The Ultimate Gift Guide for Your Walking Dead-Obsessed BFF

Grace Lee
Oct 23, 2016

Season seven of The Walking Dead is finally here! With tonight’s premiere, we can almost taste the brains. Okay, we’re kidding, but if your BFF is one of the many *infected* with a Walking Dead obsession, then you’ll want to read on. Whether you’re celebrating the premiere with a TWD viewing party or getting your friend a thoughtful birthday gift, a gift inspired by her favorite show is bound to get you *bonus* BFF points. Between the poster prints, coffee mugs and t-shirts below, your BFF will get the chance to rep her love for TWD in serious style. Scroll on and check out the 19 items in our gift guide for the TWD-obsessed gal in your life.

1. idillard Rick Grimes Poster Print from Original Watercolor Painting ($20+): Capture all of Rick’s badassery in this watercolor print that’s *almost* too cool to handle. Since the poster is handmade, it’s guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind gift.

2. USAopoly The Walking Dead Monopoly ($31): Classic Monopoly meets zombie apocalypse in this fun mashup board game. If fortifying properties against an advancing zombie menace is something that would sound like fun to your BFF, make sure to grab The Walking Dead Monopoly for them.

3. ohmyframe The Walking Dead Quotes ($4): The Walking Dead has its fair share of quotable moments. With so many to choose from, a compilation of your friend’s favorite quotes might be the best option.

4. ThinkGeek Walking Dead Enamel Pin Set ($15, set of four): Gift your friend this set of stylish enamel pins featuring four Walking Dead characters: Daryl, Michonne, Rick and, of course, a walker. Thanks to this unique gift, they’ll be able to fancy up their backpack or denim jacket while repping their favorite show.

5. averycampbellART CARRRL Card ($5+): Despite the show’s mostly dark theme, there are comedic bits scattered throughout, including the way Rick yells Carl’s name. If your friend agrees, surprise her with this funny card to get a good laugh out of her.

6. Popmarket Bracelet Crossbow ($17): Who knew Daryl’s go-to weapon would make such a chic accessory? Add to your friend’s bangle collection with this gold crossbow bracelet that’ll let her show off her Walking Dead pride in style.

7. SchioStudio360 Maggie and Glenn Poster ($15+): One of the greatest things TWD has blessed its viewers with is the #relationshipgoals between Maggie and Glenn. Renew her hope in love with this uber cute watercolor poster she can display by itself or in a frame.

8. Popmarket The Walking Dead Rick Grimes Sheriff Backpack ($70): Inspired by Rick’s sheriff backpack, this replica makes a practical fan gift idea. Being a true fan, your friend will appreciate the worn-down look that stays true to its zombie-apocalyptic original.

9. BlackCatDesignAndArt Negan and Lucille Wall Print ($6): Season six left fans with a cliffhanger featuring bad guy Negan and his bat Lucille beating one of Rick’s friends to a pulp. Though the who is to be revealed season seven, this print will be a must-have for your pal, since it commemorates one of TWD‘s crucial moments.

10. BecauseSkulls Michonne Portrait ($13): Since her debut, Michonne has made quite the impression, becoming one of the show’s most badass female characters. Make sure to order this print ASAP if Michonne is your BFF’s #womancrush.

11. BirdCreekDesign Walking Dead Grimes Dixon for President 2016 T-Shirt ($10+): A presidential election set in TWD might sound a little impractical, but if your BFF would vote #GrimesandDixon2016 IRL, this is the shirt to get. But hurry — the last day to order this item is October 22!

12. TrendingShirts Eugene I Like to Watch T-Shirt ($18): If Eugene admitting he likes to watch the “action” made your friend laugh out loud, then they’ll definitely LOL over this shirt. A perfect representation of Eugene’s quirky personality, this shirt is the gift to get.

13. NYCnerd Glenn Rhee Sticker ($6): Is your pal a fan of decking out their laptop in stickers? If so, add a Glenn sticker to their collection so they can sport their TWD pride and #showcrush every time they open their laptop.

14. Popmarket The Walking Dead Light Set ($30): Lights that let you rep TWD in your bedroom *and* decorate your house for Halloween? Your girl might even want to bring them back for Christmas.

