Season 1
8.1/102,606 votesPilot
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 10/5/2000
When Rory is accepted to attend a prestigious prep school, Lorelai must swallow her pride and ask her wealthy parents for help paying the tuition.
Director: Lesli Linka Glatter
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
7.9/102,027 votesThe Lorelais' First Day at Chilton
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 10/12/2000
Rory's first day at Chilton doesn't go smoothly: First, Lorelai's attire offends Emily and the headmaster; then Rory meets some obnoxious classmates.
Director: Arlene Sanford
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
7.8/101,829 votesKill Me Now
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 10/19/2000
When Rory and Richard bond during a day of golf at the club, Lorelai feels jealous of Rory's deepening connection with her grandparents.
Director: Lesli Linka Glatter, Adam Nimoy
Writer: Joanne Waters, Amy Sherman-Palladino
7.8/101,758 votesThe Deer Hunters
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 10/26/2000
After Rory receives a bad grade on her English paper, Lorelai helps her cram for a big Shakespeare exam – but catastrophe strikes on test day.
Director: Alan Myerson
Writer: Jed Seidel
7.7/101,683 votesCinnamon's Wake
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 11/2/2000
Lorelai admits she has feelings for someone. Meanwhile, Rory has a budding relationship of her own that is moving forward.
Director: Michael Katleman
Writer: Daniel Palladino
8.5/101,796 votesRory's Birthday Parties
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 11/9/2000
Rory clashes with Emily when Emily plans a formal birthday party for her. Meanwhile, Lorelai organizes a casual get-together to celebrate.
Director: Sarah Pia Anderson
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
8.3/101,699 votesKiss and Tell
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 11/16/2000
Rory shares a romantic moment with Dean, but doesn't tell Lorelai. When Lorelai hears about it from Mrs. Kim, she invites Dean over for movie night.
Director: Rodman Flender
Writer: Jenji Kohan
8.0/101,601 votesLove and War and Snow
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 12/14/2000
Snow strands Rory at her grandparents' home, while Lorelai spends the day with her beau. Meanwhile, Lane misses Rory and comes to visit.
Director: Alan Myerson
Writer: Joan Binder Weiss
8.7/101,815 votesRory's Dance
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 12/20/2000
Rory attends her first dance with Dean but they get home late, causing Emily and Lorelai to fight over Lorelai's mothering skills.
Director: Lesli Linka Glatter
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
8.3/101,582 votesForgiveness and Stuff
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 12/21/2000
Misfortune strikes at the Gilmores' Christmas party. Dean assures Lorelai that nothing improper happened the night he and Rory fell asleep together.
Director: Bethany Rooney
Writer: John Stephens
7.6/101,446 votesParis is Burning
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 1/11/2001
After Paris causes a scandal by exposing the relationship between a parent and a teacher, she is confronted.
Director: David Petrarca
Writer: Joan Binder Weiss
7.7/101,443 votesDouble Date
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 1/18/2001
Lorelai goes on a hellish double date with Sookie, Jackson and Jackson's odd cousin. Meanwhile, Rory double dates with Dean, Lane and Dean's friend.
Director: Lev L. Spiro
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
8.0/101,477 votesConcert Interruptus
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 2/15/2001
Trouble ensues when Rory takes her friends to a Bangles concert in New York. Lorelai learns something about Luke's romantic past.
Director: Bruce Seth Green
Writer: Elaine Arata
7.8/101,449 votesThat Damn Donna Reed
Season 1 Episode 14 - Aired 2/22/2001
Rory and Dean argue about women's roles after watching "The Donna Reed Show." Emily makes Lorelai face her feelings.
Director: Michael Katleman
Writer: Daniel Palladino, Amy Sherman-Palladino
8.1/101,436 votesChristopher Returns
Season 1 Episode 15 - Aired 3/1/2001
Rory's father returns, causing tension in Emily and Richard's house – and forcing Lorelai to make a big decision about her family's future.
Director: Michael Katleman
Writer: Daniel Palladino
8.0/101,398 votesStar-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers
Season 1 Episode 16 - Aired 3/8/2001
Rory and Dean celebrate their three-month anniversary, but things don't go as planned. Luke's ex-girlfriend Rachel arrives in town.
Director: Lesli Linka Glatter
Writer: John Stephens, Linda Loiselle Guzik
8.0/101,389 votesThe Breakup, Part 2
Season 1 Episode 17 - Aired 3/15/2001
After recent events, Rory keeps busy, refusing to give in to self-pity. Meanwhile, Stars Hollow's residents rally around her, much to her dismay.
Director: Nick Marck
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
7.9/101,351 votesThe Third Lorelai
Season 1 Episode 18 - Aired 3/22/2001
When Lorelai's grandmother offers a trust fund for Rory's education, Emily fears losing contact with a financially independent Lorelai and Rory.
Director: Michael Katleman
Writer: Amy Sherman-Palladino
8.1/101,341 votesEmily in Wonderland
Season 1 Episode 19 - Aired 4/26/2001
Emily is horrified when she sees the place where Lorelai and Rory first lived, so she sets out to create a perfect bedroom for Rory in her house.
Director: Perry Lang
Writer: John Stephens, Linda Loiselle Guzik
8.0/101,319 votesP.S. I Lo...
Season 1 Episode 20 - Aired 5/3/2001
Still upset over recent events, Rory becomes angry with Lorelai, who didn't tell her that she is dating again.
Director: Lev L. Spiro
Writer: Elaine Arata, Joan Binder Weiss
8.5/101,504 votesLove, Daisies and Troubadours
Season 1 Episode 21 - Aired 5/10/2001
Rory finally tells Dean the truth about how she feels about him. Sensing something between Lorelai and Luke, Rachel makes a decision.
Director: Amy Sherman-Palladino
Writer: Daniel Palladino