There are certain things that each show has done better, though, so let’s take a look. Here are 5 things that The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel does better than Gilmore Girls and 5 things that GG is beloved for.
Maisel: Witty One-Liners
It’s hard to deny that The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has some absolutely witty one-liners. It seems like in every scene, characters are saying something hilarious that couldn’t be more clever. And it’s not just the main characters Midge and her ex-husband Joel. It’s literally everyone.
Take Midge’s dad, Abe, for example, and his statement “Everything we bring on ourselves is our own fault.” While this sounds depressing, Abe is always funny, so this is, too.
While of course there are witty one-liners on Gilmore Girls, too, the humor on that series comes from characters volleying back and forth with one another. Every time there is a funny line, it’s made even better by another character replying with something equally great.
Gilmore Girls: Fast-Paced Dialogue
Gilmore Girls is famous for its fast-paced dialogue so it has to be given credit for this aspect of the show. Of course, no one talks faster than Lorelai Gilmore. The show revolves around her and fans are totally aware that she literally needs all of that coffee in order to speak as quickly as she does.
Lorelai has taught her daughter well, though, and even Rory tends to speak extremely fast, especially when she’s passionate about the book that she’s reading, the subject that she’s studying, or when she’s defending her mom.
Maisel: A Realistic Look At Stand-Up
Maisel offers a realistic and logical look at stand-up. Midge gets a manager, Susie, who tries to book gigs, but it’s not exactly easy. Midge faces people thinking that a girl can’t be funny and also people in the stand-up community who don’t want to welcome an outsider in.
The series proves that you have to get in there and try your best and that the only way to succeed is to keep going even when you keep getting rejected. Although this is a fictional show that is also set in the 1950s, these are lessons that are relevant to this day.
Gilmore Girls: The Mother/Daughter Bond
Gilmore Girls will beat any other show (and movie, for that matter) when it comes to the mother/daughter bond. This duo is total perfection and has so many fans because of it.
People always reference the caffeine and junk food and time at Luke’s Diner, and of course all of those things represent these relatives. But Rory and Lorelai are also so bonded that they take care of each other, can tell when the other one says they’re fine but isn’t, and they are a good example of how respectful moms and daughters can be.
Maisel: Different Settings
While Rory does go to Yale and so that provides the series with a different setting, it’s safe to say that there is one main setting and that is the lovely Stas Hollow.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has a few different settings since a few episodes take place in Paris and Midge’s family also goes away for the summer. These environments are so well-crafted, particularly the summer resort where they stay. It really gives the show a new feel.
Gilmore Girls: The Stars Hollow Setting Is Perfect
On the other hand, no one can really argue with perfection, particularly the perfection of Stars Hollow. Fans definitely would love for this place to be real. You could grab a burger at Luke’s Diner (along with too many coffees), walk around the streets which are filled with quirk and charm, and bump into tons of familiar people.
It’s safe to say that Stars Hollow is one big reason that this show has such a large following, even to this day.
Maisel: It’s A Solid Period Drama
Since The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is set in the 1950s in New York City, it’s definitely a period drama, and a solid one at that. The series does a good job showing the sexism of that time period.
It’s a big deal that Midge is getting divorced, and her mom is totally convinced that she and Joel aren’t actually over. It seems tough for people to fathom that a couple could choose to split up and actually stay that way.
Gilmore Girls: The Large Cast
The cast members on Maisel are talented but there is just something about the large cast on Gilmore Girls. Everyone is spot on, from the main characters (Rory, Lorelai, and Lorelai’s parents Emily and Richard) to the staple townfolk such as Ms. Patty, Kirk, Taylor, and more.
These minor characters are actually pretty major because they give the show color, quirk, and good vibes. It’s impossible not to at least crack a smile when some of them annoy Rory, Lorelai, and Luke.
Maisel: The Cinematography
Maisel is shot so beautifully and the cinematography is worth mentioning. There are many scenes that almost seem like they’re part of a musical, especially when Midge is working at the department store.
For example, when she and her coworkers have a Christmas party in the break room, the scene is one continuous shot and with the twirling of the pretty dresses, it’s awe-inspiring to watch. There is also a scene when Midge and her family are moving into their summer rental and it’s like something out of a movie.
Gilmore Girls: It’s Funnier
Yes, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a very funny show and deserves tons of credit on that front… but there is something about Gilmore Girls that ultimately makes it a more hilarious series.
Lorelai and Rory view the world with their unique sense of humor, and even when something is serious, Lorelai finds it tough to not at least crack one smile. The people who live in town, this mother/daughter pair, and the situations all combine to make one of the funniest (and most moving) shows out there.
