As the school year begins for New York's elite, a new student at Constance St. Jude's finds herself thrust into the spotlight, while a mysterious presence threatens to shake the status quo.

While the school takes drastic measures to smoke out Gossip Girl's identity, a blind item threatens to put an end to a Constance couple. Julien and Max uncover shocking family secrets. Zoya turns to an unlikely ally for help.

When Obie's mother comes to town, Zoya begins to question his nature – and nurture. Julien decides to take her brand to the next level. Aki and Max come together to support Audrey.

Zoya scrounges up guests for her annual Friendsgiving feast, Julien and Obie cover their tracks. Meanwhile, Kate and Jordan face an ultimatum from Rafa that threatens to bring Gossip Girl down once and for all.

When Gossip Girl turns the city against her, Julien leans on Zoya in her search for the truth. Meanwhile, Kate and Jordan attempt to outsmart their coworkers, Audrey and Aki open their minds, and Max tries to find his voice.

In her efforts to save Julien from a vicious smear campaign, Zoya puts her own future at risk. Kate and Jordan hatch a last-ditch plan to reclaim Gossip Girl. Audrey and Aki rope an increasingly resentful Max into both of their schemes.

Zoya spends more time with Shan's family--much to Nick's annoyance--while Max's parents host an important dinner that descends into chaos.

A familiar figure blackmails Kate into ruining an important event. Obie proposes a transactional offer that would destroy his family to Gossip Girl.