7 Harsh Realities Revealed When Rewatching the Blake Lively Starrer, Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl, the iconic show that made its debut in 2007, still enjoys a dedicated fan following, with enthusiasts of the Upper East Side lifestyle frequently revisiting the series. However, upon re-watching the show, there are seven unsettling realities that come to light.

Few TV series have achieved the cult status of Gossip Girl. The larger-than-life personas of the privileged teenagers of the Upper East Side garnered substantial fan bases. Yet, as we rewatch the series, it’s hard to ignore certain flaws in the show’s writing and characters. Viewers who once passionately supported Blair, Chuck, Serena, Nate, and Dan in 2007 might reconsider their allegiances when viewed through a modern lens. Even devoted fans of Gossip Girl can find some problematic aspects challenging to overlook. While the show is undeniably iconic, watching it in today’s context unveils some uncomfortable truths.

With HBO Max’s two-season revival of Gossip Girl and the original series returning to Netflix, we find ourselves transported back to the glamorous world of the Upper East Side. The reboot owes its existence to the 2007 original, which redefined teen drama television. The original Gossip Girl was a hit, serving as the ultimate escapist fantasy for teenagers and young adults in the 2000s. However, as we rewatch the series now, we are confronted with some harsh realities that may not have been as apparent when Gossip Girl first aired. Here are seven jarring facts that emerge when revisiting the show.

Dan Was a Sociopath:

It’s been widely debated whether Dan Humphrey was the true antagonist of Gossip Girl, with the other characters unknowingly supporting him. Upon rewatching, it becomes evident just how manipulative and sociopathic Dan was. He orchestrated an elaborate plan to elevate himself at the expense of everyone else, including his family and the woman he professed to love. Using Gossip Girl, Dan inserted himself into a culture that initially rejected him but eventually embraced him. Dan’s machinations resemble those found in psychological thrillers, making him one of television’s most cunning villains.

Jenny Was the Most Intelligent Character:

Jenny Humphrey, though a divisive character, emerges upon rewatch as one of the most intelligent and self-aware individuals in the series. She recognized how easily she could be manipulated and how her actions sowed chaos. Jenny was the only character who fully comprehended the destructive nature of the Upper East Side and chose to escape for the sake of her mental well-being.

Blair Was a Negative Person:

Blair Waldorf, known for her wit, iconic fashion sense, and sharp tongue, was a standout character in the series. However, rewatching the show reveals a different side to Blair. Her selfishness and malice become apparent as she plots against friends, romantic partners, and even her own mother. Blair’s actions extend beyond teenage angst, revealing true malice.

Chuck Was a Bully:

While Chuck Bass was widely recognized as a problematic character, a rewatch underscores the extent of his abusive behavior towards his romantic partners, especially Blair. His narcissistic actions led to the dissolution of relationships with Raina, Eva, and others. Even when the show attempted to portray him as a redeemed character, his abusive tendencies remained undeniable.

Serena Was Self-Destructive:

Serena van der Woodsen, the show’s de facto protagonist, exhibited some of the series’ meanest traits. Her selfishness, insecurity, and manipulative behavior were rooted in her tumultuous family life. Her unwillingness to let go and constant self-doubt caused many of her problems. Serena’s self-destructive tendencies resulted in recurrent chaos throughout the series.

No True Friendship Existed:

Despite marketing their friendship as special and resilient, the core group of Blair, Serena, Chuck, and Nate often displayed a lack of genuine friendship. Their interactions seemed habitual rather than rooted in sincere affection. They primarily shared wealth, and their disregard for each other’s feelings was indicative of their strained relationships.

The True Antagonist Was Gossip Girl:

The show’s real antagonist was Gossip Girl, the all-seeing, all-knowing narrator who thrived on creating unnecessary drama for clicks. Characters regularly experienced anger and discomfort as the target of Gossip Girl’s venomous gossip. Paradoxically, the characters depended on Gossip Girl’s scrutiny to feel good about themselves, trapped in a toxic and co-dependent relationship with the unseen blogger, even if they were never willing to admit it.

Upon revisiting Gossip Girl, it’s evident that the show, while iconic, is not without its flaws when viewed through a modern lens. The characters’ complex dynamics and the consequences of their actions become more pronounced, highlighting the series’ dark undertones.