TV Romance
Your Complete ‘Gilmore Girls’ Couples Episode Guide to Every Major Relationship Moment
Let’s face it, not everyone has the four days, 13 hours, and 14 minutes needed to curl up on the couch and binge all seven seasons of Gilmore Girls every fall, even if it’s our lifestyle and our religion.
For those who aren’t intimately acquainted, Gilmore Girls follows Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel). Having had Rory at 16, Lorelai and her daughter have always depended on each other. However, once Rory gets into a prestigious prep school, Lorelai must turn to her wealthy parents for help and return to the stuffy lifestyle she had left behind. Taking place in Stars Hollow, a quirky, community-driven town, Gilmore Girls is beloved by fans for its iconic townies and all the swoonworthy love interests who stop by throughout the series.
To help fans celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic comfort show, we’ve rounded up the major relationships in the series to answer all of your major timeline questions and share each couple’s best episodes. Scroll to relive every iconic Gilmore romance, and let us know which relationship you’re most excited to relive this rewatch season!
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Rory & Dean
When do Rory and Dean meet?
Rory and Dean (Jared Padalecki) meet during Season 1, Episode 1 of Gilmore Girls. As Rory is preparing to move from Stars Hollow High to Chilton Prep, the cute new boy has her questioning everything. Recognizing Rory’s apprehension is due to her first crush, Lorelai tells her, “If you’re gonna throw your life away, he better have a motorcycle!”
When is Rory and Dean’s first kiss?
Rory and Dean share their first kiss during Season 1, Episode 7 (“Kiss and Tell”). Sure, we’ve met a few Dean haters in our day, but we’re certain even they would have to admit that Rory and Dean’s first kiss is one of the cutest in the show. For those who don’t remember, Dean surprises Rory with her first kiss in Doose’s Market, and she gets so flustered that she can only say “thank you” before running out of the store, accidentally shoplifting a box of cornstarch.
Why did Rory and Dean break up in Season 1?
Rory and Dean break up for the first time during Season 1, Episode 16 (“Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers”). To celebrate their three-month anniversary, Dean tells Rory that he is building her a car. He then tells her that he is in love with her, but she cannot reciprocate, letting him know that things are moving too fast. However, they soon get back together, falling into the same rhythm as before — that is, until Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) comes to town.
When do Rory and Dean get back together during Season 1?
Getting back together for the first time, Rory and Dean reconcile during Season 1, Episode 20 (“P.S. I Lo…), when she declares, “Because I love you, you idiot!” As Jess arrives in Season 2, this paves the way for an iconic high school love triangle.
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Why did Rory and Dean break up in Season 3?
The second time they split, during Season 3, Episode 7 (“They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They?”), Dean breaks up with Rory in front of everyone at the 24-hour dance competition because she clearly has a crush on Jess. At the end of Season 3, Dean announces that he is getting married to his new girlfriend, Lindsay (Arielle Kebbel). And yes, they are still in high school.
Do Rory and Dean sleep together while he’s married to Lindsay?
Yes, Rory and Dean do sleep together while he is married to Lindsay in Season 4, Episode 22 (“Raincoats and Recipes”), and no matter how hard we try, “My Dean” will forever live rent-free in our minds. While Rory and Dean attempt to make things work during parts of Season 4 and 5, Dean calls it quits, recognizing that their lives have gone in completely different directions.
What are the best Rory and Dean episodes in Gilmore Girls?
Season 1, Episode 1 (“Pilot”): You’ve gotta love a meet-cute.
Season 1, Episode 7 (“Kiss and Tell”): No, Rory! You have to pay for the cornstarch!
Season 1, Episode 9 (“Rory’s Dance”): This one’s a classic.
Season 4, Episode 22 (“Raincoats and Recipes”): If adultery is your kind of thing…
A Year in the Life Episode 4 (“Fall”): A reunion for the books.
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Lorelai & Max
When do Lorelai and Max meet?
