In case it's not abundantly clear by now, it's the season of canned pumpkin recipes, and we're all for putting it in just about everything we eat and drink! But if you thought you had to use fresh pumpkin puree for all those fall recipes, think again. These canned recipes are delicious and perfect for Thanksgiving, whether you're making an appetizer for the fam or whipping up your famous pumpkin pie.
Here are 47 recipes – including canned pumpkin dessert recipes – that use pumpkin from a can.
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
Whoever first decided to put pumpkin and brownies together needs some sort of reward. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
The Ultimate Pumpkin Pie
For your next all-Saturday Netflix session, surprise your binge TV-watching buddy with a pumpkin pie that tastes of pecans, cloves and Biscoff spread. It's the perfect thing to accompany your go-to comfort show. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Spiked Pumpkin Hot Chocolate
Everything about this drink sounds like a good idea. Pumpkin? The perfect seasonal ingredient. Hot cocoa? Our favorite cold weather drink. Rum? A tasty (and optional) part of the recipe. Make this hot chocolate for your Halloween party, Friendsgiving, and beyond. (via Brit + Co)
Lifestyle of a Foodie
Pumpkin Pie Cookies
It's a pie. It's a cookie. It's a pumpkin pie cookie! This loaded canned pumpkin dessert recipe is the perfect thing to make and bring to a party. (via Lifestyle of a Foodie for Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
DIY Pumpkin Curry Recipe
If you like to warm up your evenings with curry, swap your usual ingredients for pumpkin puree to make it even more autumnal. This recipe is full of your usual veggies, plus some avocado and coconut milk. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Double Chocolate Banana Pumpkin Bread
Banana bread is already a tasty idea for fall baking, but add in pumpkin *and* chocolate for something that is too good to pass up. Swap the chocolate ganache for chocolate chips if you want, or just add in both. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
This recipe is like your favorite cookies, just a little bit healthier. These cute cookies even look like pumpkins! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Chocolate Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Upgrade this childhood Rice Krispie Treat with a dab of chocolate and a pinch of pumpkin to turn them into something fall-approved. Colorful sprinkles are non-negotiable. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
The Pumpkin Trifecta
One can, three delicious pumpkin desserts? It's not magic. It's just the great pumpkin. Try one at a time over the next month or make all three for your next fall dinner party. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Pie Frozen Yogurt
It's never too cold for fro-yo. With some canned pumpkin and spices, this recipe is only 100 calories and promises to satisfy your October cravings. Count us in! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Let's not forget our pooches. They deserve to gorge on gourd, too. Bonus points if you can find cute, dog-approved cookie cutters for this canned pumpkin recipie. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
French Toast Waffles Canned Pumpkin Recipe
Whoa. Pumpkin, French toast and waffles? This recipe is almost too good to be true. Talk about the ultimate Saturday morning breakfast! (via Brit + Co)
Kezia Lynn / PEXELS
Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
This easy banana bread is the yummiest excuse to use up ripe bananas and that can of pumpkin puree that's been sitting ini your cabinet for months. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Apple Pumpkin Curry Soup
Get ready for a big spoonful of coziness. All of our favorite fall flavors are floating around this savory and sweet soup that makes for a great dinner anytime you're feeling cold. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Pumpkintini
Who would've thought that you could make a PSL into a cocktail? Genius! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Eating pie for breakfast is not a wise choice. Making your breakfasttaste like pie is. You won't want to go back to normal oatmeal after you try this recipe. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
Fall-ify your morning smoothie with a little pumpkin and a little spice. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pecan Pasta
If you thought pumpkin couldn't be added to a cheesy pasta, this is proof that it definitely can. Pecans add a little bit of crunch, and while this recipe is already meatless, you can make it with dairy-free cheese to turn it into something magically vegan. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Pie Cobbler
