Stars Hollow has always been more than a fictional setting for fans of Gilmore Girls. It’s a comforting escape, a warm cup of coffee on a snowy day, and a place where quirky characters feel like family. 2 weeks ago, that beloved world returned for 30 fleeting seconds in Walmart’s holiday commercial, reuniting Lauren Graham (Lorelai Gilmore), Scott Patterson (Luke Danes), and Sean Gunn (Kirk). The ad sparked both joy and division among fans as they debated its tone, setting, and potential hints at future revivals.
Several members of the beloved cast of Gilmore Girls came together for a surprise reunion for Walmart’s holiday commercial that aired on December 3rd, leaving fans simultaneously overjoyed and divided. The 30-second ad premiered and sparked widespread conversation among the show’s devoted following about its tone, setting, and implications for future revivals.
The commercial opened with Luke jokingly accusing Lorelai of drinking him “out of business,” referencing her iconic coffee obsession as Kirk and other elements of Stars Hollow also make a memorable return. Brittney A., a longtime fan, reflected “It was very nostalgic. It all revolved around Luke’s diner and coffee. Plus, it had Kirk, Kirk can’t keep to himself!” The performances of Graham, Patterson, and Gunn were widely praised for authentically capturing the spirit of Stars Hollow.
However, not everyone welcomed the reunion. A Reddit user made the critique that “Luke would never buy [Lorelai] a Keurig. He hates wastefulness and corporations. Also, a Walmart would effectively crush all the small businesses in Stars Hollow.” This sentiment highlights the disconnect some fans felt between the show’s charming small-town aesthetic and the commercial’s corporate sponsor.
The ad has reignited calls for more Gilmore Girls content, with fans yearning for another revival despite lingering disappointment from the 2016 Netflix mini-series A Year in the Life. As another Reddit user put it, “Those 30 seconds were enough to ignite the fire again.” However, many believe nostalgia alone isn’t enough. Brittney A. added, “Nostalgia should play a role, but we also need growth. I’d love to see where the characters are now.”
Whether this commercial is a one-off or a precursor to more Gilmore Girls content remains to be seen. Nevertheless for now, it’s a reminder of why Stars Hollow continues to hold a special place in the hearts of its fans. As another Reddit user remarked, “Why not just do an AYITL season 2? Why waste it on a Walmart commercial?” Perhaps this 30-second glimpse will inspire something more substantial, a chance to revisit Stars Hollow not just as a memory, but as a story still waiting to be told.