Lorelai meets Max Medina (Scott Cohen) during Season 1, Episode 4 (“The Deer Hunters”), when she visits Rory’s school for Chilton Parent Night. While she hesitates over the urge to get into a relationship with one of her daughter’s teachers, it’s clear that their chemistry is too strong to ignore.
Do Lorelai and Max get married?
While Max and Lorelai get engaged, they do not end up getting married. In Season 1, Episode 21 (“Love, Daisies and Troubadours”), Max proposes to Lorelai by placing 1,000 yellow daisies at the Independence Inn. The gesture is truly stunning, and, honestly, we would have said yes right then and there, too.
Why did Lorelai and Max break up?
Lorelai and Max break up during Season 1, Episode 11 (“Paris is Burning”), when Lorelai gets cold feet, scared she (and Rory) will get her heart broken. While the couple gets back together later in the season during Episode 17 (“The Breakup”), their relationship, while speedy, is short-lived. The second time around, Lorelai and Max split on their wedding day. Instead of arriving at the altar, Lorelai and Rory flee Stars Hollow to visit Harvard.
What are the best Lorelai and Max episodes in Gilmore Girls?
Season 1, Episode 4 (“The Deer Hunters”): The series’s second major meet-cute!
Season 1, Episode 8 (“Love and War and Snow”): I smell snow… and a date with my daughter’s hot teacher!
Season 1, Episode 21 (“Love, Daisies, & Troubadours”): Idk, but that looks like a lot more than 1,000 yellow daisies.
Sookie & Jackson
When do Sookie and Jackson start dating?
Jackson (Jackson Douglas) first appears in Season 1, Episode 2 (“The Lorelais First Day at Chilton”), but Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) does not ask him out until Episode 11 (“Paris is Burning”). During Episode 12 (“Double Date”), Jackson and Sookie go on a double date with Lorelai and Jackson’s annoying cousin, Rune (Max Perlich).
When do Sookie and Jackson get married?
After getting engaged while feasting on Sookie’s homemade basket during Season 2, Episode 13 (“A-Tisket, A-Tasket”), Sookie and Jackson get married during the Season 2 finale (“I Can’t Get Started”). Of course, Jackson wears a kilt to the wedding!
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Do Sookie and Jackson have kids?
While Jackson originally wanted “four-in-four,” Sookie and Jackson share three kids: Davey, Martha, and an unnamed third child, born in Season 7. While she is hesitant to get pregnant so fast, Sookie has Davey during Season 4 and is pregnant again with Martha by Season 5.
Do Sookie and Jackson get divorced?
Sookie and Jackson have their highs and lows, but they never get divorced. While Sookie is barely present in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, she confirms that her marriage to Jackson is still going strong. If you ask us, it’s about time for a Sookie and Jackson spinoff.
What are the best Sookie and Jackson episodes in Gilmore Girls?
Season 1, Episode 11 (“Paris Is Burning”): Sookie makes a move on the mushroom man.
Season 2, Episode 13 (“A-Tisket, A-Tasket”): Everyone wants Sookie’s basket!
Season 2, Episode 22 (“I Can’t Get Started”): Wedding bells ring for the culinary duo!
Season 3, Episode 9 (“A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”): Jackson decides to deep fry a turkey.
Season 5, Episode 6 (“Norman Mailer, I’m Pregnant!”): A win for Sookie and Jackson, a loss for Christopher and Lorelai.
Rory & Jess
When do Rory and Jess meet?
Rory and Jess meet during Season 2, Episode 5 (“Nick & Nora / Sid & Nancy”), when Jess comes to Stars Hollow to live with his uncle, Luke (Scott Patterson). From the onset of their friendship, Jess understands Rory better than everyone else, and Rory appears to be the only person in Stars Hollow who Jess wants to know.
When is Rory and Jess’s first kiss?
Rory and Jess shared their first kiss during Sookie’s wedding, in Season 2, Episode 22 (“I Can’t Get Started”), when Jess returns to Stars Hollow. It’s important to note here that Rory attended the wedding with Dean. While this kiss was a long time coming, the timing could have definitely been better. Rory and Jess officially start dating during Season 3, Episode 8 (“Let the Games Begin”), only one episode after Dean breaks up with her.