Forget apple cobbler this fall. Try this pumpkin cobbler that's baked… inside a pumpkin. Mind = blown. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
White Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse With Spiked Whipped Cream
Thanksgiving Day already has your oven working overtime. Give it a break by serving up this delicious pumpkin-y no-bake dessert. Not only will it allow your kitchen to take it easy but you also won't be sweating over the stovetop. (via Brit + Co)
Betty Crocker
Pumpkin Donuts
These sugar-covered donuts are made from cake mix and canned pumpkin. Trust us: you do have time to make them. They're just that good. (via Betty Crocker)
Cookin' Canuck
Spiced Pumpkin Yogurt Parfaits
If you're looking for a way to add pumpkin to your morning routine, you found it. Use Greek yogurt and honey granola to make yourself a healthy breakfast. (via Cookin' Canuck)
Cookie and Kate
Pumpkin, Pineapple and Rum Cocktail
At your next soirée, warm everyone up with this sweet and sour cocktail. (via Cookie and Kate)
Willowbird Baking
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pillow Popovers
These pillow popovers will melt in your mouth, filling it with flavors of pumpkin and cheesecake. Our mouths are already watering for this canned pumpkin dessert. (via Willowbird Baking)
Chocolate Covered Katie
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Sometimes, you just need a PSL. Don't want to get out of your PJs to make that happen? This recipe = problem solved. You can make it right in the comfort of you own kitchen, especially if you have your own at-home coffee bar. (via Chocolate Covered Katie)
Life, Love and Sugar
Pumpkin Pie In A Jar
We're sure that everyone has wished for their own personal-sized pumpkin pie at some point in their life. Make that dream come true with these no-bake pies in a jar! (via Life, Love and Sugar)
The Tart Tart
Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
There isn't much in this world that compares to homemade ice cream. Except maybe homemade pumpkin ice cream sandwiches between homemade chocolate chip cookies. (via The Tart Tart)
Chocolate-Covered Katie
Pumpkin Reeses
While Reeses are delicious all by themselves, replacing peanut butterwith pumpkin is the best idea we've heard all month. You can add a pinch of salt to round out the flavor. (via Chocolate-Covered Katie)
Diethood
Pumpkin Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Wake up to deliciousness and pumpkin pie with these cinnamon rolls. We'll take two… pans. (via Diethood)
Sally's Baking Addiction
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
If variety is the spice of life, then these cookies are everything. You can easily alter the flavor by using chocolate chips or cranberries or… wait for it… pumpkin seeds! (via Sally's Baking Addiction)
Call Me PMC
Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts
Do you have a strict morning routine? Make these Pop Tarts ahead of time for some pumpkin on the go if you don't have time to make a huge breakfast. (via Call Me PMC)
Averie Cooks
Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie
Realice cream plus canned pumpkin equals a super scrumptious twist on classic pumpkin pie. (via Averie Cooks)
Eva Bakes
Pumpkin and Peach Muffins
Who'd have thought these two orange ingredients would go so well together? You better be snatching up those peaches while you can. (via Eva Bakes)
Delightfule Made
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Donuts
These donuts will pair perfectly with your steaming cuppa. Pair with pumpkin spice tea or a PSL for the ultimate pumpkin experience. (via Delightfule Made)
Desserts With Benefits
Pumpkin-Spiced Walnut Butter
Alright, stop, collaborate and listen. Spice is back with a brand new invention. You've just gotta try this butter on your next bagel. (via Desserts With Benefits)
Bakerita
Pumpkin Crumb Cake
With the crazy baking season, who has hours and hours to spend baking? This cake may look complicated, but it's actually incredibly easy, which automatically gets a thumbs-up from us. Plus, who can resist a crumb topping like that? (Not us.) (via Bakerita)
The Chic Life
Autumn Granola Canned Pumpkin Recipe
This pumpkin-y granola combines lots of flavors to create a breakfast you'll be craving all season long. Swap out some of the ingredients come winter to keep things seasonal. (via The Chic Life)
The Sweet Chick
Maple Fudge Canned Pumpkin Recipe
Hand this fudge out to all of your trick or treaters, and don't be surprised when word on the street gets out that you've got the best treats on the block. (via The Sweet Chick)
Country Cleaver
Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Cones
'Tis the season for bonfires, and ice cream cones make the ideal vehicle for a delectable cheesecake treat that can be eaten (quickly!) around the fire. (via Country Cleaver)