15. HausofTrashglam Walking Dead Katana Sword Earrings ($20): As fierce as the original they were inspired by, these katana sword earrings are not for the faint of heart. Gift these silver stunners to your friend for a chance to channel zombie-slayer Michonne and her choice of weapon.

16. MaconResources Walking Dead Drink Coasters ($12, set of four): Pick your BFF’s favorite characters for a customized set of four coasters. They’ll come in super handy the next time she hosts a TWD viewing party.

17. ThinkGeek If Daryl Dies We Riot Crossbow Mug ($13): Treat your coffee-lover BFF to this mug that reflects her attitude if Daryl were to ever be killed off the show. Plus, the crossbow handle is *way* too cool.

18. The Walking Dead Soundtrack ($6+): Your BFF has the TWD theme song as their ringtone, so rest assured they’re gonna love this gift. With the soundtrack, they’ll be able to relive the show’s most memorable moments.

19. BootsTees Rick Michonne Maggie Glenn Carol Daryl Shirt ($20+): C’mon, there’s no turning down this Walking Dead shirt featuring its most notable characters. Plus, the minimalistic look ensures it’ll go with just about any style.

Planning on doing some more TWD-inspired shopping? Follow us on Pinterest to get more ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Arconiacs Rejoice! All Episodes Of 'Only Murders In The Building' Season 4 Are Now Streaming.

Our favorite murder mystery is returning for another season! Only Murders in the Building, which stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, is Hulu's most-watched original comedy — and season three was the platform's most-streamed original project this year. It looks like Arconiacs really DO want more because Only Murders in the Building season 4 is here — and that finale is CRAZY. Here's everything we know about the upcoming installment of the show, and don't forget to read our interview with costumer Dana Covarrubias! After you've rewatched seasons 1-3 (again), check out The Best New TV Shows Coming In 2024for more!

What happened at the end of Only Murders in the Building season 4?

Patrick Harbron/Disney

After learning Marshall is Sazz's killer, Mabel, Charles, and Oliver are almost his next victims before Jan shoots him in the back from the empty apartment across the courtyard. But the season 4 finale isn't all drama! Oliver and Loretta finally tie the knot, and Oliver decides to stay in NYC while Loretta has to film in New Zealand. But in the final moments of the episode, we see that Lester is our next murder victim. HOW COULD YOU HULU?!

Tune into Only Murders season 5 to unmask the killer!

Does Selena Gomez like Steve Martin and Martin Short?

Selena Gomez/Instagram

Yes, Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short are all close! While presenting the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Selena Gomez and Martin Short had a moment onstage that totally reminded me of Oliver and Mabel. While making their way to the mic, Selena had to jog to keep up with Martin and Steve (she was wearing a stunning Ralph Lauren dress, after all). And when she expresses some nerves about tripping, Martin grabs her arm and says, "I got you baby." The sweetest!!

And Selena shows just as much love to her iconic costars. "I want to thank @stevemartinreally and Marty (who hates social media) for truly being the most kind, gentle, warm and powerful influences in my life," Selena Gomez says on Instagram. "You have shown me a level of class, intellect and humor that doesn’t seem to be easy to find anymore. You guys are truly best friends to me forever." I love this trio so much!

When is the next season of Only Murders in the Building coming out?

Image via Selena Gomez/Instagram

Only Murders in the Building season 4 is coming to Hulu Tuesday August 27, 2024. That means we're getting the Olympics, Bridgerton, The Bear, Emily in Paris, and House of the Dragon all in one summer. WOW.

Selena Gomez posted a screenshot on March 1 announcing that filming had begun! In honor of Day 1, Martin Short and Steve Martin sent her a bouquet of flowers with a note that reads, "We're so happy to be back with you, love, Steve and Marty." Okay cute!!

What is the Only Murders In The Building Season 4 filming like?

