W Magazine

Serena Van Der Woodsen

Serena van der Woodsen, played by Blake Lively, is the central and stunning character of the series Gossip Girl. From the first scene, Serena embodies the glamor and uncomplicated beauty that characterizes New York's Upper East Side. His return to the city after a mysterious period out of sight sets off a series of events and gossip that define the series' plot. Serena is unquestionably one of the most sought-after figures in high society, known for her impeccable appearance, enviable fashion style and laid-back attitude. Her magnetic presence attracts everyone's attention, and her status as the It Girl of the Upper East Side is cemented by the constant attention of the Gossip Girl blog. Throughout the seasons, Serena's journey is filled with complex relationships, family dilemmas, and a constant desire to find her purpose. Her on-and-off relationship with Dan Humphrey, among other loves, is one of the central emotional plots, showing Serena's struggle to balance love and social expectations. Despite her glamorous exterior, Serena is not immune to internal challenges and conflicts. Family issues, dark secrets and the pressure of an elitist society shape her narrative, making her a more three-dimensional character. His journey of self-discovery and attempts to break away from the superficial image of the Upper East Side reveal a deeper facet of his personality. Serena is more than a high society figure; she is a symbol of independence and resilience. Her ups and downs, triumphs and defeats make her a captivating character for viewers, and her constant search for authenticity adds a layer of complexity to Gossip Girl's narrative. Serena van der Woodsen's lasting influence on pop culture and fashion is a testament to the significant impact the character has had on the world of television.

You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl

SEASON

The first season introduces Serena as the beautiful, wealthy daughter of divorced parents who returns from boarding school. Her return sparks her old rivalry with her best friend, Blair. Serena's return is due to her younger brother, Eric van der Woodsen, who attempted suicide. She is considered unwelcome, particularly by her former best friend Blair, who has always seen Serena as a threat to her reign as Constance's Queen Bee. After Serena manages to reconcile with her, Chuck Bass reveals to Serena that he knows the cause of her sudden departure before the first season - taking Nate Archibald's (Blair's boyfriend) virginity during a wedding and he tries to kiss her. Serena manages to escape and encounters Dan, a St. Jude student from Brooklyn who often expresses cynicism about the lifestyle his wealthier classmates lead. Nate finally reveals his encounter with Serena to Blair, and Serena is ostracized in the show's first few episodes.

Serena's relationship with Dan Humphrey (played by Penn Badgley) remains a key element. They face challenges and twists and turns in their dating life, including revealed secrets and social obstacles. Serena's relationship with her mother, Lily van der Woodsen (played by Kelly Rutherford), and her half-brother, Eric (played by Connor Paolo), is explored further. Family secrets and complicated dynamics add layers to the narrative. As one of the most popular and targeted girls on the Upper East Side, Serena finds herself involved in several social conflicts. Clashes with Blair Waldorf (played by Leighton Meester) and other members of high society are an integral part of the plot. Serena continues to be the target of secrets and gossip released by the mysterious blog Gossip Girl. The revelation of compromising secrets and dramatic twists keep Serena in the spotlight. Season two explores Serena's search for her own identity and desire to step away from social expectations. His journey of self-discovery adds depth to the character. Serena becomes romantically involved with Carter Baizen (played by Sebastian Stan), adding a new element to her complex love history.

Serena finds herself in a complicated love triangle between Nate Archibald (played by Chace Crawford) and Dan Humphrey (played by Penn Badgley). Emotional conflicts and romantic twists become fundamental elements of its narrative. Serena's family conflicts, especially with her mother Lily van der Woodsen (played by Kelly Rutherford), continue to be explored. Family issues, secrets and revelations deeply impact the dynamics between mother and daughter. Serena continues to be the target of gossip and revelations from the mysterious blogger Gossip Girl. Their personal secrets and social events are widely publicized, fueling the constant drama on the Upper East Side. As one of the most prominent young women in New York's elite, Serena finds herself involved in several social scandals and dramas among her peers. Her role as a central figure in high society places her at the center of significant events. Season three delves deeper into Serena's search for her identity and purpose in life. His personal challenges and attempts to find meaning beyond social expectations remain an essential part of his narrative. Serena's relationships continue to be volatile, with ups and downs in romantic dynamics. His bonds with other characters, including Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass, are also highlighted throughout the season.

