The first season of Gilmore Girls contains 21 episodes. It premiered on October 5, 2000, and concluded on May 10, 2001.
The season introduces Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, Stars Hollow, Chilton, Emily and Richard’s Friday-night dinners, and many of the relationships that shape the rest of the series. Rory begins at Chilton after Lorelai secures financial help from her parents.
Season one also establishes the show’s central supporting characters, including Luke Danes, Sookie St. James, Lane Kim, Michel Gerard, Paris Geller, and Dean Forester. Its episodes combine continuing storylines with individual town events and family conflicts.
The first season originally aired on The WB during the 2000–2001 television season. It received strong critical reviews and helped establish the series as one of the network’s signature dramas.