Image via Only Murders/Instagram

The official Only Murders in the Building Instagram account shared the first shot from set, and we couldn't be happier to see our favorite trio! "The besties are back," the post reads. "Season 4 🎥." And it looks like the costume color palette is still shades of green, blue, and red like in previous seasons, with Steve Martin's Charles wearing blue slacks and green shoes, and Martin Short's Oliver wearing rust-colored pants. Selena Gomez' Mabel is sticking to neutrals for now, but I'm sure we'll see plenty of color in her wardrobe in the weeks to come!

Selena Gomez also revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that shooting season 4 was a blast. "This is our most exciting season yet. That’s what I would definitely say with confidence, because it was far too fun," she says. "It’s going to be, to date, probably my favorite season."

But Only Murders in the Building season 4 also came with its own challenges. "We used to shoot everything in order, and that would help me a lot," she continues, "but because we had so many different things that were happening, and we wanted to make sure everybody was comfortable and we could adjust to people’s schedules, it jumped all over the place [this season]."

Who's going to be in the Only Murders in the Building season 4 cast?

Image via Patrick Harbron/Hulu

Unfortunately, Mabel and Tobert won't reunite for Only Murders season 4 because actor Jesse Williams just confirmed with People he's not returning for the series with a very straightforward, "I'm not on that show anymore."

Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin will return to lead Only Murders in the Building season 4. We'll also see Meryl Streep return alongside newcomers Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, Kumail Nanjiani, Desmin Borges, Siena Werber, Lilian Rebelo, and White Lotus star Molly Shannon. While we don't have any info on Eugene and Eva's role, we'll see Molly as a "high-powered Los Angeles business woman who finds herself drawn into the world of the investigation in New York,” via Variety.

As someone who was head over heels obsessed with Cheaper By The Dozen 2 as a kid, I can't wait to see Eugene Levy and Steve Martin onscreen again!

What is Only Murders in the Building season 4 about?

Image via Patrick Harbron/Hulu

"I think the idea of what you create is a thing you put out to the world, and sometimes you can’t be prepared for the repercussions of what potentially the world does with your thing," showrunner John Hoffman tells The Hollywood Reporter. "So, the podcast and everything else that’s happened, and what it all means, and what it could have been meaning all along."

We've seen the way Mabel, Oliver, and Charles' podcast has catapulted them into danger and adventure in the last three seasons, and it sounds like Only Murders in the Building season 4 will focus even more on the repercussions of their podcast — and it's going to happen in Los Angeles.

"Well, I’m very excited to see Steve, Martin and Selena take a little break from the apartment building and come to Los Angeles," ABC boss Craig Erwich tells Deadline. "So in the same way that John Hoffman used the canvas of Broadway to tell [Only Murders season 3], the same unique Only Murders take will be applied to Los Angeles, which I’m really excited about."

How many episodes of Only Murders In The Building on Hulu are there?

Image via Patrick Harbron/Hulu

All three seasons of Only Murders in the Building have 10 episodes each. We're definitely going to binge watch all 30 multiple times before season 4 comes out!

Who dies at the end of season 3 of Only Murders in the Building?

Image via Patrick Harbron/Hulu

At the very end of Only Murders season 3, we see Sazz (played by Jane Lynch) get shot while walking around Charles' apartment — and then try to write him a message with her own blood. Crazy! But even crazier is the fact she was dressed up like him, meaning the murderer was actually after Charles. But the great thing about Only Murders in the Building is that the victim becomes an even larger part of the story than they were before.

"The more personal you can make the victim to one of our trio, or the murderer to one of our trio, the better," showrunner John Hoffman tells THR. "It felt like a perfect opportunity to let Charles have this connection and explore more of that connection. It’s one of the great characters. We’ve loved writing Sazz so much, and that’s the beauty of the show is, you get a lot more time with the victims. They’re not gone when some ill fate happens to them."

Where is the Arconia in New York?

Image via Patrick Harbron/Hulu

In real life, the Arconia is the The Belnord Apartments. The building takes up an entire city block, and the Italian Renaissance Revival style it was made in is absolutely beautiful. You can see the outside of the building in New York City's west 86th street, but since it's a real apartment building, you won't be able to go inside!

How did they get Sting to be in Only Murders in the Building?

