While we'll always have a soft spot for Lorelai and Rory's rapid-fire dialogue and Stars Hollow's autumn charm, sometimes a girl needs something fresh to accompany her evening tea and fuzzy socks.

We would be lying if we said that we hadn’t all rewatched Gilmore Girls more times than we care to admit. We know every Luke's Diner moment by heart, we've memorized Lorelai's coffee orders, and we could probably recite Kirk's various business ventures in our sleep. But this fall, we're branching out (pun intended) and discovering new shows that deliver that same warm, comforting feeling without the predictability of our beloved Stars Hollow routine.

The magic of fall television isn't just about the season itself—it's about finding those shows that wrap you in a warm embrace, make you believe in the power of community, and remind you that life's most beautiful moments often happen in the quiet, everyday interactions between people who truly see each other. These are the shows that make you want to light a candle, pour yourself something warm, and settle in for the long haul.

1. Anne with an E (Netflix)

If you've been yearning for that perfect blend of small-town charm, coming-of-age wisdom, and characters who speak with the eloquence of people far beyond their years, Anne with an E is your next obsession. This reimagining of Anne of Green Gables brings all the cozy countryside vibes you could want, set against the stunning backdrop of Prince Edward Island's autumn landscapes.

Anne Shirley, much like Rory Gilmore, is a bookish dreamer with an insatiable curiosity about the world around her. But where Rory had Lorelai's relentless support, Anne must navigate the complexities of finding her place in a world that doesn't always understand her imaginative spirit. The show beautifully captures that quintessential fall feeling: the sense of new beginnings, the importance of education, and the way small communities can both nurture and challenge us.

What makes Anne with an E particularly perfect for fall viewing is its celebration of learning and literature. Anne's passion for education mirrors that back-to-school energy that autumn brings, while her relationships with the Cuthberts echo the found family dynamics that made Gilmore Girls so special. The series doesn't shy away from addressing serious topics—much like how Gilmore Girls tackled real issues beneath its witty exterior—but it does so with a gentle touch that never loses sight of hope and possibility.

The visual aesthetics alone make this show a fall must-watch. The changing seasons of Avonlea, the cozy farmhouse interiors, and Anne's vintage wardrobe create a visual feast that perfectly complements your seasonal coffee addiction. Plus, the show's emphasis on female friendship, academic ambition, and the power of storytelling will have you reaching for your own well-worn copy of your favorite novel.

2. Schitt's Creek (Hulu)

Before you protest that Schitt's Creek doesn't scream "autumn vibes," hear me out. This Canadian gem captures something that Gilmore Girls perfected: the art of finding family in unexpected places and the way small towns can transform people in the most beautiful ways. While Stars Hollow had its quirky residents and town meetings, Schitt's Creek offers its own brand of community chaos that somehow always leads to growth and genuine connection.

The Rose family's journey from riches to rags mirrors the kind of character development that made us fall in love with Lorelai's evolution from teenage mom to successful businesswoman. David and Alexis's sibling dynamic brings that same blend of love, exasperation, and unwavering support that we adored in Lorelai and Rory's relationship, just with more designer clothing commentary and fewer literary references.

What makes Schitt's Creek perfect for fall binge-watching is its celebration of personal transformation and the way it finds humor in life's unexpected detours. The show's later seasons, in particular, have that warm, settled feeling that comes with characters who have found their place in the world—much like those perfect autumn days when everything feels exactly as it should be. The romantic storylines are swoon-worthy without being overly dramatic, and the family dynamics are complex but ultimately loving.

The small-town setting provides endless entertainment through town council meetings, local business ventures, and community events that would fit right in with Stars Hollow's festival-loving residents. Plus, the show's six-season arc makes it perfect for a complete fall rewatch, taking you from the first crisp days of September through the cozy depths of November.

3. Sweet Magnolias (Netflix)

For those who loved the mother-daughter relationship at the heart of Gilmore Girls but are craving something with a distinctly Southern flavor, Sweet Magnolias delivers comfort food for the soul. Set in the charming fictional town of Serenity, South Carolina, this series centers on three lifelong friends navigating career changes, relationships, and the complex world of modern motherhood.

Maddie Townsend's journey as a newly single mother trying to rebuild her life echoes Lorelai's determination to create a stable, loving environment for her daughter while pursuing her own dreams. The show's focus on female friendship and support systems creates that same sense of community that made Stars Hollow feel like home. Instead of Luke's Diner, we have The Corner Spa, and instead of town meetings, we have book club gatherings that serve as both social events and informal therapy sessions.

The series excels at portraying the delicate balance between protecting our children and allowing them to grow, a theme that was central to Gilmore Girls throughout its seven seasons. The romantic storylines are compelling without overshadowing the show's commitment to showcasing strong, independent women who support each other through life's inevitable challenges.

What makes Sweet Magnolias particularly perfect for fall viewing is its celebration of tradition, family recipes, and the way Southern communities rally around each other during difficult times. The show's pacing allows for those quiet, contemplative moments that are perfect for autumn evenings, while the gorgeous small-town setting and emphasis on home cooking will have you planning your own comfort food menu.