Daily Burn
Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes
These pancakes are a fabulous healthy way to refuel after a morning workout. Just go lighter on the syrup, or get your sweetness by adding some semi-sweet chocolate chips in each cake. (via Daily Burn)
Baking a Moment
Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Crusty top, creamy middle, pumpkin taste — now that's a dessert worth breaking a diet for. (via Baking a Moment)
Woman Scribbles
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
This warm, gooey and chocolatey take on a delicious pumpkin loaf bread is a heaven sent option for those who love combining their favorite fall flavors together. (via Woman Scribbles)
Vanilla and Bean
Pumpkin Maple Pecan Granola With Cranberries
Add a different texture to your pumpkin maple pecan granola with cranberries. Its sweet and crunchy flavor will pair well with morning cereal or yogurt bowls. (via Vanilla and Bean)
Averie Cooks
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Cheesecake is one of those classic desserts that will probably never go away – not that we want it to. To spice things up, try baking these sweet pumpkin cheesecake bars. (via Averie Cooks)
Bowl of Delicious
Instant Pot Pumpkin Chili
A warm bowl of chili on a crisp fall day is enough to bring a smile to anyone's face, but did you know you could add pumpkin to it? For something that's a little spicy yet savory, make this Instant Pot pumpkin chili for the family this weekend! (via Bowl of Delicious)
Where Is My Spoon?
Chicken and Pumpkin Risotto
We live for comfort foods like this chicken and pumpkin risotto. It's light and flavorful, making every spoonful a delight to taste. (via Where Is My Spoon?)
Barley & Sage
Pumpkin Spice Macarons
Macarons are another fan favorite that deserve their chance to be baked this fall. Bake this pumpkin spice recipe for your upcoming Halloween party! (via Barley & Sage)
Check out our Pinterest and online baking + cooking classes for more canned pumpkin recipe inspiration!
This post has been updated.
It's official: Blue Ivy looks totally grown up now — especially in her gorgeous gold gown at the Mufasa: The Lion Kingpremiere. It honestly feels like just yesterday that Beyoncé announced she was born, and now she's a star in her own right! She celebrated her Disney film debut with her family by her side on the red carpet (and everyone looking as gorgeous as ever).
While Jay-Z was one of the latest celebrities caught in the crosshairs of P. Diddy allegations, it didn't stop mom and dad from showing their unwavering support. The family put on a united front, smiling for the cameras and praising Blue's work on her latest Disney film, further proving that they're in this together. Here's everything we know!
Details about the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere
Beyoncé & Jay-Z Amazing Support Of Blue Ivy's Role In 'Mufasa'
Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
Blue Ivy stars in Mufasa: The Lion King as Kiara with Beyoncé voicing Nala again. The highly anticipated film will show Mufasa's origins from a young cub to the majestic king we've come to know, love, and mourn.
In this cute BTS clip, Beyoncé and Blue are initially shown in separate recording booths while the latter says, "Don't stare at me." It's a typical response all kids eventually give their parents, but it doesn't bother Beyoncé. She simply smiles and says, "I can't help it. You're just too beautiful girl." Still, she offers a bit of reassurance to Blue. "I'mma be right here closing my eyes."
Blue briefly talked about what it feels like to work on a movie by saying, "If I like told my younger self that I was in a movie, I'd like never believe myself."
The star couldn't help but tear up as she continued to watch Blue and said, "Give me a second. I'm still...just can't believe that's my baby." While sitting side by Blue, Beyoncé eventually turns to look at her to let her know she's "so proud of her." Even Rumi, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's youngest daughter, makes a quick appearance!
The Mufasa: The Lion King premiere occurred December 9 with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and grandma Tina Knowles standing by Blue Ivy's side. They looked stunning on the red carpet as they wore coordinating outfits. Although the ladies seemed to be present and excited, Jay-Z temporarily looked distracted while all of them were standing together (via PEOPLE).
If we had to guess, it may have something to do with the recent allegations connecting he and P. Diddy weighing on his mind. After the accusation went public, Jay-Z penned his own public statement and shared it to Roc Nations' social channels. The most heartbreaking aspect of it is realizing his children will be able to see everything.
