“Gossip Girl” Characters or PR Experts? You Decide

Published on March 1, 2021, at 9:23 p.m. 
by Caroline Robinson.

“Gossip Girl here, your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite.”

Does this phrase ring a bell? For members of the Upper East Side of New York, it stirs a sense of panic or excitement, based on the piece of drama that would become public information.

“Gossip Girl” is an American teen drama television series (2007-2012) that revolves around some of New York’s most privileged teen socialites who attend a small private school, St. Jude’s, and thrive off of cliques and their latest drama. Gossip Girl, the show’s unidentified narrator, receives tips from peers and then shares them on the Gossip Girl online site, creating the show’s storylines. All of the characters have their own unique interests, talents and distinctive ways to brand themselves. Their strengths would make them the perfect public relations practitioners. They become tactical PR geniuses to survive on their cutthroat school grounds. Besides, how else would they brand themselves as being the “it-girl” and the “genius” if they didn’t know how to frame a story?

First and foremost — you know you love her — is Serena van der Woodsen. No stranger to the media, she continuously parades around with different guys, showcasing trendy gizmos and sporting the most glamorous outfits. Van der Woodsen, being the “it-girl” that she is, would be your go-to gal for any pitches or proposals. She is likable and pleasant, so she would surely win over any client with her dazzling ideas and bright spirit.

Dan Humphrey, who is coined the “outsider” in the show due to his lack of trust fund and elitist parents, turns out to be quite the opposite. Humphrey gets a book published and has a deep passion for writing, so he would be a pro at writing news releases or any other copy-written materials that a client may request. Besides being well-versed in writing, Humphrey is also well-organized and has a good head on his shoulders. Humphrey would be an extraordinary event planner because he could make every client who walks through the doors feel welcome with his kindred spirit and friendly smile. In addition to being an ideal event planner, everyone also would want him in attendance at their own event.

A jock at the elite St. Jude’s school for boys may not sound like an ideal PR practitioner, but with Nate Archibald on your team, you are destined for greatness. Every team needs a caring worker bee who is also the backbone of the firm. Archibald serves as the voice of reason for his friends and the wild situations they get themselves in. He works as a publicist with a newspaper for part of the show, so he is familiar with generating community engagements and creating media lists for various news stories. Nate would add value and logic to a communications firm, and any team would be lucky to have him.

Who could forget the iconic duo of Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass? They are both PR masterminds; if they are not reporting to Gossip Girl, they are being reported about. Their complicated romantic relationship speaks volumes about their need for social approval, while they also both strive for perfection for themselves. Waldorf is a force to be reckoned with in season 2 when she is applying for college, and Bass is vigorously working to take over his father’s extensive business. Therefore, they would be the perfect creative team, designing graphics, crafting the ideal Instagram grid and doing whatever it takes to take their client to the next level.

With their skill sets, these teen socialites may have just what it takes to make it in the world of public relations. Who knows where the future could lead for our fictional dramatics, but until next time, “you know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl.”