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The Best Episodes of Gilmore Girls Season 4

Every episode of Gilmore Girls Season 4 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Gilmore Girls Season 4!

Binge this in 15h 49m•Peaking at 9.3/10

Set in the charming town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, the series follows the captivating lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother/daughter pair who have a relationship most people only dream of.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 1 - Ballrooms and Biscotti
    7.8/10(953 votes)

    #1 - Ballrooms and Biscotti

    S4:E1

    After returning from a summer of backpacking through Europe, Rory and Lorelai frantically prepare for Rory's move to college.

    Director:Amy Sherman-Palladino
    Writer:Amy Sherman-Palladino

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  2. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 2 - The Lorelais' First Day at Yale
    8.5/10(1134 votes)

    #2 - The Lorelais' First Day at Yale

    S4:E2

    Lorelai helps Rory move into her dorm, where she meets an odd new roommate, and learns that she will also be sharing her room with a familiar face.

    Director:Chris Long
    Writer:Daniel Palladino

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  3. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 3 - The Hobbit, the Sofa, and Digger Stiles
    7.8/10(926 votes)

    #3 - The Hobbit, the Sofa, and Digger Stiles

    S4:E3

    Emily redecorates Rory's dorm room without her permission. Lorelai and Sookie cater a kids' birthday party with a "Lord of the Rings" theme.

    Director:Matthew Diamond
    Writer:Amy Sherman-Palladino

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  4. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 4 - Chicken or Beef?
    7.9/10(920 votes)

    #4 - Chicken or Beef?

    S4:E4

    While visiting Stars Hollow for the weekend, Rory encounters Dean, who awkwardly invites her to an event the next day.

    Director:Chris Long
    Writer:Jane Espenson

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  5. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 5 - The Fundamental Things Apply
    7.9/10(900 votes)

    #5 - The Fundamental Things Apply

    S4:E5

    Lorelai struggles to hide details of her life from Emily. Rory discovers that college dating isn't easy. Lorelai invites Luke over for movie night.

    Director:Neema Barnette
    Writer:John Stephens

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  6. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 6 - An Affair to Remember
    7.7/10(898 votes)

    #6 - An Affair to Remember

    S4:E6

    Emily hires Lorelai and Sookie to cater an elaborate launch party for Richard's new company, but insists they prove that they are worthy of her trust.

    Director:Matthew Diamond
    Writer:Amy Sherman-Palladino

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  7. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 7 - The Festival of Living Art
    8.1/10(1029 votes)

    #7 - The Festival of Living Art

    S4:E7

    Rory and Lorelai participate in a Stars Hollow event in which the townspeople dress up and present tableaux imitating famous paintings.

    Director:Chris Long
    Writer:Daniel Palladino

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  8. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 8 - Die, Jerk
    7.6/10(896 votes)

    #8 - Die, Jerk

    S4:E8

    Rory tries to spice up her articles for the student newspaper. Luke admits to Lorelai that he is revisiting a past relationship.

    Director:Tom Moore
    Writer:Daniel Palladino

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  9. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 9 - Ted Koppel's Big Night Out
    8.0/10(929 votes)

    #9 - Ted Koppel's Big Night Out

    S4:E9

    Emily realizes that Richard has been secretly meeting someone for lunch for years. Lorelai accepts an invitation to dinner.

    Director:Jamie Babbit
    Writer:Amy Sherman-Palladino

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  10. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 10 - The Nanny and the Professor
    7.6/10(871 votes)

    #10 - The Nanny and the Professor

    S4:E10

    Lorelai and Sookie renovate their inn. Lorelai enjoys a romantic evening. Rory is irritated by Paris's new relationship.

    Director:Peter Lauer
    Writer:Scott Kaufer

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  11. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 11 - In the Clamor and the Clangor
    8.1/10(924 votes)

    #11 - In the Clamor and the Clangor

    S4:E11

    Lorelai is upset that Luke has gotten an apartment in another town. Rory learns that a guy she likes has been spreading false information about her.

