For six seasons, Gossip Girl reigned as the soul source of the portrayal of wealth, scandal, and love among “Manhattan’s elite.” From the moment Serena Van Der Woodsen got off the train in New York in the first episode of season 1, the anonymous blogger, Gossip Girl, made sure everyone in NYC knew she was back. The show chronicled the lives of the main characters, Serena, Blair Waldorf, Chuck Bass, Nate Archibald, and Dan Humphrey as they navigated through high school and college, their future, love lives, and the cost of being one of the wealthiest families in NYC. Being rich and well-known has its perks until it comes to Gossip Girl.
Love triangles and scheming defined the series. Blair and Serena’s friendship was destroyed multiple times by a male interest and their shared affection for Nate (in earlier seasons) and then later Dan. Blair’s toxic yet passionate romance with Chuck became one of the most iconic relationships, constantly making watchers question if they were end game or enemies.
Dan, the “Lonely Boy” from Brooklyn, transitioned from an outsider to an insider, and wrote a book called “Insider” about it, falling for Serena, and later Blair. Dan’s book turned everyone against him, making him wish he was back on the outside, and making outsiders question if it’s worth it to be a part of this elite group when all they do is tear each other down. Dan figured if he would live his life on the outside, he may as well anonymously follow the lives of the elite, as Gossip Girl.
The show thrived on Blairs scheming and scandals – illicit affairs, power moves, and jaw-dropping reveals. From Georgia Sparks’ schemes to Bart Bass’ return from the dead, Gossip Girl constantly pushed the boundaries of drama, using blackmail to feed the hungry fans with information and gossip.
The final reveal that Dan was Gossip Girl shocked fans, raising questions as to how, why, and when, he did this. The reactions were a mixture of surprise and anger, followed by being impressed. Dan had thousands of secrets and scandals being sent to him 24/7, who wouldn’t be impressed that he managed it all?
More than just teen drama, Gossip Girl defined a generation’s perception of what it means to be on top, which isn’t all what it’s cut out to be. It teaches viewers that having everything sometimes causes you to lose everything and the most important thing is being true to yourself, no matter what other people say.
XOXO, Gossip Girl.
