Categories: Entertainment

What Happened To Gossip Girl?

Last December 2022, HBO Max dropped a reboot for the popularly acclaimed Gossip Girl. Season 1 was already so different from the original that many fans turned their back on it. The original show from 2007, with Serena Van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), Chuck Bass (Ed Westchick), Dan Humphrey (Peyton Badgley), and Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen), entertained a whole generation. Which holds this Drama to a high standard. As one part of the fanbase myself, yes, it was underwhelming. Maybe we missed the old cast? Which was totally anticipated. That nostalgia was fed by the iconic Eleanor Waldorf’s (Margaret Colin) appearance, along with Cyrus (Wallace Shawn) and Dorota (Zuzanna Szadkowski), as well as an odd introduction to Evil Queen Georgina (Michelle Trachtenberg)’s son, Milo. But as fans, as the audience, we must let go of the old version to understand this one. Because the foremost and most important thing is that Gossip Girl is back with a new season, now streaming on HBO! 

No More Flip Phones!

Good day, Upper East Siders! Don’t we feel a little old? Times have changed! These nostalgic devices played an essential part in the plot of the show’s original version. The reboot took a modern approach. Smartphones and Instagram became the new mask of Gossip Girl. But how did those elements impact the plot? Times have changed, and that doesn’t mean the spirit of the show should. Many fans directly associate the show with the early 2000s, and witnessing changes as such could cause some shock, or even tears, as we remember our early teens and gracefully accept the passage of time. In both portrayals of Gossip Girl, technology can shine a light on the socialites’ greed and lust for power (and one another). With the difference that now tips will get in faster, better quality pictures, it will be a dangerous playing ground. This time their secrets will be all over Instagram…

Photograph by Karolina Wojtasik/HBO Max

Who is Gossip Girl?

Gossip Girl is a character from the teen drama series of the same name that aired on The CW from 2007 to 2012. She is an anonymous blogger who posts rumors and secrets about the wealthy students of the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Her identity is never revealed, though it is suggested several times throughout the series that she is one of the main characters. In HBO Max’s new Gossip Girl version, we only had to wait until Episode 1, Season 1, to find out the identity of the famous blogger. This is a significant contrast from the original. GG’s name and face are not revealed until the end of the last season. Why did they choose to make such a radical change? Kate Keller (Tavi Gevinson) takes the audience through her perception as Gossip Girl and the impact her morals suffer while her character is consumed by power. That is precisely what I thought when I first watched it. I really couldn’t make any sense of it. Until I was watching Season 2 and realized it was an intelligent approach. It was always known that Gossip Girl was this person that fed off other people’s secrets, but what was their motive or drive? Status? or the destruction of it? Keller will show us what it is like to be on the other side of the screen. The writers of the show were definitely unto something with this one…

Let’s Talk Fashion!

Is Blair Waldorf back? Well, not exactly… Leighton Meester is not involved in the reboot, but the name Blair Waldorf remains, present, alive, and still relevant. Talking about relevance, she is still the defining fashion idol. Her headband footprint has also made an impact on this new version. This season we will see more vigorous enforcement of Contance’s uniforms, which makes a huge wink to the original aesthetic of the show. Season 2 recreates many of the previous aesthetics in a slightly contemporary way. Waldorf’s essence can also be found in at least two characters, Monet de Haan (Savannah Lee Smith) and Audrey Hope (Emily Alyn Lind).

If you’re looking for an aesthetic fashion inspired by Gossip Girl, HBO Max has some great options for you. From Blair Waldorf’s signature headbands to Serena van der Woodsen’s fashionable ensembles, you can find a variety of looks to create a classic and modern style. Try incorporating some of the bold colors and prints from the show for a truly unique look. Don’t forget to accessorize with statement jewelry and luxurious fabrics to complete the look.

Which Version is Better?

That’s a tough one! It’s hard to say if the HBO version of Gossip Girl is better or worse than the original. While the HBO version has updated the show’s storylines, themes, and characters to reflect the modern era, the original series also has a unique charm. Ultimately, it’s up to the viewer to decide which version they prefer. That said, as an early 2000s kid, I would argue that the original Gossip Girl is definitely better. Even though Season 1 was slightly disappointing, this new season hits differently. So, I think the new Gossip Girl is entertaining and fun in its own way. It’s a significant modern update, and I appreciate the original show’s references. It’s definitely worth watching!

See Also

Absolutely! Gossip Girl was a show that definitely made an impact, and it’s so exciting to see it come back with a new generation of characters. I’m looking forward to seeing how the show has evolved and how this new generation of characters will navigate the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite. It’s sure to bring back many fond memories for those who watched it back in the day.

Welcome to the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite! After comparing HBO’s Gossip Girl to other similar reviews, it appears that it has earned high ratings and reviews from fans and critics alike. The show’s unique blend of Drama, romance and comedy make it an enjoyable viewing experience that appeals to many audiences. Gossip Girl is a great show that will entertain viewers for many seasons to come…

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Sofia Iriarte

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