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.” 
iI am recovering from a strock, Girlfriends was one of the shows that has brought me some joy. I don’t have much to look forward to but I had Girlfriends. If you can bring it back.
Wow, I am outraged at this decision. I have always wanted to write for this show. Now, we have no major black cast on a major network…figures. Well, lets see what the futures hold for us now. They still should do a season finale spend a little extra cash and I am sure if they advertise/promote right they will regret making that the final episode
Girlfriends has been cancelled. Only 13 episodes have been shot and they have all been aired. Even though the writers strike is over, The CW will not put Girlfriends back on for the remaining 9 episodes and they will not give Girlfriends a Series finale. The creator of Girlfriends is trying to get something done for Girlfriends but has no luck yet. I urge all fans of Girlfriends to call the following numbers to complain about the cancellation: 1-818-977-2525 (Dawn Ostroff, President of Entertainment (CW); 1-818-977-2537 (Traci Blackwell, Director of Current Entertainment (CW); 1-323-575-2380 (Nancy Tellem, President of CBS Paramount… Read more »
You have to do a series finale of Girlfriends after watching this show season after season waiting for Joan to finally have her man and get married. These women have put their heart and soul into this show and as for the people behind the scenes who work their butts off putting a show together week after week. It already is bad that I have gotten into so many shows and then they get cancelled without a proper good-bye. Expensive? Yeah right ! Come on and please finish the show the right way we all deserve to at least have… Read more »
To expensive?? Give me a break, these people are making gazillions!!!! It goes to show that Hollywood doesn’t give a fluck about the African American community.
[…] Figures. *unsheathes sword* […]
I had a feeling the show was ending when Toni left and I’m glad it hung around long enough for Joan to get a man but to end it like they did was a slap in the face of all the fans! The letter about Aaron coming home was a beautiful touch but what would be more special is the actual reunion of Joan and Aaron and end the series with their wedding. And as big as Monica was in that last episode, she could possibly go into labor just as Joan is about to say “I do”. Just a… Read more »
I am so disappointed!! I faithfully watch Girlfriends every Monday night. Actually, this is the only show on tv that I schedule throughout the week to watch. Everythin else is hit or miss, but I didn’t miss Girlfriends. Friends and family knew to not call me Monday nights at nine :). I know all good things must come to an end, but I hate to see my girls go from tv. Thanks for the memories. Maybe another network can pick it up?!?!
I am disappointed that a show featuring women of color has been cancelled. I was not happy however as to the way Lesbians were portrayed (The Lynn episode) it was particularly insulting to me as a lesbian of color. Then when I find a reasonable character in Alicia Lawson (played by Lourdes Benedicto) on Cashmere Mafia THAT story arc is torpedoed.
I’m gonna stop watching television.
It’s true that there are not enough shows where minorities can relate to. I have seen a lot of good shows come and go, and my weeknights at home are becoming more disappointing. I hope that another network picks up Girlfriends and bring back Toni Childs. I guess the only shows we have left are Everybody Hates Chris and The Game. When they’re gone what’s left.
After 8 seasons, Girlfriends has earned a series finale. Please give the fans something! We’re talking about a show that has survived for 8 years, just one year shy of The Cosby Show’s record seasons. If a 1-hour finale can’t be produced, can we at least get a 30-minute finale for closure?
A proper ending is too expensive? C’mon now!! I enjoy this show for 8 years, and I would like to see a better ending of the series. Give us a proper series ending PLEASE!!!!!!!
It really is messed up. I feel like Maya feel when Monique appeared on the show as herself saying ” I spented five years watching The Parkers she can give me five mins of here time to talk and come to Joans restaurant”. