lies about her age to get a job in publishing. She starts dating a much younger tattoo artist, Josh, while also attracting her boss, Charles.
It's a modern-day rom-com with an edge, as Liza tries to maintain her double life.
5. "Everwood" (2002-2006) Set in a small mountain town (sounds familiar, huh?), "Everwood" centers around Dr. Andy Brown, who relocates his family to Colorado after his wife's death. His relationship with his son, Ephram, is strained, to say the least.
The show delves deep into family bonds and features a love story between Ephram and his neighbor Amy. There's a lot of that "small-town charm meets complicated personal relationships" vibe that you adored in Stars Hollow.
6. "Dawson's Creek" (1998-2003) Oh, come on, you knew this was coming. Set in the small, idyllic town of Capeside, this show is all about the love and friendship between four high school buddies — Dawson, Joey, Pacey, and Jen. Dawson's the aspiring filmmaker with a Spielberg obsession, Joey's the girl next door with a crush, Pacey's the sarcastic goofball, and Jen is the city girl new in town.
7. "Hart of Dixie" (2011-2015) How about a city girl becoming a country doctor? When Zoe Hart inherits a medical practice in Bluebell, Alabama, she's in for a culture shock. There's an initial love triangle between her, her neighbor Wade, and town lawyer George. The town is filled with quirky festivals, and Zoe learns to adapt to her new life while warming the hearts of the skeptical townspeople.
8. "Friday Night Lights" (2006-2011) Okay, hear me out. This one might be about football, but it's so much more. The show focuses on the lives of the residents in Dillon, Texas, where high school football is a religion. Coach Eric Taylor navigates team politics, his marriage to Tami, and the hopes and dreams of an entire town resting on his shoulders.
While it lacks the quirky humor of "Gilmore Girls," it nails the tight-knit community feel.
9. "Bunheads" (2012-2013) This show's a bit of a hidden gem, also by Amy Sherman-Palladino. Ballet dancer Michelle Simms ends up teaching at a dance school in a small California town after impulsively marrying a persistent suitor. She becomes a mentor to her ballet students, navigating not just the complexities of ballet but also the dynamics of being a young, reluctant mother figure.
10. "Sweetbitter" (2018-2019) Based on a popular book, this series takes place in the hustle and bustle of New York City. Tess is a 22-year-old who lands a job at a renowned restaurant, and she quickly gets swallowed up in the intoxicating world of fine dining, wine, and complicated relationships. The owner, Howard, and the mysterious server, Simone, become major influences in her life.
11. "Gossip Girl" (2007-2012, 2021 reboot) New York's Upper East Side, anyone? This drama series is centered around the lives of privileged teenagers attending elite schools.
While it's a far cry from the humble environment of Stars Hollow, the wit and complex relationships are what make this show worth a watch. Blair and Serena are the heart of the show, their friendship enduring countless trials. Oh, and there's the ever-mysterious blogger Gossip Girl, who keeps tabs on everyone.
12. "The Fosters" (2013-2018) Family is what you make of it, right? "The Fosters" is a modern drama about a multi-ethnic family led by a lesbian couple. Stef is a police officer, and Lena is a vice principal, and together they're raising a biological son, an adopted pair of twins, and two foster children.
This show handles real issues like immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial identity.
13. "Pretty Little Liars" (2010-2017) Four high school girls are bound by a secret after their friend Alison disappears. They start receiving mysterious messages from "A," who threatens to reveal their darkest secrets. The stakes are high as they navigate relationships, high school dramas, and let's not forget — potential murder accusations.
If you liked the mystery elements of who's Rory's dad or what's the deal with Jess, then you'll love solving the puzzle of "A."
14. "Jane The Virgin" (2014-2019) Jane Villanueva is accidentally artificially inseminated during a routine check-up. Deciding to keep the baby, Jane's life spirals into a telenovela-level series of events. Family dynamics, love triangles, and even crime lords — it's all here.
With the warmth of Lorelai and Rory's relationship and the quirks of a small community, this one hits a lot of sweet spots.
15. "The O.C." (2003-2007) Welcome to the O.C., baby! Ryan Atwood is taken in by the wealthy Cohen family after his mother kicks him out. He forms a close friendship with his nerdy and humorous adoptive brother, Seth, and falls for the girl next door, Marissa.
It's not Stars Hollow, but the tight-knit community, filled with drama and humor, will give you all the feels.