Do Rory and Jess sleep together?
No, Rory and Jess never actually sleep together, even though her relationship with Jess is the first where she considers intimacy. Instead, Rory has her first time with Dean during Season 4.
Why did Rory and Jess break up?
Rory and Jess break up during Season 3, Episode 20 (“Say Goodnight, Gracie”), when Jess leaves Stars Hollow to find his dad in Venice Beach without telling Rory. On her graduation day in Season 3, Episode 22 (“Those Are Strings, Pinocchio”), Rory receives repeated calls from an unknown number, whom she assumes is Jess. While he stays silent on the other end, she tells him, “I think I may have loved you. But, I just need to… let it go.”
Do Rory and Jess get back together?
While Jess reappears multiple times, Rory and Jess never get back together after they split during Season 3. When he returns during Season 4, Episode 13 (“Nag Hammadi is Where They Found the Gnostic Gospels”), he and Rory avoid each other all day. Right before he leaves town again, Jess admits he loves Rory. During his mom’s wedding in Season 4, Episode 20 (“Luke Can See Her Face”), Jess asks Rory to come back to New York with him, but she has already settled into her life at Yale, so she declines.
Season 6 sees Jess return two more times, calling out Rory on her dramatic lifestyle change during Episode 8 (“Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out”), delivering one of the greatest lines in the show: “Why did you drop out of Yale?” Later in the season, during Episode 18 (“The Real Paul Anka”), Rory visits Jess in New York, where the two share a final kiss. Of course, this is the one time Rory has a problem with cheating. During A Year in the Life, it’s clear that Jess is not over Rory. (There’s still hope, Team Jess!)
What are the best Rory and Jess episodes in Gilmore Girls?
Season 2, Episode 13 (“A-Tisket, A-Tasket”): “Basket. Basket Maker. Guy who didn’t bring enough money.”
Season 2, Episode 22 (“I Can’t Get Started”): Sparks fly for Rory and Jess’ first kiss.
Season 3, Episode 8 (“Let The Games Begin”): Rory and Jess finally start dating.
Season 4, Episode 13 (“Nag Hammadi Is Where They Found The Gnostic Gospels”): Jess admits he loves Rory.
Season 6, Episode 8 (“Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out”): “WhY dId YoU dRoP oUt Of YaLe?!”
Lane & Dave
When do Lane and Dave start dating?
It’s hard to believe that Dave Rygalski (Adam Brody) was only in Season 3. Lane (Keiko Agena) meets Dave in Season 3, Episode 3 (“Application Anxiety”), after she puts out a drummer-seeking-band flyer. Lane almost immediately starts crushing on Dave. However, she doesn’t have a clue that her feelings are reciprocated until Dave shows up at the 24-hour dance competition just to see her. They start dating at Lane’s family’s Thanksgiving celebration in Season 3, Episode 9 (“A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”).
When is Lane and Dave’s first kiss?
Lane and Dave also had their first kiss during Season 3, Episode 9. After Lane asks Dave why he would want to date her, he responds with a kiss before running off, saying, “I’ve gotta go, but I’m gonna call you tomorrow.”
Why did Dave read the entire Bible in one night?
After Lane and Dave start dating, Dave pretends to be a Christian guitarist to gain her mom’s (Emily Kuroda) favor. They know she will not approve of him dating Lane because he is not Korean. Even so, Dave asks Mrs. Kim if he can take Lane to prom, to which she responds, “Let never day nor night unhallowed pass, but still remember what the Lord hath done.” Dave reads the entire Bible in one night to crack Mrs. Kim’s code, but it turns out the quote was from Henry VI, because Mrs. Kim likes to “goof off” sometimes. Ultimately, Mrs. Kim says yes to them going to prom together.
Why did Lane and Dave break up?