"My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people," he wrote (via X). Only time will tell how everything pans out, but we hope this doesn't overshadow Blue Ivy's success, nor do we want to see people vilify her or her siblings for alleged misdeeds of Jay-Z.
At the end of the day, we're so proud of Blue for letting her light shine bright despite everything else!
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Jack-o'-lanterns are great for Halloween decorations, but the humble pumpkin certainly has a lot to offer once the holiday's over. In the U.S. alone, 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown away after Halloween every year. Once trashed, wasted pumpkins end up occupying a lot of space in landfills and producing harmful amounts of the greenhouse gas, methane.
Because of this, it's important to consider making some more sustainable moves after spooky season ends. Turns out, many varieties of pumpkins you'll find in stores this fall are actually bred for carving, and aren't safe for consumption – each pumpkin will often be marked if they're inedible. Try looking out for pumpkins that *can* be eaten so you can make the most out of the pumpkin guts: Cherokee Bush, Casper, Cinderella, and Fairy Tale pumpkins are all great choices.
Consider composting your pumpkins after Halloween, too. If you don't do at-home compost, there are likely to be community compost pick-ups or drop-offs near you.
The most sustainable (and delicious) way to use leftover pumpkin is to make some recipes with it! We've gone far beyond pumpkin pie and roasting pumpkin seeds (although we'll happily do that, too) to bring you some creative ways to make use of the insides of yourjack-o'-lanterns after their flames have burned out. We're scooping out over a dozen creative ways to use the whole thing, guts and all.
Recipes To Make With Pumpkin Guts
Brit + Co
Spiced Pumpkin Cider
Swap out the pumpkin puree with your own pumpkin goodness to make this luscious Halloween drink.
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Rolls
These luscious pumpkin rolls make for the ultimate cozy weekend breakfast! To make use of your pumpkin leftovers, swap the canned pumpkin puree for your own homemade version.
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Pasta
Get us a spoon! Nothing says comfort food like mac and cheese, but this pasta takes things up a notch. Fall is no better time than fall to nosh on homey eats that carry *all* the fall flavors.
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Curry
Make this pumpkin-packed curry however spicy you'd like it for a *totally* warming bite when it's chilly out!
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These paleo-friendly baked bites scream fall, especially when you decorate them in jack-o'-lantern fashion.
Brit + Co
Chocolate Pumpkin Banana Bread
Freshly-baked banana bread is made for the fall season, so why not doctor things up with some pumpkin? Leverage your leftovers for a sweet little treat!
The Pioneer Woman
Homemade Pumpkin Puree
Grab your pumpkin and get to work, because the good stuff is on the inside. Slice, scoop and de-seed your way to homemade pumpkin puree that'll knock *any* canned pumpkin product out of the patch.
Oh She Glows
The Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Once you've spilled the guts, work on gathering all of those pumpkin seeds. Not only do pumpkin seeds have nutritive value, they're excellent for munching on their own.
Taste & Tell
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
So, yeah… pumpkin, cinnamon and maple cream cheese all infused into a warm, sticky bun. We'll take two, please.
A Beautiful Mess
Overnight Pumpkin Butter
Once you've had the sweet and spicy taste of warm pumpkin butter hit your taste buds, you'll never look at a pumpkin the same way again. Grab a pumpkin and get digging, because these guts make something quite grand.
Modern Farmer
Hard Squash Hummus
Creamy chickpeas and raw pumpkin (instead of squash) combine for a flavorful spin on the classic dip. Reap the rewards of the pumpkin and score some 'oohs' and 'ahhs' by roasting the seeds for a crunchy garnish.
Ambitious Kitchen
Honey Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
If you're a pumpkin lover, get on this recipe! They're perfect for dunking into chilis and stews, or if you like your cornbread on the sweet side, add a drizzle of melted butter and warm honey. (via Ambitious Kitchen)
Pizzazzerie
Pumpkin Bisque
Learn how to use a pumpkin as a serving vessel and flavor enhancer for superb dishes like this crisp fall bisque.
Martha Stewart
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling
Martha knows a thing or two about pumpkin… like how excellent it is when you bake it into pillowy cookies sandwiched around sweetened cream cheese.
