Ranking Every Season of Gossip Girl, From Worst to Best

Summary

Gossip Girl season 5 had its strengths but is the worst season due to drawn-out storylines and character regression.

Season 4 of Gossip Girl failed to leave a lasting impression, except for the standout plot involving Juliet.

While Gossip Girl season 6 brought some closure, the reveal of Gossip Girl's identity was disappointing and appeared hastily decided.

Gossip Girl revolutionized teen drama with its unforgettable catchphrases "Hey there, Upper East Siders" and "Xoxo, Gossip Girl." Although the show experienced some ups and downs, it undeniably struck a chord with audiences. Set against the glamorous backdrop of Manhattan's elite, Gossip Girl exposed the scandalous lives of rich teenagers facing the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Even years after its 2012 finale, the show remains culturally significant, highlighted by the alluring Upper East Side setting and its dynamic cast of characters.

In 2021, Gossip Girl received a revival on HBO Max, aiming to captivate a new generation of teenage viewers with its alluring drama and the enigmatic presence of Gossip Girl. While the revival was cut short after two seasons, the original show continues to enjoy immense success. In addition to streaming platforms attracting new fans, those who grew up with Gossip Girl when it first aired can relish in the nostalgia of revisiting the beloved gang. From start to finish, Gossip Girl embodies a tantalizing and unforgettable viewing experience, with certain seasons standing out as true highlights.

6. Gossip Girl Season 5

Gossip Girl season 5 is a mixed bag. While it allowed characters like Blair, Dan, and Nate to achieve their goals and grow, there are several reasons why it is considered the worst season of the show. The prolonged Blair and Prince Louis drama made the season stale, and Serena's character regressed as she became more selfish. Additionally, the forced and unnatural relationship between Dan and Blair felt out of place considering what we already knew about them from previous seasons. Ultimately, season 5 felt like a prolongation of the inevitable, as Blair and Chuck end up in a relationship later on.

5. Gossip Girl Season 4

Gossip Girl season 4, though not inherently flawed, lacks the memorability of previous seasons. The most captivating aspect revolved around Juliet Sharp's quest for vengeance following her brother's unjust accusation and imprisonment due to his supposed relationship with Serena. However, this compelling storyline did not encompass the entirety of the season.

Chuck's inconsistent transformation from a reformed individual to his old self felt abrupt and insincere. While the initial setting of Paris in the season's premiere had its charm, the desire to return to the Upper East Side arose quickly. Furthermore, the narrative of Georgina, one of Gossip Girl's most despised supporting characters, falsely claiming that Dan was the father of her child and the subsequent revelation seemed far-fetched. Similarly, the limited impact of this revelation on Dan, swiftly moving on from it, seemed hard to believe.

4. Gossip Girl Season 6

Gossip Girl's final season had its successes and failures. On the whole, it provided the necessary closure for fans of the show, with Dan achieving his dream of becoming a writer and the satisfying marriage of Chuck and Blair. The inclusion of familiar characters and the appearance of the narrator at the end added a fun touch to the conclusion. However, the reveal of Gossip Girl's identity as Dan Humphrey, or Lonely Boy, was disappointing and didn't make much sense. It felt like a last-minute decision, especially considering the initial plan was for Nate to be the secret identity. Sticking to the original plan may have been a better choice, as it would have fit more seamlessly with the overall plot of the show.

3. Gossip Girl Season 3

Gossip Girl season 3 encompassed the finest aspects of the show and stood out as one of the most captivating seasons among the six. It was brimming with the trademark scandals and drama that kept viewers hooked. From Jenny's involvement in drug dealing to Georgina's comeback, Serena's quest to find her father, and the revelation of Lily and Rufus' biological son, Gossip Girl season 3 was a whirlwind of events that made it challenging to keep track. Moreover, this season delivered one of the most heart-wrenching and unexpected season finales in the entire series.

Despite its undeniable engrossment, however, Gossip Girl season 3 left certain storylines unresolved. For instance, the introduction of Scott - Lily and Rufus' son - proved to be unnecessary as it was never revisited, despite the peculiarity of Serena and Dan eventually rekindling their relationship. Similarly, Blair's relentless pursuit to become the most popular girl at NYU ultimately proved to be pointless, as she eventually gave up and transferred to Columbia. This allocation of valuable screen time could have been used to further other significant plotlines instead.

2. Gossip Girl Season 2

The sophomore season of Gossip Girl exceeded expectations, maintaining its fast-paced storyline and captivating character interactions from the previous season. Despite being only the second season, it marked a pivotal moment for the main characters. This particular chapter of the show concluded the exciting high school adventures, and unlike similar shows, Gossip Girl managed to thrive even after transitioning to college.

Though Gossip Girl season 2 was generally exceptional, the pacing was slightly too rapid. Allocating more time to explore significant plot points, such as Serena's quest to uncover Gossip Girl's identity or Blair's involvement with Chuck's uncle, would have further strengthened the season. The storyline involving Dan's relationship with his teacher also felt somewhat clichéd within the realm of teenage drama, as Gossip Girl itself had previously utilized this same trope multiple times.

1. Gossip Girl Season 1

Gossip Girl's inaugural season laid the foundation for its enduring cultural impact, remaining a phenomenon even years after its conclusion. Season 1 adeptly crafted a compelling narrative from the start, with Serena's mysterious departure and sudden return to town, creating a captivating web of intrigue that unfolded seamlessly in the early episodes.

The show's skillful establishment of the characters' intricate relationships allowed audiences to feel more connected to their individual personalities and backgrounds. Additionally, Gossip Girl season 1 effectively captured the glitz and glamour of both the characters and their Upper East Side setting, presenting a tantalizing glimpse into the extravagant lives of teenagers. It is undeniable that the show's debut season played a pivotal role in its tremendous success.