The beloved American comedy-drama series Gilmore Girls is set to leave Netflix in the United States on 30th June, a decision that has sparked considerable backlash from its dedicated fanbase. The streaming platform confirmed the departure of the show's original seven seasons, which have been available to US subscribers since 2014.
Gilmore Girls, which first aired in 2000 and concluded in 2007, centres on the close relationship between Lorelai Gilmore, a young single mother, and her academically ambitious daughter, Rory. Despite its original broadcast ending over a decade ago, the series found a new and growing audience on Netflix, particularly during autumn months. Nielsen data indicates that viewership in the US surged to 7.98 billion minutes in autumn 2023, highlighting its enduring popularity.
The show's success on Netflix even led to a four-episode revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, which premiered on the platform in 2016. This sequel, featuring much of the original cast, will reportedly remain exclusive to Netflix, offering a partial solace to disappointed fans.
The announcement has drawn comparisons to Netflix's decision to remove another fan-favourite, Friends, from its US catalogue in 2020. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with messages from subscribers expressing their dismay, with some threatening to cancel their subscriptions. Comments ranged from accusations of removing popular content to emotional appeals for the decision to be reversed, with one user stating, "This is personal, Netflix. Bring it back or I’m out."
While the original series will no longer be available on Netflix in the US, it has been confirmed that it will still be accessible via Hulu for American viewers. This move underscores the increasingly complex landscape of content licensing and streaming rights, where popular shows frequently migrate between platforms, often to the frustration of subscribers who may need multiple subscriptions to access their preferred content.