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.” 
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We got GAME! Now if we could just get Girlfriends back or at least let Joan have her BIG WEDDING DAY. Maybe Melani can get an invite to Autie Joan’s wedding. That’s a good way to start off. Can’t wait to watch new episodes of the Game on BET!
Today the Game maybe tomorrow Girlfiends. One battle at a time.
I agree they’re taking off ALL the BLACK shows they say there not getting enough ratings but these little stupid white dramas are whack and besides im here to tell you in case you haven’t noticed HELLO WE’RE TaKING OvER! And even A.N.T.M is getting boring same thing EVERY season which girl can take the best pictures and walk the best runways BORING! I WANT “GIRLFRIENDS” & “THE GAME”
just when i start to enjoy something besides a reality show they go and cancel it without giving me closure!!!!! that is the exact reason i stick with reality shows!!!!!
bet com new the glir ferind season the game cars
I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR GIRLFRIENDS DVD’S FOR THE LONGEST. I JUST LOVE ALL THE CHARACTERS FOR I SEE A LOT OF RELATIONSHIPS ESPISODES AND REAL LIFE STORIES IN THE SERIES. AND QUITE HELPFUL. MY BOYFRIEND SAYS THAT I LOVE THEM TOO MUCH BECAUSE IT’S A GIRL THING!!’WHAT DO YOU SAY?
I am still mad about this. I also agree with Bri on educated shows. Where are they? I love watching my intellegent African American actors playing nice roles, and not the typical ghetto-hood roles. Oh well…smh.
When Jill Marie Jones was not brought back to the show, it was doomed at that point! You can say what you want, but we all know that she brought that something extra to the show. I know Traci Ellis Ross was supposed to be the star, but they made her character look like a desparate woman and Jill’s character knew what she wanted. She was really funny. The producer tried to fill the void by making the “Monica” character part of the click, but it did not work for me and obviously others as well. So don’t blame Jill Marie Jones, she was not the producer.
At least we get to see the reruns!!!
I hate that they took Girlfriends off. What about Joan and Aaron. And Maya and Darnell and Lynn and that Pastor and of course William and Monica. There are no more educated shows on the CW anymore. And they still are taking off shows about Black Americans. They canceled the Game too. What is there to watch now.
I love this Show Girlfriends.. Also I looooove CW”s other hit-sitcom now cancelled THE GAME. Both shows were created by Mara Brock Akil. She did great with both shows. And CW seem to have screwed both shows. I feel the shows they have on now is WACK. Gossip girls…One tree Hill…. etc. Only good show left is ANTM(America’s next top modeL). What is happening to good t.v???
MAN DEY TAKIN ALL DA BLACK SHOWS OFF!!!! MY FAVORITE ONE WAS TONI CHILDS I EVEN NAMED MY DAUGHTER AFTER HER!!! LYN WAS COOL TO…
YOU SEE HOW YOU WRITING? THAT’S WHY.!
I’m very upset about this show being cancelled! I’m deeply hurt and disaapointed!! This was my favorite show!! I believe they owe us at least one more season! Two would be nice!
I really miss watching…
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