Dave moves to California for college between Seasons 3 and 4. While Lane mentions him a few times, he stops getting mentioned a few episodes into Season 4, indicating that long distance eventually broke them up.
What are the best Lane and Dave episodes in Gilmore Girls?
Season 3, Episode 3 (“Application Anxiety”): Another adorable meet-cute.
Season 3, Episode 7 (“They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They?”): Dave chows down on Mrs. Kim’s egg salad at the 24-hour dance competition to spend time with Lane.
Season 3, Episode 9 (“A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”): Dave confesses his feelings and kisses Lane!
Season 3, Episode 22 (“Say Goodnight, Gracie”): Dave reads the whole Bible in one night for Lane… then he is never seen again.
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Lane & Zack
When do Lane and Zack start dating?
After Dave leaves for California, Lane continues to play with his band, Hep Alien, and eventually moves in with her bandmates, Zack (Todd Lowe) and Brian (John Cabrera). During Season 5, Lane begins to catch feelings for Zack, frustrated by the flings he brings home. After Lane confesses her feelings, they have their first date during Season 5, Episode 7 (“You Jump, I Jump, Jack”).
When is Lane and Zack’s first kiss?
Lane and Zack share their first kiss at the end of Season 5, Episode 7, after their at-home date. With a sleeping Brian slung over his shoulder, Zack walks Lane back to her room (right next to his) and kisses her goodnight. Zack Van Gerbig, we weren’t aware of your game.
Why did Lane and Zack break up in Season 6?
Lane and Zack break up during Season 6, Episode 10 (“He’s Slippin’ ‘Em Bread…Dig?”), after Zack crashes out at a gig. While there is no truth behind his theory, Zack believes that Lane is cheating on him with Brian. This causes a temporary split for both Lane and Zack, and Hep Alien as a whole.
Do Lane and Zack get married?
Zack proposes to Lane during Season 6, Episode 16 (“Bridesmaids Revisited”), just six episodes after they split. Three episodes later, in Episode 19 (“I Get a Sidekick Out of You”), Lane and Zack say “I do.” At their wedding, Hep Alien plays “I’m a Believer” by The Monkees, which is very Shrek-core, if we do say so ourselves.
Do Lane and Zack have kids?
The first time Lane and Zack have sex, Lane gets pregnant with twins. Deciding they can each name a baby, Lane and Zack name their kids Steve and Kwan at the end of Season 7.
What are the best Lane and Zack episodes in Gilmore Girls?
Season 5, Episode 7 (“You Jump, I Jump, Jack”): Lane and Zack’s first date (and kiss)!
Season 6, Episode 16 (“Bridesmaids Revisited”): Zack proposes to Lane.
Season 6, Episode 19 (“Bridesmaids Revisited”): Lane and Zack have not one, but two weddings.
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Lorelai & Christopher
When did Lorelai and Christopher meet?
Lorelai and Christopher (David Sutcliffe) met when they were kids. The duo started dating in college, and Lorelai eventually got pregnant with Rory. It is assumed that they split before Rory was born. Bringing the term “situationship” to a whole new level, Lorelai and Christopher are on-again, off-again for nearly two decades.
Do Lorelai and Christopher get married?
After Lorelai breaks up with Luke in Season 7, Episode 3 (“Lorelai’s First Cotillion”), she calls Christopher, finally ready to get back together with him. During Season 7, Episode 7 (“French Twist”), Lorelai travels with Christopher to see his daughter, GiGi, who is living with her mom in France. When they come back, Lorelai and Christopher reveal that they got married in the City of Love. Sacré bleu!
When do Lorelai and Christopher get divorced?
After years of lead-up to their wedding, Lorelai and Christopher get divorced during Season 7, Episode 14 (“Farewell, My Pet”). This occurs after Christopher finds a heartfelt character witness letter that Lorelai wrote for Luke to gain custody of his daughter, April (Vanessa Marano). Lorelai realizes that she still has feelings for Luke as well, leading the two to decide once and for all that they are not “the one” for each other.
