The feeling of fall: crispy leaves, warm apple cider, scarves, boots, pumpkins, you name it.
That feeling is undeniably one of the best things to experience. One thing that makes fall enjoyable for me is my go-to list of television shows that put me in the fall spirit. If you have yet to get into the fall mood, hopefully these recommendations will help.
The first show on my list is none other than “Gilmore Girls,” I mean, it’s a classic, and other people agree.
The comedy drama, or “dramedy,” starring Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel has gotten a significant boost in viewing every autumn since 2021, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “Gilmore Girls” takes place in a fictional town called Stars Hollow in Connecticut. No town does fall better than Stars Hollow. This Hallmark movie inspired small town has fall festivals, coffee shops, seasonal parades, you name it. The town square is decorated no matter the time of year, but fall stands out. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino shares that she and her husband took a trip to Connecticut in the fall.
“We encountered that small-town feel,” Palladino said. “That feel of hayrides and pumpkin patches and apple cider…that creatively fed me the rest of the show.”
The opening sequence features the title, with leaves falling down, ultimately creating a certain vibe from the second you start watching. The opening color palette is commonly associated with fall because of its shades of orange, brown and yellow. I think the main reason I associate “Gilmore Girls” with fall is because the show starts with the main character, Rory Gilmore, starting a new year in school. Another big thing is the wardrobe, the characters are commonly dressed in fall-related clothing, like big coats, scarves, boots and cozy sweaters. If this series hasn’t been on your watch list, I would add it before the fall season ends.
Next on the list is one of my personal favorites. Their similar titles aren’t the only thing that “Gilmore Girls” and “Gossip Girl” have in common. “Gossip Girl” gives us a peek into the daily lives of Manhattan’s most elite. This series follows a clique of ultra wealthy, Upper East Side teenagers navigating their way through high school. The show dives into the darker aspects of their privilege and showcases a glamorous aesthetic that fits the theme of dark academia.
Meanwhile, everyone’s dirty secrets, lies and scandals are anonymously being posted about on a blog called, you guessed it, “Gossip Girl.” The main reason “Gossip Girl” feels so fall to me is because like “Gilmore Girls,” it takes place at the beginning of a school year. We see the students getting ready for school in their classic New York fashion, sipping tea and coffee. Every season, the show features a Thanksgiving episode.
The most memorable Thanksgiving episode is in season three, where we see everyone’s secrets get exposed, making it one of the most iconic episodes in the series. The wealthy teens of the Upper East Side would not be caught dead wearing anything but the finest of garments, which plays a big part on why this show is No. 2 on my list. The characters’ wardrobe consists of long trench coats, baggy sweaters, orange and purple scarves and much more. The show consists of copper-colored leaves falling onto the streets of New York City, cozy coffee shops and long walks in the park.
The No. 3 spot shouldn’t shock you, but “Friends” takes the win. The iconic 90s sitcom featuring six best friends living in New York City always gets me in the fall feels. First off, like “Gossip Girl,” the show takes place in none other than New York City. The six friends are often seen at the coffee shop below their apartment, “Central Perk.” The 90s fall fashion is hard to miss, as the infamous Rachel Green (played by Jennifer Aniston) is commonly known for her turtlenecks, mini skirts and boot combo. Monica Geller (played by Courtney Cox) is often seen in her oversized sweaters, plaid skirts and printed pants. The gang is usually seen sipping hot tea or coffee on the infamous burnt orange couch in the coffee shop. Holidays aren’t often specifically mentioned in the show, but Thanksgiving is an exception, with every season having yearly episodes dedicated to the holiday. One of the most memorable Thanksgiving episodes is in season three, where the six friends get together to play a game of football on Thanksgiving day, which ends up getting extremely competitive.
Fall is my favorite time of year and these shows help induce that nostalgic fall feeling that everyone deserves to have. So grab your plaid sweaters, hot apple cider and printed scarves and cozy up on the couch for these must-watch shows.