By Brooke Schmidt
Staff Writer
For the past few weeks, it has been almost impossible to go on social media without two words popping up everywhere: “Gilmore Girls.” For those who are unfamiliar with the show, “Gilmore Girls” is about a young mother and her daughter living in a small town in Connecticut. Of course, that doesn’t even scratch the surface, but it is more or less the starting ground for the plot. “Gilmore Girls” is a show known for its fast-talking, pop culture references and a host of swoon-worthy boyfriends. It will be rebooted in all of its glory through four 90-minute specials on Netflix, and so far, every major character other than Melissa McCarthy’s Sookie will return. Altogether, this is extremely exciting news for long-time fans and should serve as a push to get new viewers interested in the show, as well.
If you’re planning on re-watching or even beginning “Gilmore Girls” for the first time, there’s no better companion than the highly-regarded recap comedy podcast “Gilmore Guys.” The podcast is hosted by Kevin Porter and Demi Adejuyigbe, a long-time fan and a first-time watcher, respectively. They recap every episode alongside a guest from the comedy world, adding their own flair along the way. Currently, the podcast is in its sixth season, but that doesn’t mean you have to start there! You can start at the beginning and listen to them after each episode you watch. It adds a delightful and vibrant commentary to an already colorful show.
What makes “Gilmore Guys” so appealing is that Porter and Adejuyigbe are truly big fans of the show. In each podcast episode, they discuss the cultural references and fashion looks in the corresponding “Gilmore Girls” episode through segments called “Pop Goes the Culture” and “The Fashion Report,” while also recapping major events and plots. The podcast is part analysis, part comedy as the duo brings on first-time watchers and longtime fans within the comedy world to join the show. One comedian of note is beloved television and film jerk Jason Mantzoukas. He’s been a huge fan of “Gilmore Girls” for years and it’s hilarious to hear him make up raunchy plots for each character.
While the podcast is truly enjoyable on its own, what makes it even better are the bonus episodes, which feature interviews with actors, writers and crew members who worked on filming the show. So far, Liza Weil (Paris), Jackson Douglas (Jackson), Yanic Truesdale (Michael) and Scott Patterson (Luke) have appeared on “Gilmore Guys.” Those episodes shine an interesting light on the behind-the-scenes process of making the show, and while they don’t have the normal flair of a “Gilmore Guys” episode, there’s nothing more exciting than listening to Luke or Paris speak for almost two hours.
At the end of each episode, Porter and Adejuyigbe create their own rating of each episode using objects or weird lines from the show, and then sing the “Gilmore Girls” theme song. Hearing the familiar words of Carole King — “Where you lead, I will follow” — sung and beatboxed by your favorite comedians rekindles the joy of watching each episode. Whether you’re new to “Gilmore Girls,” watching it for the 10th time or you just want something to listen to while walking across campus, “Gilmore Guys” is the podcast for you. I’d rank it 10 out of 10 cups of coffee.
