Amy Sherman-Palladino and almost the entire original cast of Gilmore Girls (including Lauren Graham as Lorelai, Alexis Bledel as Rory, Scott Patterson as Luke, and Kelly Bishop as Emily) returned for Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life on Netflix in 2016.
The good news is that many more TV series similar to Gilmore Girls exist. The world might never run out of comedy-drama shows to watch, after all (with some being much better than others). And many can be found on Netflix (the home of Gilmore Girls and Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life). So, while waiting for the possibility of a ninth season of Sherman-Palladino’s cult classic, fans can satisfy their need for more Gilmore Girls-like stories by checking out other Netflix series, such as one original that will have at least seven seasons.
Virgin River Is A Great TV Show Like Gilmore Girls To Watch On Netflix
Netflix Released Virgin River Season 6 In December 2024
Those looking for a Gilmore Girls fix can look no further than Netflix’s Virgin River. The romantic drama TV show, developed by Sue Tenney, is based on Robyn Carr’s Virgin River book series, which follows Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner and midwife who decides to start her life anew by moving from Los Angeles to the fictional small town of Virgin River in Northern California. However, once she arrives, Mel realizes that her life is about to get much more complicated rather than simpler.
Virgin River Cast
Role
Alexandra Breckenridge
Melinda “Mel” Monroe
Martin Henderson
Jack Sheridan
Colin Lawrence
John “Preacher” Middleton
Jenny Cooper
Joey Barnes
Lauren Hammersley
Annette O’Toole
Hope McCrea
Tim Matheson
Vernon “Doc” Mullins
Ben Hollingsworth
Dan Brady
Sarah Dugdale
Lizzie
Zibby Allen
Brie Sheridan
Marco Grazzini
Mike Valenzuela
Kai Bradbury
Denny Cutler
Kandyse McClure
Kaia Bryant
One of the most obvious similarities between Gilmore Girls and Virgin River is that they are defined by their respective cozy small-town feels. However, they also both contain romances to root for, love triangles to argue about, heartwarming and heartbreaking stories, quirky townspeople, and strong female characters (who can sometimes frustrate the audience). Ultimately, Virgin River is a more grown-up version of Gilmore Girls. It’s perfect for those who grew up watching the 2000s teen show and are in need of a new comfort show while waiting for Gilmore Girls season 9.
Virgin River’s Season 7 Renewal Now Rivals Gilmore Girls’ Long-Running Series
Gilmore Girls Originally Ran For 7 Seasons
According to Variety, Netflix renewed Virgin River for a seventh season two months before releasing season 6 on December 19, 2024. Patrick Sean Smith is set to return as the showrunner for the upcoming 10-episode season, with Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson reprising their leading roles as Mel and Jack, respectively. Since Virgin River is getting a seventh season, the Netflix original series will run at least as long as the original Gilmore Girls did before Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life premiered.
If Virgin River reaches an eighth season, it will officially match Gilmore Girls‘ success (when factoring in A Year in the Life). Unless Gilmore Girls somehow gets renewed for season 9 beforehand, of course. Whatever the case, Virgin River‘s season 7 renewal makes it Netflix’s longest-running current scripted series, an impressive feat proving its quality and ability to capture the attention of many, especially those who love Gilmore Girls.
Will Netflix Ever Give Gilmore Girls Another Season After A Year In The Life?
Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life Premiered In 2016
Although Virgin River should be able to entertain those waiting for Gilmore Girls season 9, it won’t ever be able to completely replace the 2000s teen series. However, it’s unclear whether there will ever be more Gilmore Girls. Amy Sherman-Palladino has been open about her willingness to return to the world of Stars Hollow. When asked about what other stories she would like to explore in another season, the creator told Rolling Stone in 2023:
“There were a couple of things [I wanted to explore] but we just didn’t have the time. I really never liked the way Lane’s life shook out. I would have liked to have spent more time on her, especially since she’s patterned after my best friend. Sorry, Helen [Pai]. And I think it would be interesting to see a baby and a kid and what that next Gilmore Girl round would be.”
A handful of Gilmore Girls cast members are also willing to reprise their roles in another season, including Kelly Bishop and Lauren Graham (per What’s on Netflix). Unfortunately, Netflix hasn’t announced any plans to continue the show. The company’s license to stream Gilmore Girls is also expiring in 2026, meaning it might leave Netflix if it doesn’t renew its contract, further decreasing the possibility of a ninth season on the streaming service (but it could happen elsewhere if it finds a new home).
