A wide variety of television shows is available on countless networks. Unfortunately, one rarely stumbles across a gem of a series that is both heartwarming and captivating. These days, a series needs to be both fascinating and relaxing while addressing contemporary issues. Gilmore Girls Seasons 1-7 manages to do just that. This American family series features both drama and comedy in abundance.

This show was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and aired in October 2000 and ran until May 2007. The story centers on single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Lorelai "Rory" Gilmore who lives in Stars Hollow, Connecticut. Actress Lauren Graham plays the role of Lorelai to perfection while actress Alexis Bledel gives a stellar performance as teenager Rory.

The series initially started out a bit rocky where ratings are concerned. It had to compete with other shows that already had a very established viewership. When the show moved to another slot, things started looking up for the girls. By its fifth season, the show was the second most watched prime time show on The WB Television Network. Unfortunately, the show was not renewed after the seventh season.

The reasons for this include disagreement over the cast's salaries as well as production times and dates. After the show ended, a spin-off series was in the pipeline but due to the high location costs, the project was never aired. Because some fans felt a bit let down when the show ended after the seventh season, talks of a follow-up movie have been doing the rounds.

Actress Lauren Graham has been quoted as saying that she would definitely be interested in such a project. Only time will tell. For now, fans can enjoy the series on DVD from beginning to end. The story centers on Lorelai who dropped out of school when she became pregnant. Being a teen runaway was not what she had envisioned for herself. Later on, she settles in Stars Hollow and makes a success out of her life.

Lorelai is the co-owner and manager of the Dragonfly Inn and manages to live out her passion through her career. She is a headstrong, fun-loving, and passionate character throughout the series. She continually clashes with her wealthy influential parents, Emily and Richard, who cannot seem to let her make her own decisions. The series manages to use these conflict-ridden situations to comment on social issues such as the division between social classes.

This issue is commented on again when Rory moves from a public school to a prominent prep school. She has to adjust to the new ways in which these students handle life. Rory, who is just as headstrong as her mother is, manages to navigate this transition without compromising on her own values. Rory is also extremely hardworking and ambitious.

Viewers can follow her throughout the series as she tries, and succeeds, in making her dream of attending an Ivy League college come true. Between these heartwarming story lines - Lorelai trying to make a new start and Rory ambitiously trying to be the best she can be - aspects such as friendship, romance, and controversy is interwoven in a captivating way. The show's tag line "Life's short. Talk Fast" also points to the clever dialogue that accompanies the series.

The series is known for its fast-paced and witty dialogue. The conversations also regularly feature popular culture references, especially in the case of music. Music in itself plays an important role in The Gilmore Girls. The theme song "Where You Lead" was recorded by Carole King in 1971 and was especially re-recorded with her daughter Louise Goffin as a duet for the show.

In 2002, a soundtrack of the popular series - entitled Our Little Corner of the World: Music from Gilmore Girls - was released. The CD has a booklet that contains interesting stories of how music plays a fundamental role in the series. Producers Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino were in charge of these anecdotes that appear in the booklet. Not only does music play a role in the form of a soundtrack and theme song, but musicians also make guest appearances on the show.

Acts that guest-performs, includes The Bangles and Sonic Youth. Interestingly enough, Lorelai confesses her love for The Bangles early in the show. It is also a well-known fact that Rory is crazy about Sonic Youth. Mother and daughter also share CDs with each other and often talk about music amongst other things. It is apparent from the start that the leading ladies in Gilmore Girls Seasons 1-7 have a close relationship that makes for riveting viewing.