Girlfriends: Cancelled, Proper Series Finale Too Expensive
As discussed here on Tuesday, the long-running CW sitcom, Girlfriends, is saying goodbye after eight seasons. As tough as that is for fans of the show to hear, it’s made even worse by the notion that the show won’t be going back into production to film any more episodes to give some sort of closure for the characters.
It turns out, as one might expect, that the reason is pure economics. The CW network has said that they’re only resuming production on TV series which the network is considering renewing next season. Since the ratings have been down for Girlfriends, they’re canceling the sitcom and that apparently makes it a lame duck.
Orlando Sentinel’s Hal Boedeker reports that a spokesperson for the CW said, “This was a very difficult decision for us, and was based solely on the considerable cost to license each episode in an extremely unusual business environment.”
But wait, after bringing the CW and UPN networks millions and millions of dollars in ad revenue over the past eight years, don’t the show and it’s fans deserve a proper send-off?
Girlfriends creator Mara Brock Akil is philosophical about the cancellation and said, “Although it’s always difficult to say goodbye, I choose to focus my energy on the history that Girlfriends has made, the human stories that we told, the beautifully complex images that we projected and the blessings 172 episodes bestowed on us, both personally and professionally.”
She went on to say, “I am immensely thankful to the amazingly talented cast, writers, directors, staff and crew for their endless dedication and hard work for eight seasons, to the network that always wanted us and the studio that always supported us, but mostly to the audience, especially African-American women, who took the time to tune into us every Monday night at nine to have a dialogue with us and who have been our partner in this journey.”
As far as the series finale, it looks like it will indeed be some sort of compilation of clips. Akil said, “I am currently in talks with the studio and network on putting together a retrospective show which will honor and celebrate this landmark series, so please stay tuned.” 
65. Donna said,
This show was no longer funny so it’s really not a surprise tha it was cancelled.
64. tomeka said,
I truly enjoyed this show ever since the very first season. I think they should have a special; one final show. I would love to see Joan and Aaron finally have their wedding and perhaps Joan and Toni reconsiling
63. Adain said,
This show as great… until Jill Marie Jones left. For some reason, the writing went downhill. It was no longer compelling. Perhaps some key writer(s) left too, but whatever the case this show was garbage after the Tony Childs character was gone. Nevertheless, overall it was a good show. Shame it had to go out like it did.
62. KAY said,
This show was awsome in everyway this show was good for all females and men too
61. Racahel said,
I have followed the show from Zimbabwe to the Uk so you can imagine how behind i have been but now that i have seen quite abit of the eighth series and watching the re-runs i cant believe that they have cancelled the show i had so many ideas that i could imagine happening and Joan’s wedding,does she get married in the end?? so much id love to see and to know its over really does break my heart its like when it comes to a black sitcoms ‘things fall apart’ yet i feel there are alot of us who are dedicated viewers and we should not be denied what is our right,even my 13yr old brother got into it with Maya’s famous ‘Ah Hell No!!’ for women in general black,white and mixed it is an outrage that the show was cancelled.