Serena's love life remains tumultuous. She becomes involved in complicated relationships, including a romance with Ben Donovan (played by David Call) and ongoing dynamics with Dan Humphrey. Serena continues to be the target of Gossip Girl's gossip and intrigue. Your personal secrets, love choices, and social events are widely publicized, adding more tension to your life. The fourth season shows Serena exploring new professional opportunities and facing challenges in her career. His quest for independence and professional success adds an additional dimension to his narrative. Family issues and secrets continue to affect Serena, especially regarding her mother, Lily van der Woodsen. Family conflicts add complexity to your trajectory. The complicated and, at times, competitive friendship with Blair Waldorf (played by Leighton Meester) is explored further. The two friends face challenges that test their loyalty and friendship throughout the season. Serena embarks on journeys and experiences that take her to new places and challenges. Her search for adventure and self-knowledge takes her to different contexts, adding new dimensions to her narrative. The fourth season also highlights Serena's search for redemption and self-knowledge. She deals with past mistakes and tries to build a stronger, more authentic version of herself.

Serena begins the season involved in a relationship with Steven Spence (played by Barry Watson), an older man. The relationship presents challenges due to the age difference and emotional complexities. The complex dynamics with his mother, Lily van der Woodsen, continue to be explored. Family issues, secrets and revelations add tension to the relationship between mother and daughter. Serena remains on Gossip Girl's radar, subject to gossip and revelations that affect her relationships and social reputation. His personal secrets are exposed, adding drama to his life. The season highlights Serena facing challenges in her professional career, seeking independence and success in a competitive business landscape. His professional journey adds an additional dimension to his development as a character. The complex and often competitive relationship with Blair Waldorf (played by Leighton Meester) continues to evolve. The two friends face challenges that test their loyalty, while also forming strategic alliances at various times. Just like in previous seasons, Serena engages in travel and experiences that take her to new places. These geographic shifts add new dynamics to your life and narrative. Serena continues her journey of self-discovery, trying to overcome her own mistakes and chart an authentic path. Her efforts to redeem herself and become a stronger version of herself are highlighted.

Serena starts the season with a new relationship, this time with Steven Spence (played by Barry Watson). However, she soon finds herself involved in a love triangle when her past relationship with Dan Humphrey is rekindled. Family conflicts continue to shape Serena's narrative, especially in relation to her mother, Lily van der Woodsen. The season reveals more family secrets, adding complexity to the mother-daughter dynamic. Serena deals with challenges in her professional career, seeking stability and independence. Her maturity is evident as she tries to balance her professional ambitions with personal issues. One of the most significant moments of the season is the revelation of Gossip Girl's true identity. Serena, along with other main characters, discovers that Dan Humphrey was the person behind the gossip blog. Throughout the season, Serena reevaluates her relationships and priorities. His ties to Blair, Dan, and other key characters are explored in ways that shape the outcome of their stories. The sixth season marks the farewell of the characters from the Upper East Side, as the series approaches its finale. Serena and at the end of the season ends up marrying Dan.

Blake Lively

Hunter Schafer in Thom Browne.

Blake Ellender Lively (born Blake Ellender Brown; August 25, 1987) is an American actress. She is best known for playing Serena van der Woodsen in the television series Gossip Girl. Blake Lively was born in Tarzana, in the city of Los Angeles, the daughter of actors Ernie Lively and Elaine Lively. She was raised Baptist. Lively is the youngest of five siblings, which includes Eric Lively, two half-sisters, Lori Lively and Robyn Lively, and a half-brother Jason Lively.Her parents and all of her siblings are or have been involved in the entertainment industry. During her childhood she was taken to her parents' acting classes because they didn't want to leave her with a babysitter. Blake said taking his parents' classes helped him learn the "drills" of acting and gain confidence for his career. As a child, Blake arranged with her mother to take her to Disneyland twice a week. She said that because of all the time she spent there, she feels like she "grew up at Disneyland." His sister, Robyn, is married to Bart Johnson who participated in the three High School Musical films as Jack Bolton, father and coach of one of the protagonists Troy (played by Zac Efron). She was elected the most desired woman of 2011 by the website Ask Men, which annually lists the 99 women most desired by internet users. Also in 2011 Blake was featured in TIME magazine's annual report of the 100 most influential people.