What are the best Lorelai and Christopher episodes in Gilmore Girls?
Season 2, Episode 3 (“Red Light On The Wedding Night”): Lorelai realizes that she still has feelings for Christopher.
Season 3, Episode 13 (“Dear Emily and Richard”): Flashback episode!
Season 7, Episode 4 (“‘S Wonderful ‘S Marvelous “): Christopher plans an epic date for Lorelai.
Season 7, Episode 7 (“French Twist”): Spoiler alert: The “French Twist” is that Lorelai and Christopher elope… in France.
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Rory & Logan
When do Rory and Logan meet?
Rory and Logan (Matt Czuchry) meet in her dorm hallway at Yale during Season 5, Episode 3 (“Written in the Stars”). She later learns that Logan also works at the Yale Daily News, but he is rarely there. Learning she wants to be a journalist, Logan nicknames her “Ace.”
When is Rory and Logan’s first kiss?
Rory and Logan share their first kiss during Season 5, Episode 13 (“Wedding Bell Blues”), at her grandparents’ vow renewal. Naturally, being a hoity toity event, Logan is in attendance, causing Rory to finally ask why he hasn’t made a move on her yet. To prove she isn’t a serial monogamist, Rory brings Logan into a side room and makes out with him. While they begin as a no-strings-attached relationship, they start dating exclusively during Season 5, Episode 19 (“But I’m a Gilmore”).
Do Rory and Logan get married?
While Logan proposes to Rory at her graduation party during Season 7, Episode 21 (“Unto the Breach”), the duo never gets married. (Quick, someone play “Champagne Problems!”) At the time, he tells her it’s all or nothing.
Why did Rory and Logan break up?
Ultimately, Rory and Logan break up because Rory chooses her career over him. She declines his proposal, stating, “I love the idea of being married to you, but there are just a lot of things right now in my life that are undecided, and that used to scare me, but now I kind of like the idea that it’s just all kind of wide open. And if I married you, it just wouldn’t be.”
Do Rory and Logan get back together during Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life?
While both Rory and Logan have serious relationships with other people during Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, viewers find them knee deep in a torrid affair. Ultimately, Rory breaks up with her nondescript boyfriend, while Logan proposes to his girlfriend.
Do Rory and Logan have a baby?
At the end of A Year in the Life, Rory tells Lorelai that she is pregnant. While Rory’s baby daddy is unconfirmed, anyone who’s done the math knows that Rory’s only on-screen partner within the likely time frame is Logan. So, short answer: Probably.
What are the best Rory and Logan episodes in Gilmore Girls?
Season 5, Episode 7 (“You Jump, I Jump, Jack”): Welcome to the Life and Death Brigade.
Season 5, Episode 13 (“Wedding Bell Blues”): Rory and Logan’s dramatic first kiss.
Season 5, Episode 22 (“A House Is Not a Home”): No, Rory! You have to pay for the yacht!
Season 6, Episode 6 (“Welcome to the Dollhouse”): Rory tells Logan she loves him.
Season 7, Episode 1 (“The Long Morrow”): Logan gifts Rory a model rocket.
Emily & Richard
When did Emily and Richard meet?
According to the couple, Emily (Kelly Bishop) met Richard (Edward Herrmann) while she was studying at Smith College, and he was studying at Yale. At the time, Richard was engaged to Pennilyn Lott (Linda Gehringer), but he called off the engagement when he fell for Emily.
Why did Emily and Richard separate?
After decades of marriage, Emily and Richard temporarily split during Season 4, Episode 19 (“Afterboom”). Their split occurs for multiple reasons, including the fact that Emily is frustrated that Richard makes important decisions that impact both of them without her. She also learns that he has kept in contact with Pennilyn their whole marriage.
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When do Emily and Richard get back together?
Emily and Richard get back together during Season 5, Episode 12 (“Come Home”), when Richard gets jealous when he finds Emily on a date, so he gets in a fender bender with her car, forcing her to drive home with him. From there, they decide that they are better off together than apart and renew their vows during the show’s 100th episode, Season 5, Episode 13 (“Wedding Bell Blues”).
