‘Gilmore Girls’ Stars Lauren Graham and Melissa McCarthy Bring Lorelai and Sookie Back Together at Variety’s Power of Women

Nearly 2 decades after the original run ended, the friendship between ‘Gilmore Girls’ stars Lauren Graham and Melissa McCarthy remains one of the show’s most beloved legacies. The fast-talking dramedy ran for 7 seasons from 2000 to 2007, and the pair later returned as Lorelai Gilmore and Sookie St. James for Netflix’s 2016 revival, ‘Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life’.

McCarthy has had Sookie on her mind lately. In a Variety cover story interview published just days ago, she described the series as genuinely hard work, recalling scripts that could run to 93 pages of rapid, reference-heavy dialogue, and called the experience valuable training. She also said she still sees Graham and former co-star Yanic Truesdale, and that the group remains close.

That closeness was on full display Wednesday night, September 23, when Graham and McCarthy reunited on the red carpet at Variety’s Power of Women event at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Graham arrived in a bold red dress while McCarthy wore a shimmering black gown, and the 2 posed side by side like no time had passed since their days at the Independence Inn.

A short Variety clip of the moment quickly spread across social media. One post sharing it on X racked up more than 99.4K views and 4.6K likes within hours, with one fan calling it the Lorelai and Sookie reunion they didn’t know they needed. Not everyone was sold, though, as at least one skeptical reply questioned whether the 2 actually like each other.

The reunion wasn’t just a photo op. McCarthy was one of 4 honorees at this year’s event, presented by Lifetime and hosted by comedian Iliza Shlesinger, alongside Jennifer Hudson, Universal Studios Group chairman Pearlena Igbokwe, and Sharon Stone. Graham was tapped as McCarthy’s presenter, while Channing Dungey, Queen Latifah, and Marc Maron introduced the other honorees.

Lauren Graham and Melissa McCarthy have a “Gilmore Girls” reunion at Variety’s Power of Women event pic.twitter.com/ISE8b6hcUH

— Variety (@Variety) September 24, 2026

After Graham welcomed her to the stage, the ‘Bridesmaids’ star used her moment to champion the Joyful Heart Foundation and to celebrate 2 women she considers powerful: Mariska Hargitay and Gloria Steinem, who died earlier this month. “For me, the greatest display of power is those willing to roll up their sleeves and help bring change,” McCarthy said in remarks reported by Variety.

Lauren Graham recalls meeting Melissa McCarthy while “playing her pretend friend on ‘Gilmore Girls’” before eventually “becoming friends in real life.”

Variety Power of Women pic.twitter.com/GKycpYsjgf

— Variety (@Variety) September 24, 2026

It was a thoughtful turn for an Emmy winner and Oscar nominee whose career exploded after Stars Hollow. Having her former on-screen best friend make the introduction gave the evening an extra layer of warmth for longtime viewers.

The chemistry between Graham and McCarthy has long been part of the show’s charm. When McCarthy made her last-minute return for the Netflix revival, series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino revealed the production had her for only 1 day and handed her a 10-page scene. Speaking to TVLine at the time, Sherman-Palladino said the 2 actresses are “like a weird, psychotic Ethel and Lucy when they get together off camera.”

Melissa McCarthy says she doesn’t reunite with her “Gilmore Girls” co-star Lauren Graham “nearly enough”:

“Of course, I can say that to almost all my friends.”

Variety Power of Women pic.twitter.com/wn6vKCKkGC

— Variety (@Variety) September 24, 2026

That dynamic helps explain why even a brief red carpet appearance can send fans into a frenzy. McCarthy herself has said she’s surprised the series keeps drawing in younger viewers and that people still recognize her as Sookie despite everything she’s done since.

The timing also adds fuel to the nostalgia. HBO Max announced in August that a ‘Gilmore Girls’ documentary is in development, featuring Sherman-Palladino, Daniel Palladino, and Graham. McCarthy told Variety she sometimes wonders whether anything more will come from the franchise, though she admitted she has no inside knowledge.

Lauren Graham and Melissa McCarthy have a “Gilmore Girls” reunion at Variety’s Power of Women event pic.twitter.com/UVvLctUP6o

— Variety (@Variety) September 24, 2026

For now, fans will have to settle for a few seconds of Lorelai and Sookie energy on a Beverly Hills red carpet. Judging by the reaction, that was more than enough to fill a whole pot of coffee’s worth of excitement.

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