Gilmore Girlswriter Amy Sherman-Palladino’s signature blend of fast-paced dialogue, emotional nuance, and unapologetically complicated women has made her a beloved figure in television, and there might be hope yet forGilmore Girlsseason 9. For many viewers, the heart of her writing still belongs in Stars Hollow. With Amazon unexpectedly cancelingÉtoile, her planned two-season follow-up toThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, attention naturally turns back toGilmore Girls.
Sherman-Palladino’s latest seriesÉtoilewas deeply personal and ambitious, as it blended her love of ballet with universal themes about art, belonging, and identity. In aVarietypanel just days before the show’s cancellation was announced, the brilliant writer-director describedÉtoileas a story about“dream and disappointment in life”, and“trying to figure out where you fit into the grand scheme of anything.”While the show’s demise is undeniably a blow, it could, as a silver lining,create space for a return toGilmore Girls.
Amy Sherman-Palladino’s New Show Being Canceled Opens The Door For Gilmore Girls
More Room For A Continuation Of The Revival Could Be A Silver Lining
Étoilewas supposed to be Amy Sherman-Palladino’s next big show, with a two-season order that signaled long-term plans at Amazon Prime Video. But despite the initial commitment, Amazon pulled the plug before production even got properly underway. While it’s disappointing to see a creative project cut short,the cancellation also means ASP is no longer tied up in a time-consuming new series, freeing her up creatively and logistically.
The cancellation may lead to a shift in priorities…
Given her long-standing openness to revisitingGilmore Girls, and the fact that this was her first major venture under her Amazon deal, the cancellation may lead to a shift in priorities — or at least an opportunity for her to refocus on Stars Hollow. TheÉtoilecancellation updateis by no means something to celebrate, but the finale ofGilmore Girls: A Year in the Lifeleft many hanging — including Lauren Graham, who confirmed on an episode ofArmchair Expertthat, if called on, she would be back for season 9.
The Netflix Staple Has Key Cast On Board For A Return
Signs of life for aGilmore Girlsreturn have been quietly growing for years, but Lauren Graham’s appearance in last year’s Walmart commercial marked a big moment.She, Kelly Bishop, and Amy Sherman-Palladino remain close and have publicly kept the door open for anotherGilmore Girlsrevival, with all three agreeing that if ASP wants to revisit the series, they’ll be there. While Alexis Bledel’s involvement is harder to gauge due to her low public profile, other key cast members like Scott Patterson (who hosts aGilmore Girlsrewatch podcast) seem ready to return at a moment’s notice.
Recent comments from ASP and the cast have leaned more hopeful than ever, suggestingGilmore Girlsis not yet done. This is fortunate, since theending ofA Year in the Lifewas divisive and, despite its full-circle moment, is a deflating end to such a great series. If Bledel is on board to return,Gilmore Girlsseason 9 could tie up a lot of loose ends in Rory’s story.
Gilmore Girls Season 9 Is Tricky, Seems Very Likely To Happen At Some Point
Despite Its Challenges, It Has The Perfect Jumping-Off Point
AGilmore Girlscontinuation isn’t simple, and never has been.A Year in the Lifecame together despite complex scheduling challenges, and similar issues would make a second revival tricky to coordinate. But the will is clearly there, and that’s half the battle. There’s openness from the creators and cast, constant chatter in the entertainment press, and one obvious factor:Netflix would almost certainly say yes. In a landscape where long-dormant shows likeFrasierare returning and cult series are constantly being revived,Gilmore Girls— which already came back once — seems uniquely positioned for a second return.
Season 9 could force Rory to confront her long-standing flaws, including her poor communication and entitlement.
Despite its divisiveness, the ending ofA Year in the Lifealso primes the show for another return. It givesGilmore Girlsseason 9 the perfect way to redeem Rory, as her unexpected pregnancy, lack of direction, and a series of selfish decisions left many fans upset, but also curious to see if she can grow into a more grounded and self-aware version of herself. Season 9 could force Rory to confront her long-standing flaws, including her poor communication and entitlement. In parallel, it could challenge Lorelai to evolve beyond her tendency to blur the line between parent and friend.
Gilmore Girls Season 9 Would Be A Good Idea
Another Season Could Give The Gilmores The Closure They Deserve
WhileA Year in the Lifehad its critics, particularly around Rory’s storyline, it left the door wide open for more. Rory’s pregnancy, Lorelai’s personal growth, and the unresolved dynamics withcharacters likeGilmore Girls’Jessand Logan all offer natural places to pick the story back up.A season 9 could not only improve upon some of the revival’s rougher patches but also give fans the chance to see the characters evolvewith more consistency and depth. With the right approach, it could become the closing chapterGilmore Girlstruly deserves.
A new seasoncould also redeem elements ofA Year in the Lifethat were rather bleak. While the plotlines inGilmore Girlshave never shied away from real-world complications, the original series and the setting of Stars Hollow remain a comfort show for many. That made it especially heavy to see Rory return home only to be adrift, professionally and personally, in a way that felt more regressive than realistic. The revival portrays her as disorganized, entitled, and in denial about her own failings, which undercuts the sense of promise and ambition that once defined her character.
This felt like a betrayal, not because Rory was struggling, but because the show offered no clear path forward for her other than the memoir Jess suggested, a sense of creative direction that she latched onto. Part of the problem is thatA Year in the Lifetried to be both a tribute and a continuation, but struggled to resolve who these women had become.
A more hopeful tone wouldn’t mean erasing conflict…
Season 9 has the opportunity to clarify that — to give Rory a more intentional arc, one that reckons honestly about her missteps while allowing for growth. A more hopeful tone wouldn’t mean erasing conflict, but it would give fans a version of the story that better honors the intelligence, resilience, and complexity that madeGilmore Girlsbeloved in the first place.