    Director:Michael Grossman
    Writers:Janet Leahy, Sheila R. Lawrence

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  12. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 12 - A Family Matter
    7.9/10(896 votes)

    #12 - A Family Matter

    S4:E12

    Luke is wary when his sister comes to town. Lorelai hesitates to tell her parents about her new beau. Paris's affair gets serious.

    Director:Kenny Ortega
    Writer:Daniel Palladino

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  13. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 13 - Nag Hammadi Is Where They Found the Gnostic Gospels
    8.2/10(924 votes)

    #13 - Nag Hammadi Is Where They Found the Gnostic Gospels

    S4:E13

    Rory crosses paths with Jess in Stars Hollow. Luke's sister visits Stars Hollow and introduces her new boyfriend to her brother.

    Director:Chris Long
    Writer:Amy Sherman-Palladino

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  14. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 14 - The Incredible Sinking Lorelais
    8.6/10(1079 votes)

    #14 - The Incredible Sinking Lorelais

    S4:E14

    Overwhelmed by her classwork, Rory confides in Dean, who's working on the construction crew at the Dragonfly Inn.

    Director:Steve Clancy
    Writers:Amy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel Palladino

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  15. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 15 - Scene in a Mall
    8.2/10(897 votes)

    #15 - Scene in a Mall

    S4:E15

    Rory gets a glimpse of Dean's new life. When Lorelai and Rory spend a day at the mall, they run into Emily on a wild shopping spree.

    Director:Chris Long
    Writer:Daniel Palladino

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  16. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 16 - The Reigning Lorelai
    8.2/10(947 votes)

    #16 - The Reigning Lorelai

    S4:E16

    Richard is devastated by a sudden loss. Emily receives a shock when she finds an old letter that was written to Richard.

    Director:Marita Grabiak
    Writer:Jane Espenson

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  17. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 17 - Girls in Bikinis, Boys Doin' the Twist
    8.0/10(1008 votes)

    #17 - Girls in Bikinis, Boys Doin' the Twist

    S4:E17

    Rory and Paris head south for their first spring break in Florida, where they run into a couple of their old pals from Chilton.

    Director:Jamie Babbit
    Writer:Amy Sherman-Palladino

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  18. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 18 - Tick, Tick, Tick, Boom!
    8.1/10(895 votes)

    #18 - Tick, Tick, Tick, Boom!

    S4:E18

    Jason and Richard are sued. Rory is upset by a decision Dean has made. Dean is told to stop spending time with Rory.

    Director:Daniel Palladino
    Writer:Daniel Palladino

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  19. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 19 - Afterboom
    7.9/10(871 votes)

    #19 - Afterboom

    S4:E19

    Lorelai confronts her father when she learns that he has cut business ties. Luke gives Lorelai an update on his love life.

    Director:Michael Zinberg
    Writer:Sheila R. Lawrence

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  20. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 20 - Luke Can See Her Face
    8.5/10(1053 votes)

    #20 - Luke Can See Her Face

    S4:E20

    A self-help tape helps a depressed Luke realize who his soul mate is. Lorelai is stressed as the Dragonfly Inn's opening day approaches.

    Director:Matthew Diamond
    Writers:Amy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel Palladino

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  21. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 21 - Last Week Fights, This Week Tights
    8.8/10(1229 votes)

    #21 - Last Week Fights, This Week Tights

    S4:E21

    Jess walks his mother down the aisle at her Renaissance-themed wedding. Luke asks his new love interest on a date. Dean confides in Rory.

    Director:Chris Long
    Writer:Daniel Palladino

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  22. Gilmore Girls Season 4 Episode 22 - Raincoats and Recipes
    9.3/10(1637 votes)

    #22 - Raincoats and Recipes

    S4:E22

    Lorelai invites friends and family to do a test run of the Dragonfly Inn opening. Two suitors pursue Lorelai.

    Director:Amy Sherman-Palladino
    Writer:Amy Sherman-Palladino

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Season 4 Ratings Summary

"Ballrooms and Biscotti" is the best rated episode of "Gilmore Girls" season 4. It scored 7.8/10 based on 953 votes. Directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino and written by Amy Sherman-Palladino, it aired on 9/23/2003. This episode is rated 0.7 points higher than the second-best, "The Lorelais' First Day at Yale".