Image via Craig Blakenhorn/Hulu

Sting was a guest star in the first season of Only Murders in the Building thanks to his friendship with Steve Martin and casting director Bernard Telsey! That's also how Meryl Streep (who's also friends with Steve Martin and Martin Short) got to be a part of season 3.

Where can I watch Only Murders in the Building?

Image via Patrick Harbron/Hulu

You can watch the Emmy-nominatedOnly Murders in the Building on Hulu now!

Where did the inspiration for the costumes come from?

Image via Patrick Harbron/Hulu

In our interview with costume designer Dana Covarrubias, she mentioned how much her and Selena Gomez' Mexican heritage influenced her outfits in season one, while the aesthetics of The Hardy Boys and Alfred Hitchcock's films influenced her looks in season two.

"I was trying to figure out something within that [murder mystery] world again, but our whole season is about Broadway and about theatre, and I think that just trumped everything else," she says. "It was very exciting to re-explore some of my favorite musicals...Almost all of Mabel's costumes this season are directly inspired by one or two musicals."

We're talking Guys and Dolls, Chicago, and Little Shop of Horrors. Check back here for the season four costume inspo!

Will there be a season 4 of Only Murders in the Building?

Image via Patrick Harbron/Hulu

Yes, Only Murders in the Building season 4 is confirmed! The official Instagram announcement post features our favorite trio against a vivid green backdrop. Selena Gomez stuns in a bright red sweater dress with a cold shoulder silhouette, while Martin Short wears a blue suit and Steve Martin wears purple. This definitely feels like a nod to the Only Murders in the Building costumes — Selena's Mabel wears a lot of marigold and red, while Steve's Charles started off the show in blue and Martin's Oliver chose shades of purple.

Are you excited for Only Murders In The Building Season 4? Check out our email newsletter for more pop culture news!

Lead image via Patrick Harbron/Hulu

This post has been updated.

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Even Natalie Portman Isn't Above A Post-Divorce Hairdo

Celebrity breakups are never fun to hear about (hello, Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum 😭), but sometimes they seem to give entertainers a boost of personal and creative inspiration. Case in point — Natalie Portman's divorce has given her an almost femme fatale edge. We last saw her in Lady in the Lake, but she recently stepped out with a new hairstyle that's reframed her face!

What new hairstyle does Natalie Portman have?

Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix and Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

On October 28, Natalie Portman turned heads when she stepped onto the red carpet at the 68th Ballon D'Or Ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris. She's traded in the long balayage hair she's been wearing for a shorter dark brown bob that rests slightly below her chin. Though the silk press may be in style, Natalie allowed her curls to shine and seemed to wear eye makeup that mirrors her new hair color.

The actress also shared a pictureof herself next to Aitana Bonmatí and a clearer view of her hairstyle is visible. She didn't mention anything about it, opting to keep the focus on Bonmatí's achievement instead. "Hero 🙌 Congratulations Aitana Bonmatí on your Ballon d’Or award! It was such an honor to be there with you and to celebrate all you’ve done for women’s football." her caption says.

Even if Natalie doesn't care to address this new style, we think it's perfect for her!

When did Natalie Portman announce her divorce from Benjamin Millepied?

Unique Nicole/Getty Images

Prior to getting divorced, sources say Natalie tried her best to reconcile things in her marriage to Benjamin. But, it seems like some things — like infidelity — are hard to move past. "She didn’t give up on [her marriage] lightly. But it became pretty apparent toward the end of last year that her heart had gone out of it," one person told US Weekly. Apparently Natalie started noticing a trend in her ex-husband's behavior prior to his bombshell affair because another source told the outlet that the ballet dancer "would sometimes not return home and was taking work trips that didn’t add up."

This ultimately led Natalie to file for divorce, but it was done "quietly," according to PEOPLE's report in March 2024. Not only that, but the news outlet is reporting that the divorce proceedings are officially over! A source said, "It was initially really tough for her, but her friends rallied around her and helped get her through the worst of it." Natalie's apparently "come out the other side of it stronger and is finding joy in her family, friends and work."

