What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHello, Dolly!
Gene Kelly · Film · 1969
If you loved Hello, Dolly!, start with Eloise in Moscow (Kay Thompson, 1959) — a book on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Hello, Dolly! across media.
If you adored the brassy, big-city energy of Hello, Dolly!, you will love these tales of ambition, wit, and social maneuvering.
Books on the same thread
Valley of the Dolls
Jacqueline Susann · Book · 1966
Explores: Fame and Addiction, Female Friendship, Hollywood.
Much like the vibrant world of Hello, Dolly!, this book captures the high-stakes allure of city life and the relentless drive to make a name for oneself in show business.
Love Story
Erich Segal · Book · 1970
Shares a thread with Hello, Dolly!: Romance.
This story mirrors the central conflict of social class seen in Hello, Dolly!, focusing on how contrasting backgrounds collide when two people from different worlds find themselves falling in love.
Eloise in Moscow
Kay Thompson · Book · 1959
Explores: Travel, Cultural Exploration, Child Protagonist.
If you enjoyed the adventurous travel spirit of Hello, Dolly!, you will appreciate this charming story of a spirited protagonist navigating a new city with style and an inquisitive nature.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams · Book · 1979
Explores: Existentialism, Bureaucracy, The Absurd.
This narrative captures the same chaotic, fast-paced sense of adventure found in Hello, Dolly!, but swaps the streets of New York for the unexpected and absurd corners of the universe.
Series on the same thread
I Love Lucy
Bob Carroll Jr. · Series · 1951
Explores: Marriage, Ambition vs. Domesticity, Friendship.
Lucy Ricardo shares the same ambitious, larger-than-life personality as Dolly Levi, constantly orchestrating plans to insert herself into the spotlight while navigating the complexities of her domestic life.
The Odd Couple
Garry Marshall · Series · 1970
Explores: Odd Couple, Roommates, Divorce.
The clashing personalities and inevitable humor found in this Manhattan apartment reflect the same delightful friction and mismatched character dynamics that make Hello, Dolly! a classic comedic experience.
Gilmore Girls
Amy Sherman-Palladino · Series · 2000
Explores: Mother-Daughter Relationship, Intergenerational Relationships, Class Differences.
Fans of Hello, Dolly! will recognize the sharp-witted, fast-paced dialogue and the focus on strong, capable women carving out their own paths within their unique, close-knit communities.
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Joe Ruby · Series · 1969
Explores: Teen Detectives, Teamwork, Exposing Scams.
The spirit of travel and collaborative problem-solving that drives the characters in Hello, Dolly! is present here as this eclectic group navigates mysteries and hijinks across various locations.
Podcasts on the same thread
Call Her Daddy
Alex Cooper · Podcast · 2026
Explores: female empowerment, sexual autonomy, brutal honesty.
Just as Dolly Levi uses her wit to command attention and influence, this podcast offers a modern, bold perspective on relationships and autonomy that mirrors her unapologetic and confident energy.
HELLO! The Daily Lowdown
Podcast
Explores: Celebrity Gossip, Fashion Trends, Royal Events.
Those who delight in the glitz and celebrity atmosphere of Hello, Dolly! will appreciate this daily look into the lives of stars and the happenings within the entertainment industry.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Hello, Dolly! a movie about a matchmaker?
Yes, Hello, Dolly! follows the story of Dolly Levi, a strong-willed matchmaker. She travels to Yonkers to visit Horace Vandergelder, a well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire, and eventually convinces several people to travel to New York City.
Who directed the 1969 film Hello, Dolly!?
The 1969 film version of Hello, Dolly! was directed by Gene Kelly. The story centers on Dolly Levi as she orchestrates a series of events involving Horace Vandergelder, his niece, her intended, and two of Horace's clerks.
Does Hello, Dolly! feature a character named Horace Vandergelder?
Yes, Horace Vandergelder is a central character in Hello, Dolly!. He is described as a miserly and well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire living in Yonkers, New York, who becomes the target of the matchmaker Dolly Levi.
What is the primary setting of Hello, Dolly!?
Hello, Dolly! begins in Yonkers, New York, where Dolly Levi travels to meet Horace Vandergelder. The plot later shifts to New York City after Dolly convinces Horace's niece, her intended, and two of Horace's clerks to travel there.