Skinnytaste
Pumpkin Ice Cream
It's October, and that means pumpkin-flavored everything hits supermarket shelves. If you live in a warmer area, you can forget the fuzzy sweaters and hot apple cider. Get your fall fix with this creamy sherbet that's perfectly spiced, made with milk, pumpkin puree, and spices.
She Wears Many Hats
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
You're drooling, right? This pumpkin dessert just might make it into your regular rotation.
Purely Twins
Pumpkin Pie Fudge Truffles
For the love of pumpkin and chocolate! These bite-sized truffles are basically magic in the mouth. Bibbity-bobbity-boo, do spread the love for a treat, and share this recipe with your friends.
The Girl On Bloor
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinos
Starbucks is life, but if you want to save some money this week, whip up this delicious pumpkin spice Frappuccino recipe at home! Mash up your leftover pumpkin guts to make a puree that'll serve as the base for this fall drink.
The First Mess
Black Bean Dip with Roasted Squash, Garlic, Pumpkin Seeds and Chipotles
Your nachos are waiting for you to dip them into this delectable black bean dip with roasted squash, garlic, pumpkin seeds and chipotle peppers.
Half Baked Harvest
6-Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Butter
Step up your pumpkin butter game with this recipe. It's a perfect alternative if you want to have a spiced buttery spread to top your breakfast toast or croissant.
The First Mess
Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie with Ginger and Cardamom
This vegan pumpkin smoothie with ginger and cardamom is the fall drink you didn't know you needed to make.
Barley & Sage
Pumpkin Stuffed Shells
Let your pumpkin's guts help you create the creamy puree that gives this stuffed shell recipe a burst of fall flavor.
Salt & Lavender
Pumpkin and Cauliflower Soup with Ginger
This pumpkin and cauliflower soup with ginger is great comfort meal on the cold, rainy fall days. (via Salt & Lavender)
Fancy Peasant
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Let your kids help you scoop out out the guts of your pumpkins so you can bake this sweet treat. They'll love eating this yummy twist on a traditional dessert.
Rachel Mansfield
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Crumb Cheesecake
Bake this gluten-free pumpkin crumb cheesecake for Thanksgiving, and watch as it slowly becomes your family's favorite dessert.
Takes Two Eggs
Dog Birthday Cake
It's time to celebrate your fur baby's birthday with this delicious cake. It's filled with yummy and safe ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter and apple sauce!
Recipes For Your Dog, Made With Leftover Pumpkin
White on Rice Couple
Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ifyour dog is as sweet as pumpkin pie, why not give him a bone that's packed with the flavor and nutrients of pumpkin?
DIY Self-Care With Pumpkin Guts
Brit + Co
Pumpkin-Honey Baking Soda Scrub
Welcome the fall season and brighten your skin without the aid of sunshine with this pumpkin body scrub. Rich in vitamins A and C and various enzymes, raw pumpkin is the secret ingredient to radiant skin.
Freutcake
Pumpkin Sugar Body Scrub
Want to try something magical on your skin? DIY thisbody scrub packed with natural enzymes that fight free radicals, slough away dead skin, and leave you feeling rejuvenated. Get to the kitchen and begin mixing nutrient rich, raw pumpkin with coarse sugar or salt, a bit of honey and sweet almond oil for a body scrub that packs a punch.
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This post has been updated.
Ahhh…Paris Geller. Where does one even begin with the best Gilmore Girl whose name isn't actually Gilmore? The woman we all came to know and love. The purveyor of backhanded compliments, deadpan humor, the quickest wit one can imagine and an absolutely ungodly work ethic. The sole character of the series who I would 100% watch a spin-off of, and love every minute. Sure — she once said that everyone around her needed to be sterilized immediately. And that Rory’s boyfriend offers “nothing to women or the world in general.” And that she can “scare the stupid out of you. But the lazy runs deep.”
She may, in fact, be the only character whose absurdity warrants such unhinged comments, and I am so here for it. You may be reading this because you too believe that Paris Geller deserves way more praise than she receives. Or you hate her. Or perhaps you don’t even know who she is. Regardless, allow me to delight you with the many — shall I say — unique musings of my favorite Gilmore Girls character, and explain exactly why Paris was not only what the cult-classic show needed, but the feminist icon TV needed, too.
