5 shows like Gilmore Girls that bring that cozy, comedic energy
The snappy chatter. The constant, quirky drama. In a nutshell, the perfect combo of comedy and melodrama that hits just right every time. Yes, it’s hard to replicate, and that’s what makes Gilmore Girls so special, but we think these other shows come pretty damn close.
Pro tip: In celebration of the Gilmore Girls 25th anniversary this fall, we’re giving away $300 worth of gift cards. Check out our contest guide for all the deets.
1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023)
If you haven’t binged The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel yet, you’re in for a real (sarcastic) treat. Created by Gilmore Girls’ Amy Sherman-Palladino, the series follows Midge Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan), a 1950s New York housewife who becomes a stand-up comedian. The show, which ran for five seasons, has won multiple Emmys and Golden Globes if our rec wasn’t enough (tough crowd).
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is available on Prime Video.
2. Bunheads (2012–2013)
This one is for all the real TV heads. The 2012 dramedy (also created by Sherman-Palladino) stars Sutton Foster as a former Vegas dancer who starts teaching ballet at a small-town California dance school. Although Bunheads was canceled after one season, it’s considered a cult classic among Sherman-Palladino fans.
Bunheads is available on Hulu.
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3. Jane the Virgin (2014–2019)
For all the Vicious Trollops who love ’em some good ole fashioned camp. Based on a Venezuelan soap opera, Jane the Virgin follows Jane (Gina Rodriguez) after she accidentally gets impregnated following a mix-up at the doctor’s office. The CW show ran for five seasons from 2014 to 2019.
Jane the Virgin is available on Netflix.
4. PEN15 (2019–2021)
Okay, hear us out. This one might not make sense immediately, but Pen15 sports the familiar banter (although markedly more sophomoric) and Y2K setting of Gilmore Girls. Creators Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle play 13-year-old versions of themselves in the year 2000. The show, which highlighted the drama and cringe of being a teenager, wrapped up in 2021 after its second season.
PEN15 is available on Hulu.
5. Ginny & Georgia (2021–present)
Like Gilmore Girls, Ginny & Georgia follows a single thirtysomething mother who moves with her teenage daughter to a small New England town. But unlike Gilmore Girls, Ginny & Georgia also occasionally veers into darker teen drama and crime thriller territory—a Vulture review described it as a Trash Can Nachos type of show.
Ginny & Georgia is available on Netflix.
Eric Chiu is a CableTV.com internet editor who covers internet tech, entertainment, and sports news. He’s written about consumer technology for nearly a decade for outlets including CNN Underscored, Wirecutter, Newsweek Media Group and TopTenReviews/Future. In his free time, he enjoys playing any instrument he can find, rooting for the Michigan Wolverines, and hunting for the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
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