Gilmore Girls - The Complete First Season (DVD, 2005)

Gilmore Girls is quite addicting. The story lines are compelling but not overblown like a soap. Even when the characters deal with some harsh situations, this is a great feel-good show when you need something to cheer you up. All the girls in my family do a Gilmore Girls marathon when they're sick and stuck at home.

While critics have hailed it "The best mother/daughter relationship ever", the relationship between Lorelai and Rory isn't perfect. They sometimes fight (hard) and disagree over things. But they always come full circle and go back to being best friends. Part of what is so refreshing about the show is that a mother and daughter, though very different in personality, truly want to tell each other everything, please each other, and be the best of friends. It makes me value my relationship with my mom more.

Aside from great stories, the show has earned praise largely due to the amazingly witty dialogue exchanged between all the characters. Some viewers complain that "People would never be able to talk like that in real life". But for me, that's half the fun! Why watch something on tv when you can just see it in everyday life? As far as content for youngsters, the first three season are really clean. The stories get a little more adult later on. But honestly, it's about as good as you can expect television to be without going to Full House mode.