Why did Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied get divorced?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Although Natalie Portman didn't 100% address what happened, fans have long speculated that Benjamin's alleged cheating mishap was the cause of their marriage's demise. Page Six reported the couple were struggling to deal with the ballet dancer's romantic interest in the "glamorous young climate activity Camille Étienne." At the time, a source told the outlet Natalie and Benjamin were trying to hold things together. "They have not split and are trying to work things out. Ben is doing everything he can to get Natalie to forgive him. He loves her and their family."

How long were Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied married?

John Shearer/Getty Images

Natalie Portman and her ex-husband Benjamin Millepied were married for 11 years prior to walking away from "happily ever after," (via People). They also have two children together, Aleph (12) and Amalia (7).

We're always sad when couples breakup, but we love to see that Natalie's moving on with her life and showing that she's willing to embrace something new — like her shorter bob!

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This Wild 'Only Murders In The Building' Season 5 Detail Is A Series First

After only two episodes of Only Murders in the Building season 4, Hulu renewed the series for season 5! I'm so excited that the show breaks a recent pattern of cancelling shows after the third or fourth season, giving us more time with our favorite characters, and I'm not the only one.

"Here we go again… my favorite set family. I’m coming home!" Selena Gomez says in an Instagram post, while the official Only Murders account made their own post, saying, "We had our lawyers call business affairs. Turned the 4 into a 5. #OnlyMurdersInTheBuilding is coming back for Season 5!!" Here's everything you need to know about the new season, coming to Hulu soon.

What is Only Murders in the Building season 5 about?

Patrick Harbron/Disney

Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Plot

We finally got our first details about Only Murders season 5 — and we're going in a direction I totally didn't expect. When Sofia visits Mabel and Charles in the season 4 ending, and asks them to find her missing husband, she's disappointed when they turn her down. And since Téa Leoni just joined the season 5 cast, it looks like she's not taking no for an answer.

“I think she’s the great tease at the end of the finale and a little bit of an intriguing bump forward,” co-creator John Hoffman says in an interview with Deadline. “She’s an extension of the little news report in Episode 9 that Mabel makes note of at the hospital. [Sofia] is the wife of the Dry Cleaning King of Brooklyn, and maybe a couple of dry cleaning outlets in Manhattan, as well, we may come to know...It’s a world opened up potentially that we haven’t talked about too much yet in New York, so she holds a lot of intrigue.”

New York's underground is definitely something we haven't really seen on Only Murders yet so I know we're in for one very interesting season.

When is Only Murders in the Building season 5 coming out?

Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Release Date

Considering we've had a new season over the last four years (with season 1 in 2021, season 2 in 2022, season 3 in 2023, and season 4 in 2024), we're expecting to see season 5 in 2025. Stay tuned for the official Only Murders in the Building season 5 release date.

Who's in Only Murders in the Building season 5?

Eric McCandless/Disney

Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Cast

The cast of Only Murders in the Building includes Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin. Téa Leoni will also return as Sofia Caccimelio, whose husband Nicky has gone missing.

Season 3 featured Ashley Park, Paul Rudd, Meryl Streep, and Jesse Williams, while season 4 stars Streep, Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, Kumail Nanjiani, Desmin Borges, Siena Werber, Lilian Rebelo, and Molly Shannon.

"I am so grateful that I have been surrounded by human beings that make me better, challenge me, remind me day after day that every moment is a gift," Selena Gomez says about working with Martin and Short. "That’s my pure joy. I thank god for the era I’m in. It’s been the best yet."

Will there be an Only Murders in the Building season 5?

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Yes, Only Murders in the Building has been renewed for season 5! On September 4, Variety confirmed the next installment will have 10 episodes, just like the seasons before it. The latest season premiered on Hulu August 27, and will last until October 29 (just in time to try out an Only Murders Halloween costume!)

Just like the season 3 ending set up season 4, we'll have to wait for the October finale to figure out what kind of mayhem Mabel, Oliver, and Charles will get into next season. "We hope you like it!" Selena Gomez says in the Only Murders in the Building account's announcement, while Martin Short adds, "How exciting is that?"

"We're so exciting to be coming back," Steve Martin says. We're excited too!!

