From developing much-loved characters to creating storylines that keep audiences coming back, television writer John Stephens offered insights into the world of writing for television and behind the scenes of Gilmore Girls.
Speaking as part of his talk ‘From The OC to Gilmore Girls’ at LTU’s Journalism and Media Week- he reflected on his journey into television, the creative process behind storytelling, the challenges of a competitive industry and what makes a series continue to resonate with audiences.
“I was (…) six or seven years old and I asked my mum how do you become a writer? I think from the very beginning I always wanted to be a writer.”
Having developed a passion for writing from a young age, after initially working in script coverage, he finally landed a writing position on the award-winning series, Gilmore Girls.
Discussing his experience of being behind the scenes, John explained the challenges of television writing, especially when having to bring together different creative voices whilst maintaining a consistent identity across a series.
When describing the competitive nature, John said: “It’s a little bit like going into Vietnam (…) where you look to the person to the left of you and the right of you and know one of you isn’t going to be there in six weeks.”
Despite the challenges television writers face, John explained that the success of writing for a television series ultimately depends on its ability to keep audiences invested in the characters and their stories.
So, what was it about Gilmore Girls that continues to attract young audience years after its original release?
For John, much of the show’s appeal comes from the relationship between the characters. He said: “I think the relationship between Lorelai and Rory is still very hopeful for many people. I think it is a dream relationship between (…) not just mothers and daughters but all parents and child.”
Stephens went on to describe television as a tool of escapism and suggests that the audience enjoys being transported into the show’s small-town world where they can escape reality and find comfort somewhere familiar and entertaining.
“For me that’s why I watch all shows (…) and you watch Gilmore Girls and you’re inside this perfect, idiosyncratic, fun, funny world for 45 minutes.”
The talk underlined how successful television storytelling can travel beyond the plots, with well-developed characters and relationships helping to build an emotional connection with the audience.
Stephens’ advice for future creative writers is that, when creating a successful television series, such as Gilmore Girls, it requires more than storylines. Behind the scenes, it involves a collaboration of components: passion, creativity, bad days, good days, the challenge of maintaining a consistent voice in a room full of writers, and its lasting appeal often comes down to the characters at its heart.
John Stephens’ new book, “The Age of Fury’ was released in April of 2026, and he revealed a brand-new book is currently underway.