What are the best Emily and Richard episodes in Gilmore Girls?
Season 1, Episode 10 (“Forgiveness And Stuff”): Emily tells Richard that she gets to die first.
Season 4, Episode 9 (“Ted Koppel’s Big Night Out”): Richard and Emily tailgate at Yale.
Season 5, Episode 1 (“Say Goodbye to Daisy Miller”): “Well, then buy me a boa and drive me to Reno because I am open for business!”
Season 5, Episode 11 “Women Of Questionable Morals”: A stray dog brings Emily and Richard back together.
Season 5, Episode 13 (“Wedding Bell Blues”): Richard and Emily renew their vows.
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Lorelai & Luke
When did Lorelai and Luke meet?
During their first date, Gilmore Girls reveals that Lorelai and Luke first met eight years prior. At the time, Lorelai came into his diner and handed him a handwritten horoscope reading, “You will meet an annoying woman today, give her coffee, and she will go away.”
When is Lorelai and Luke’s first kiss?
Lorelai and Luke share their first kiss at the end of Season 4, during Episode 22 (“Raincoats and Recipes”), after Luke finally openly confesses his feelings for Lorelai. From this point forward, it’s clear that there is no better time to “all in” on Team Luke.
When do Lorelai and Luke go on their first date?
Lorelai and Luke go on their first date during Season 5, Episode 3 (“Written in the Stars”). For the big occasion, they go to Sniffy’s Tavern, owned by two of Luke’s family friends. After their date, Lorelai stays over at Luke’s apartment, and accidentally walks into the crowded diner with nothing but his button-down shirt on the next morning.
Why do Lorelai and Luke break off their engagement?
Lorelai and Luke break off their engagement during Season 6, Episode 22 (“Partings”). For a while, Luke has been dragging his feet, not wanting to get married until he has a solid relationship with his daughter, April. During Episode 22, Lorelai gives Luke an ultimatum to elope with her, but he declines. Distraught, Lorelai sleeps with Christopher.
When do Lorelai and Luke get back together?
Lorelai and Luke get back together in Season 7, Episode 22 (“Bon Voyage”), after Luke sets up a going-away party for Rory. The series ends with Lorelai, Rory, and Luke in his diner, exactly as it began. Between Season 7 and A Year in the Life, it is clear that Luke is Lorelai’s endgame.
Do Lorelai and Luke ever get married?
Lorelai and Luke finally get married during “Fall,” the final episode of A Year in the Life. Instead of having the grand wedding they had planned during the original series, Lorelai and Luke officially tie the knot that night and have a wedding the next day.
Do Lorelai and Luke have kids?
While both Lorelai and Luke have kids separately, they never have kids together. When Lorelai and Luke got married, Rory and April became step-sisters, and Jess became Rory’s step-cousin. Yikes!
What are the best Lorelai and Luke episodes in Gilmore Girls?
Season 3, Episode 1 (“Lazy-Hazy Crazy Days”): Lorelai dreams that she is married to Luke.
Season 4, Episode 20 (“Luke Can See Her Face”): Luke realizes he’s in love with Lorelai while listening to self-help tapes.
Season 4, Episode 22 (“Recipes and Raincoats”): Luke FINALLY kisses Lorelai!
Season 5, Episode 3 (“Written in the Stars”): Luke and Lorelai go on their first date and finally reveal their meet-cute.
Season 5, Episode 22 (“A House Is Not a Home”): Lorelai proposes to Luke.
Season 7, Episode 2o, (“Lorelai? Lorelai?”): Lorelai sings “I Will Always Love You” and everyone everywhere cries.
A Year in the Life, (“Fall”): Luke and Lorelai finally tie the knot.
Comment below with your favorite Gilmore Girls couple, and be sure to let us know your favorite episodes to rewatch!
Gilmore Girls, All Episodes, Streaming Now, Netflix
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, All Episodes, Streaming Now, Netflix