Check back here for the latest Only Murders in the Building season 5 news and watch new episodes on Hulu every Tuesday.

Lead image via Patrick Harbron/Hulu

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Yikes! Apparently Gisele Bündchen Didn't Actually Tell Tom Brady About Baby No. 3

Gisele Bündchen is a household name, no matter who her partner is — but it's no secret the supermodel made waves when she split from her football star husband, Tom Brady, in 2022. It's clear she's not holding on to the past, though. After dating Joaquim Valente for the past two years, the couple is officially expecting their first child together! Here's everything we know about Gisele's growing family!

Is Gisele Bündchen pregnant?

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Gaia Herbs

Yes! According to PEOPLE, an inside source told the outlet that the 44-year-old supermodel is officially expecting her third child. This is her first baby with current boyfriend, Joaquim Valente. The source said, "Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life and they're looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family."

Who is Gisele Bündchen's boyfriend?

Instagram/gisele

Joaquim Valente is a jiu-jitsu professional at his family-owned studio, Valente Brothers. The 34-year-old continues a decades-long tradition of teaching this martial art to future generations — and his girlfriend!

These two have been linked together since 2022, but didn't start officially dating until June 2023 according to PEOPLE. In 2024, a source also told PEOPLE that this wasn't "a serious love affair," but the tides have clearly turned since then.

In March 2024, Gisele The New York Times, “This is the first time I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first." She then noted, “It’s very different. It is very honest, and it’s very transparent.” She also was quick to deny that there was any overlap with her ex-husband, stressing that these types of rumors happen "to a lot of women" who "have the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship."

As for the most current state of Gisele and Joaquim's relationship? A source told Page Six, “Their chemistry together has always been there and they have a lot in common. They've been in love for a while." That being said, sources also told Page Sixthat they don't think the pair will get married "anytime soon." Despite Gisele being "thrilled" to welcome another child, her friends tell the outlet that the couple will just "live together for now."

Regardless, we're also thrilled for these two, and we hope their new child brings them so much joy!

How many kids does Gisele Bündchen have?

Instagram/gisele

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady have two children together — Bejamin Rein (14) and Vivian Lake (11). According to Page Six, a source says that these two "really like" Joaquim Valente, as he's been living with them in Miami "for a while." We just know these two will be fabulous siblings to the new little one, given the way they show so much love to their parents!

When did Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady get divorced?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady officially divorced in 2022. However, according to Page Six, this all started back in 2020 when Tom wouldn't retire from the NFL — and according to a source from PEOPLE, their problems date back as long as 10 years! Regardless, it's clear Gisele's moved on to a new chapter in her life. Good for her!

Has Tom Brady said anything about Gisele Bündchen's new pregnancy?

Instagram/tombrady

While sources told TMZthat Gisele Bündchen told Tom Brady about her pregnancy before the news broke to the general public, other sources told Page Sixthat he only just found out "very recently" — and apparently, he didn't find out from Gisele. Sources explained to Page Six that the ex-spouses "talk when they have to." So I guess this situation didn't exactly qualify as having to talk...

Tom hasn't made an official statement about Gisele's pregnancy, but he did take to Instagram on October 28. The former football star posted an image of the sunset, three hearts, and The Chicks' cover of "Landslide." The Stevie Nicks original is all about the changes life brings, so Tom's seemingly alluding to the changes coming in his own life.

Whatever happens next, we hope that this modern family navigates this new chapter with grace and love!

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Luke Wasn’t The Best Stepfather For Rory — Max Was

If you love Gilmore Girls, then there's a very good chance you really love Luke Danes. Not only is he handsome, but his snarky realism is the perfect balance for Lorelai's chaotic, emotional idealism. But even though Luke is Lorelai's perfect match, one Reddit user thinks that there's another GG character who would make the ultimate stepdad for Rory: Max Medina.

  • While Luke was the perfect match for Lorelai, fans think Max would have been a better stepdad for Rory.
  • Max was honest and a great communicator.
  • He also would have helped Rory during that Gilmore Girls season 5 spiral.

Do Lorelai and Max get married on Gilmore Girls?