So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.
The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”
Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.
Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)
Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.
So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.
That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.
Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.
Image via WB
There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.
What's your take on Paris Geller? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for more pop culture musings!
Header image via Netflix, Warner Bros
This post has been updated.
Gilmore Girlstakes up more of my brain space than I'd care to admit. The show is undeniably great. I mean, there's a reason it's become an absolute cultural phenomenon! The banter is witty and memorable, the Stars Hollow, Connecticut setting is warm and friendly, and the character dynamics feel natural and comforting. All of these elements combined create the perfect comfort show thatI personally rewatch again and again. However, despite having an overall positive opinion of the show, there is one bone I have to pick with it. This grievance makes my blood boil and keeps me tossing and turning at night.
While I can't pose my all-too-important question to the creators of the show, I will ask it to you, reader: Why in the world was Lane Kim's storyline such a travesty? Considering the show is not shy about uplifting and celebrating Rory (despite her many mistakes) it feels especially unfair how short of a stick Lane (played by Keiko Agena) truly got. Here are my unfiltered thoughts on the subject.
Lane deserved better after a life of seeking independence
Throughout Lane's formative teenage years, she was forced to hide her true identity and interests in order to appease her mother. From hiding CDs in her floorboards and changing her clothes when she got to school, Lane was under a lot of pressure to keep her mom happy, while still trying to figure out who she was. Her mother even kicked her out after finding out about her "secret life," causing Lane to have to move into Rory's dorm. Rory, on the other hand, had a mother who supported her every dream and who she could be fully herself with.
I'm not sure why only one of these two besties got to live out their dreams, but if it did have to play out this way, it should have been Lane Kim. Given how difficult her upbringing was, couldn't the show have given her a win by having *her* be the one who gets to follow her dreams?
Lane's love life is lackluster
Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix
Once again, the show propped up Rory and gave her not one, not two, but three love interests. Whether or not you love all three of them, we can all admit that each boyfriend was compatible with Rory in their own way, and helped her learn and grow. Lane, however, did not get this. Her first boyfriend, Dave, is great. He's kind and sweet and understanding of her family situation, but the show breaks them up because they can't handle being long-distance. (Technically, we know actor Adam Brody had to leave for The O.C. but where is the justice??!)
After Dave, it all goes downhill from there for poor Lane. She ends up with Zack, who isn't bad but isn't great. And, as soon as Lane is finally getting to pursue her passion by going on tour with her band, she finds out she and Zack are pregnant. Considering how long Lane dreamed of getting to be her authentic herself and openly express her interests, it feels cruel that this twist of fate took it away from her at this exact moment.
Lane made the best of her situation
Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix
Despite Rory having almost every opportunity available to her, we find out in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life that she is making bad decisions (like, er, sleeping with an engaged man) and is struggling to find her way. Lane, on the other hand, has made the best out of the cards she's been dealt. She's still married to Zack, is taking care of her twins, and has even kept music in her life by joining a band. I can't help but think if Lane can forge ahead despite all of her unfortunate circumstances, how fantastic could her life have been if the writers had served her just a little bit more good fortune?
Lane could have served as the role model so many girls needed
Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix
Lane's experience mirrors many Asian-American girls' lives. She had a strict upbringing and struggled to strike a balance between fitting in with her American peers and forming her own identity, while still trying to manage her mother's expectations of who she should be. As an Asian-American, Lane's experiences mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful.
With the lack of representation at the time, it was even more important that Lane was dealt an ending that she and her viewers could be proud of. Instead of turning her into somewhat of a cautionary tale, her story could have been utilized to empower an audience of individuals who saw themselves in her. For that reason, Lane's treatment on Gilmore Girls will never quite sit right with me.
What do you think about Lane Kim's storyline on Gilmore Girls? Let us know in the comments and check out our guide to Where Is The Gilmore Girls Cast Now? to keep up with your favorite Stars Hollow residents (even if they're not in Stars Hollow anymore).
Lead image via Warner Bros
This post has been updated.