Jared Padalecki is looking back at his time on Gilmore Girls and revealing a little-known detail about his feelings for one of the show’s leading stars. In the trailer for a new documentary celebrating the beloved series, the actor admits that he had a crush on Lauren Graham, who portrayed Lorelai Gilmore.
Titled Drink Coffee, Talk Fast, the independently produced documentary comes from Ink On Paper Studios and was created to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary in 2025. Funded with the support of Kickstarter backers, the film promises an in-depth look at the history of Gilmore Girls, with filmmakers Meghna Balakumar, Kevin Konrad Hanna, and Jim Demonakos aiming to create what they describe as “the definitive portrait of one of the most beloved television series of all time.”
Several cast members appear in the documentary, including Scott Patterson, Emily Bishop, Chad Michael Murray, Keiko Agena, and Padalecki. They share memories of working on the show, their experiences on set, and stories from behind the scenes.
Jared Padalecki Reveals His Crush on Lauren Graham
In an exclusive trailer shared by Entertainment Weekly, Padalecki opens up about the demanding filming schedule, explaining that the cast regularly worked extremely long days.
“We would do 18-hour days on the reg,” the actor says, adding that “it was hard for Lauren and Alexis.”
After George Anthony Bell, who played Professor Bell, praises Graham by saying, “Lauren was so good,” Padalecki makes his own feelings clear.
“I certainly had a crush on her,” he admits.
Padalecki played Dean Forester, Rory Gilmore’s first love, in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. He was just 17 when filming the first season, while Graham was 33.
The actors have also exchanged compliments in the years since the series ended. In a 2013 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Graham praised Padalecki’s “biceps of steel” when asked which of Rory’s love interests she would date on her show Parenthood.
However, two years later, Graham gave a different answer when E! News asked which of Rory’s boyfriends she would choose in real life. Her pick was Milo Ventimiglia, who played Jess Mariano.
“Ooo! Would I want to? Oh, um, Milo? Milo. I’m a brunette person. Milo Ventimiglia,” Graham said.
New Documentary Explores Tension Behind the Scenes
The trailer also hints that Drink Coffee, Talk Fast will explore some of the tensions that existed during the show’s production, particularly between Graham and Scott Patterson.
Emily Bishop, who appeared as one of the characters in the Hartford storyline, recalls that the group there generally got along well.
“The Hartford group got along great,” Bishop says, referring to herself, Graham, Alexis Bledel, and Richard Herman. “I guess there were problems in Stars Hollow.”
Patterson, who is also a producer on the documentary, discusses returning for the four-part Netflix revival in 2016. He describes the continuation of Gilmore Girls as “inevitable” and reflects on the connection the series built with its audience.
“[The fans] want to celebrate the show. They want to meet you. They want to share how the show helped them,” he says.
Another Gilmore Girls Documentary Is on the Way
The release of Drink Coffee, Talk Fast comes as HBO Max is also developing its own documentary about Gilmore Girls. The untitled project is currently in production and promises a rare insider perspective, featuring the show’s creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, her husband and executive producer Daniel Palladino, Lauren Graham, and other key cast and crew members.
The documentary will explore how Gilmore Girls exceeded expectations and became a phenomenon enjoyed by multiple generations. Audiences can also expect behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes, and exclusive looks at the show’s scripts.
Meanwhile, Graham and Sherman-Palladino are collaborating on a Gilmore Girls book that will take readers behind the scenes through personal reflections, humor, and previously untold stories. The untitled book is scheduled for publication in fall 2027.
As for Drink Coffee, Talk Fast, the documentary is already available to watch online, along with exclusive bonus content. It will also become widely available to stream on Apple, Google, and other major platforms on November 17.