The beloved comedy-drama series, Gilmore Girls, debuted on The WB in October 2000, significantly altering the television landscape. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show enchanted audiences with its depiction of a quick-witted mother and daughter, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, expertly portrayed by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, as they navigated life, love, family, and ambition in the charming, fictional town of Stars Hollow. Its signature rapid-fire dialogue and sharp humor quickly established it as a smash-hit, fostering a deep connection between viewers and its vibrant community, including memorable characters like Melissa McCarthy's Sookie, Sean Gunn's Kirk Gleason, and especially Scott Patterson's grouchy yet kind-hearted Luke Danes.

Luke Danes, the proprietor of the local diner where Lorelai and Rory frequently sought hot coffee, was a fan-favorite. Despite his gruff exterior, Luke consistently demonstrated selfless care for the Gilmore girls, and his bond with Lorelai blossomed into a genuine romance, culminating in their marriage in the Netflix sequel miniseries, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.

Two and a half decades after its debut, Gilmore Girls continues to resonate strongly with new and old fans alike. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood hosted a special 'Holidays Made Here' event at the iconic Stars Hollow backlot. This event also served as the launchpad for 'Collider Rewind,' a new multimedia retrospective designed to take fans behind the scenes of beloved films and series as they mark significant milestones. During the visit, featuring the festively decorated Dragonfly Inn, Miss Patty's School for Ballet, and Luke's Diner, Collider had the opportunity to interview Scott Patterson.

Speaking from inside his former on-screen domain, Luke's Diner, Scott Patterson reflected on the show's enduring impact and its ever-growing fandom. He expressed astonishment at the series' continued expansion and increasing fan engagement, remarking, "I think we're just getting started." Patterson believes Gilmore Girls is primed for another 25 years of love, noting that the fan base has evolved dramatically. What was once a specific demographic has now spread globally and across all age groups, with conventions seeing younger and younger attendees, some as young as six or seven years old, and even babies dressed as Luke.

Patterson highlighted the show's status as a cultural phenomenon, citing a Saturday Night Live skit that referenced Luke's Diner and the Stars Hollow gazebo. He attributes the series' appeal as a perpetual "comfort show" to its rich stories, relatable characters, and humor. The fast-paced dialogue often prompts rewatches, allowing fans to catch previously missed jokes. Furthermore, its depiction of mother-daughter dynamics and their eventual resolutions makes it deeply relatable, especially during the fall season.

Discussing Luke Danes' own cultural significance, Patterson described the character as an "unchanging Rock of Gibraltar" – a selfless figure embodying a post-World War II mentality where one's focus is on helping others and enduring hardships silently. He believes that audiences, particularly younger fans, gravitate towards Luke because "he doesn't take any crap." Patterson fondly recalled some of Luke's best rants, mentioning "Jam Hands" and another during an apartment search with Lorelai. He admitted to missing playing the character, who he considers distinct from himself. When asked about his favorite spot in Luke's Diner, Patterson unequivocally chose the area behind the counter, humorously explaining, "All the power back there," referencing access to Caesar, the kitchen, the money, Lorelai's orders, and the landline phone.