4. Virgin River (Netflix)

If you're drawn to the idea of a big-city professional starting over in a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business, Virgin River is your perfect fall companion. Mel Monroe's decision to leave Los Angeles for a remote Northern California town echoes those moments when we all dream of simplifying our lives and connecting with something more meaningful.

The series captures that quintessential small-town atmosphere where personal growth happens through community involvement and unexpected friendships. Doc Mullins serves as a mentor figure similar to Richard Gilmore's role in Rory's life, offering wisdom and guidance while maintaining his own set of quirks and stubborn opinions. The town's various residents each bring their own stories and complications, creating the kind of interconnected community narrative that made Stars Hollow so compelling.

Virgin River's emphasis on healing—both literal and metaphorical—makes it particularly suited for fall viewing. There's something about the changing seasons that makes us all a little more reflective about our own journeys, and Mel's process of working through grief while building new relationships resonates with that autumn introspection. The show's romantic storylines develop slowly and authentically, much like the best relationships in Gilmore Girls.

The Pacific Northwest setting provides stunning natural beauty that serves as a character in itself, much like Stars Hollow's New England charm. The series doesn't shy away from addressing serious issues—addiction, PTSD, domestic violence—but handles them with the same careful balance of honesty and hope that characterized Gilmore Girls' approach to complex topics.

5. Emily in Paris (Netflix)

Now, before the eye-rolling begins, let's acknowledge that Emily in Paris operates in a completely different universe from Stars Hollow's cozy confines. This show captures something essential about the Gilmore Girls experience: the joy of watching an ambitious young woman navigate new environments while maintaining her core values and infectious optimism.

Emily Cooper's fish-out-of-water experience in Paris mirrors those moments when Rory stepped outside her comfort zone, whether at Chilton or Yale. The show's celebration of career ambition, cultural exploration, and the way food and fashion can be forms of self-expression creates its own kind of comfort viewing. While the stakes may seem lower than those in Stars Hollow, there's something undeniably cozy about watching Emily discover new cafés, navigate workplace relationships, and slowly build a life in a city that initially seems overwhelming.

The series works particularly well for fall viewing because of its focus on new beginnings and the way Emily approaches each challenge with the kind of determined optimism that Lorelai instilled in Rory. The Parisian setting provides visual beauty that rivals Stars Hollow's autumn charm, and the show's emphasis on friendship, professional growth, and romantic possibility delivers that same sense of possibility that made Gilmore Girls so addictive.

Plus, sometimes we need a show that doesn't require deep emotional investment but still provides characters we genuinely care about and storylines that keep us coming back for more. Emily in Paris delivers exactly that kind of escapism while celebrating the things that matter: good food, great friends, and the courage to pursue your dreams even when the path isn't entirely clear.

6. Heartstopper (Netflix)

For those who were drawn to the pure-hearted romance and coming-of-age elements of Gilmore Girls, Heartstopper offers a beautifully crafted exploration of first love, friendship, and the journey of self-discovery. While the show focuses on teenage relationships rather than mother-daughter dynamics, it captures that same sense of optimism and belief in the power of genuine human connection.

Charlie and Nick's relationship develops with the kind of careful attention to emotional authenticity that characterized the best moments of Rory's romantic storylines. The series excels at portraying the way young people support each other through difficult times, much like the way Stars Hollow's community rallied around its residents. The show's celebration of kindness, acceptance, and the importance of chosen family creates that same warm, inclusive feeling that made Gilmore Girls a comfort watch for so many viewers.

Heartstopper's visual storytelling, with its graphic novel-inspired aesthetic and seasonal transitions, makes it particularly perfect for fall viewing. The series understands that the most important moments often happen in quiet conversations between people who truly see and accept each other—a lesson that was at the heart of every meaningful relationship in Gilmore Girls.

The show's approach to serious topics—mental health, sexuality, family dynamics—mirrors Gilmore Girls' ability to address complex issues without losing sight of hope and possibility. Both series understand that growing up is messy and complicated, but that the right relationships can make all the difference in how we navigate those challenges.

Finding Your Perfect Fall Viewing Experience

What makes these shows worthy successors to your Gilmore Girls obsession isn't just their cozy small-town settings or their celebration of strong relationships—it's their understanding that the best television creates a sense of belonging. Whether you're drawn to Anne's literary adventures, the Rose family's journey of self-discovery, or Mel's fresh start in Virgin River, each of these series offers something that Gilmore Girls perfected: the feeling that you're spending time with people you genuinely care about.

This fall, as you're deciding what to queue up for your next binge-watching session, consider branching out from your Stars Hollow comfort zone. These shows offer all the warmth, wit, and emotional depth you love, wrapped up in new settings with fresh characters who might just become your new favorite fictional friends. After all, isn't that what the best fall viewing is all about—finding stories that make us feel connected, understood, and ready to embrace whatever changes the season might bring?

So grab your favorite blanket, brew your drink of choice, and prepare to discover your next obsession. Because while we'll always love Lorelai and Rory, there's a whole world of cozy, heartwarming television waiting to welcome us home.

Photos: Netflix, Rotten Tomatoes, CNN, Deadline, IMDb ,ELLE, IMDb