1. Pilot

7.061

. 5 October 2000. 44 min

When Rory is accepted to attend a prestigious prep school, Lorelai must swallow her pride and ask her wealthy parents for help paying the tuition.

2. The Lorelais' First Day at Chilton

7.607

. 12 October 2000. 43 min

Rory's first day at Chilton doesn't go smoothly: First, Lorelai's attire offends Emily and the headmaster; then Rory meets some obnoxious classmates.

3. Kill Me Now

7.05

. 19 October 2000. 43 min

When Rory and Richard bond during a day of golf at the club, Lorelai feels jealous of Rory's deepening connection with her grandparents.

4. The Deer Hunters

7.19

. 26 October 2000. 43 min

After Rory receives a bad grade on her English paper, Lorelai helps her cram for a big Shakespeare exam – but catastrophe strikes on test day.

5. Cinnamon's Wake

7.136

. 2 November 2000. 42 min

Lorelai admits she has feelings for someone. Meanwhile, Rory has a budding relationship of her own that is moving forward.

6. Rory's Birthday Parties

7.333

. 9 November 2000. 44 min

Rory clashes with Emily when Emily plans a formal birthday party for her. Meanwhile, Lorelai organizes a casual get-together to celebrate.

7. Kiss and Tell

7.545

. 16 November 2000. 44 min

Rory shares a romantic moment with Dean, but doesn't tell Lorelai. When Lorelai hears about it from Mrs. Kim, she invites Dean over for movie night.

8. Love and War and Snow

7.526

. 14 December 2000. 44 min

Snow strands Rory at her grandparents' home, while Lorelai spends the day with her beau. Meanwhile, Lane misses Rory and comes to visit.

9. Rory's Dance

7.579

. 20 December 2000. 44 min

Rory attends her first dance with Dean but they get home late, causing Emily and Lorelai to fight over Lorelai's mothering skills.

10. Forgiveness and Stuff

7.2

. 21 December 2000. 42 min

Misfortune strikes at the Gilmores' Christmas party. Dean assures Lorelai that nothing improper happened the night he and Rory fell asleep together.

11. Paris is Burning

7.225

. 11 January 2001. 44 min

After Paris causes a scandal by exposing the relationship between a parent and a teacher, she is confronted.

12. Double Date

7.263

. 18 January 2001. 42 min

Lorelai goes on a hellish double date with Sookie, Jackson and Jackson's odd cousin. Meanwhile, Rory double dates with Dean, Lane and Dean's friend.

13. Concert Interruptus

7.55

. 15 February 2001. 39 min

Trouble ensues when Rory takes her friends to a Bangles concert in New York. Lorelai learns something about Luke's romantic past.

14. That Damn Donna Reed

6.6

. 22 February 2001. 44 min

Rory and Dean argue about women's roles after watching "The Donna Reed Show." Emily makes Lorelai face her feelings.

15. Christopher Returns

7.143

. 1 March 2001. 43 min

Rory's father returns, causing tension in Emily and Richard's house – and forcing Lorelai to make a big decision about her family's future.

16. Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers

7.375

. 8 March 2001. 44 min

Rory and Dean celebrate their three-month anniversary, but things don't go as planned. Luke's ex-girlfriend Rachel arrives in town.

17. The Breakup, Part 2

7.688

. 15 March 2001. 44 min

After recent events, Rory keeps busy, refusing to give in to self-pity. Meanwhile, Stars Hollow's residents rally around her, much to her dismay.

18. The Third Lorelai

7.3

. 22 March 2001. 44 min

When Lorelai's grandmother offers a trust fund for Rory's education, Emily fears losing contact with a financially independent Lorelai and Rory.

19. Emily in Wonderland

7.179

. 26 April 2001. 42 min

Emily is horrified when she sees the place where Lorelai and Rory first lived, so she sets out to create a perfect bedroom for Rory in her house.

20. P.S. I Lo...

7.286

. 3 May 2001. 43 min

Still upset over recent events, Rory becomes angry with Lorelai, who didn't tell her that she is dating again.

21. Love, Daisies and Troubadours

7.538

. 10 May 2001. 43 min

Rory finally tells Dean the truth about how she feels about him. Sensing something between Lorelai and Luke, Rachel makes a decision.