It is 2026, and the obsession with Jess Mariano hasn't faded. If anything, it has actually grown. Why? Because while Dean was the "perfect" first boyfriend and Logan was the billionaire fantasy, Jess was the only one who actually did the work. He's the guy who started as a kid stealing garden gnomes and ended up as the most stable adult in the entire Gilmore orbit.
But let's be real. If you’re looking for jess from gilmore girls now, you’re probably looking for two things: what the character would be doing in the Stars Hollow of 2026, and what the man behind the leather jacket, Milo Ventimiglia, is actually up to.
Honestly, the reality is more interesting than the fanfiction.
Where is Jess Mariano in 2026?
If we look at the trajectory from A Year in the Life, Jess isn't that brooding teenager anymore. He's 41 or 42. He is the co-owner of Truncheon Books in Philadelphia. He’s a published author. He’s the guy who grew up and realized that "being smart" isn't a personality trait if you're a jerk about it.
In the current landscape of the show's lore, Jess is likely the one person who isn't stuck. While Rory was flailing in the revival—struggling with her career and that "Wookie" incident—Jess was the voice of reason. He’s basically the new Luke, but with better taste in literature and slightly less flannel.
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Most fans assume Jess is still pining for Rory. I'm not so sure. There’s a distinct possibility that Jess from Gilmore Girls now has moved on to a life that doesn't involve waiting for a Gilmore to pick him. He’s likely running his press, mentoring young writers, and visiting Stars Hollow just often enough to help Luke fix his Wi-Fi. He's the success story.
The Milo Ventimiglia Factor: A Very Busy 2026
If we pivot to the real world, Milo Ventimiglia is having a massive year. You probably saw the news that he recently returned to social media after a three-year blackout. He popped back up on Instagram in December 2025, basically telling everyone life is "busy but good."
He isn't just sitting around waiting for a revival call.
I Can Only Imagine 2 is his big swing right now. It hits theaters on February 20, 2026. Milo plays Tim Timmons, a real-life singer-songwriter who battled cancer for decades while maintaining an incredibly positive outlook. It’s a huge departure from the Jess Mariano angst or the Jack Pearson "perfect dad" energy.
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Aside from the movie, Milo's personal life has been a whirlwind:
- He’s a dad. He and his wife, Jarah Mariano, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Ke'ala Coral, in January 2025.
- He survived a wildfire. Right before the baby was born, their home in Malibu was destroyed in the California fires.
- He’s moving into a "legacy" phase. Between This Is Us and his new projects, he’s focused on stories with weight.
Why Jess from Gilmore Girls Now Still Matters
The reason we still care about this specific character in 2026 is because of the "Growth Arc." Most characters in the show regressed or stayed the same. Jess is the only one who truly transformed.
He went from a kid who couldn't graduate high school to the only person Rory could talk to about her book. That’s a powerful narrative. It’s why "Team Jess" remains the loudest faction of the fanbase. People love a redemption story that feels earned, not just handed out.
What about a new revival?
Don't hold your breath for A Year in the Life 2 just yet. While Amy Sherman-Palladino and Lauren Graham did a panel at PaleyFest in 2025 and hinted that they’d "never say never," there’s nothing officially filming. In fact, a lot of the talk right now is about a documentary called Searching for Stars Hollow, which explores the show's legacy.
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Milo himself has been pretty clear in past interviews. He loves the character, but he thinks the story was told. He’s satisfied.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're still chasing that Jess Mariano energy in 2026, here is how you can stay updated without falling for "fake news" clickbait:
- Watch the new film: Check out I Can Only Imagine 2 in February to see Milo's latest performance. It's a different side of him.
- Follow the real accounts: Milo is back on Instagram (@miloanthonyventimiglia). Don't trust the fan pages for "official" news.
- Read the Book: Keep an eye out for the upcoming book collaboration between Lauren Graham and Amy Sherman-Palladino. It’s expected to have some behind-the-scenes stories about the Jess years.
- Re-watch Season 6: If you want to see "Peak Jess," go back to the episodes where he visits Rory at the Gilmore mansion. It’s the best evidence of who the character became.
Jess Mariano isn't a "bad boy" anymore. He’s a man who figured it out. Whether he ends up with Rory or stays the cool uncle in Philadelphia, his impact on the show's legacy is permanent. He’s the reminder that you aren't defined by your worst teenage mistakes.