The TV show Gilmore Girls was primarily filmed on a backlot called "Midwest Street" at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. This lot was transformed into the fictional town of Stars Hollow, featuring key sets such as Lorelai and Rory's house, Sookie's house, Luke's Diner, Doose's Market, the church, Mrs. Kim's antique store, and the iconic gazebo, which still stands on the lot and can be seen on studio tours
. The pilot episode, however, was filmed on location in Unionville, a neighborhood in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Many recognizable spots from the pilot, like Main Street, Luke's Diner (which was actually a beauty salon), the church, and the Stars Hollow gazebo, are real places in Unionville. The Emily and Richard Gilmore mansion scenes were also filmed in Toronto, Ontario
. The inspiration for Stars Hollow came from the New England area, specifically the Litchfield Hills region of Connecticut, with the creator Amy Sherman-Palladino drawing from her experiences in towns like Washington Depot
. In summary:
- Main filming location: Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, California (Midwest Street backlot)
- Pilot episode location: Unionville, Markham, Ontario, Canada
- Real-life inspiration for Stars Hollow: Small towns in Connecticut, especially around Litchfield Hills
This combination of studio sets and real locations helped create the charming and cozy atmosphere that defines Gilmore Girls