Warner Bros. TV

Lorelai and Max are engaged during Gilmore Girls season 1, but Lorelai ends up calling off the wedding. But while we're over the moon when Lorelai and Luke finally get together, some GG fans wish Max had stayed in Rory's life.

"I’m just going go say it — if Lorelai had ended up with Max, Rory would have been a much more successful adult," Reddit user @StregaCagna says. While Max wasn't Lorelai's perfect match, his particular mix of honesty and kindness would have been so good for Rory. "Those traits, combined with his background as an English teacher, would have meant he absolutely would have been straight with Rory on so many things. Like, can you just imagine how he would have reacted to Jess? Logan? Her dropping out of Yale? Her floating around in her 30s?"

Honestly, if the Gilmores (Richard and Emily included) didn't tiptoe around so many issues, and felt comfortable being vulnerable and honest with each other about the hard stuff, I think a lot of the characters' problems would have been solved. And Max's ability to tell the truth in love would have been a breath of fresh air! He wouldn't have let Rory get away with anything (remember how he doesn't let her take the Shakespeare test when she's late to school?), but that also means she'd develop an insane sense of trust with him.

Neil Jacobs/Netflix

"I think she would have written her book when she did, but instead of being the Editor of the Stars Hollow Gazette, she would have been, like, the most popular English professor at Wesleyan who had a strong professional network and also wrote for The Atlantic and The New Yorker," @StregaCagna continues.

Of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with small town papers — I love my small town paper! The root of Rory's issue is that she just completely stopped chasing her dreams, which seems to lead her to an unhappy adulthood. She's dating Paul (whom she can never remember), she's having an affair with Logan (who's engaged to someone else, ick), and she's become the kind of journalist who falls asleep on the job and doesn't have pitches prepared. I can't help but wonder if some structure during her teenage years would have set her up on a different path.

"I will never forget the scene where she’s interviewing [Max] and says she really wanted him to be her step father," user @StruggleDesigner8307 says. "She wanted that father figure and Max was so great."

Warner Bros. TV

I do think Rory's friendship with Paris (one of the greatest TV choices of all time) gives her some of that structure and drive, but it doesn't really balance out the way that Richard, Emily, and even Lorelai spoil her. And when you're not used to loving constructive criticism, unloving criticism hurts all the worse. Yes, I'm talking about Mitchum Huntzberger.

"I’ll always be sad that Rory lost out on yet another great father figure when she was saddled with Chris," user @wrenhawkeye says of Max's exit from the show. "A lot of people don’t understand that her spiral to Mitchum’s words wasn’t just because Rory’s 'weak' or whatever misogynistic BS. It’s because Rory has real problems with male validation since her father abandoned her. It also doesn’t hurt that Mitchum was a titan in his field."

GG fans know about THAT Gilmore Girls season 5 arc like the back of their hand, but this whole discussion is giving me more compassion for Rory than I've felt before. Because to be 20 and to hear you're supposedly not good enough for your life's one dream is hard — and to spiral to that degree after a man who has no stake in your life criticizes you just proves Rory put her entire identity into being a journalist. But you know who would have given Rory encouragement while reminding her she's more than just a writer? Max.

Warner Bros. TV

I can totally see a Gilmore Girls where Max stayed in Rory's life and offered her guidance on basically everything: boys, college applications, her career aspirations, and even drama with Paris. And I'm not the only one.

"I think they would have stayed in touch past high-school and college," @synalgo_12 says, "and he would be one of the people she'd thank in her work or would be part of her list of mentors or 'influenced by' had she ever gotten her own Wikipedia page or biography."

Somebody call Amy Sherman-Palladino because this is the Gilmore Girls spinoff we need!

​Why did Max Medina leave?

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Max ends up leaving Gilmore Girls after Lorelai calls off their wedding. While he sticks around through seasons 2 and 3, and still has an insane amount of chemistry with Lorelai, the last time we see him is in season 3 episode 19 (coincidentally, right before Rory's life really goes off the rails in my opinion).

While we're talking about THAT GG season 5 arc, read why This Gilmore Girls Season 1 Moment Proves Rory Really DIDN'T Have What It Takes To Be A Journalist.

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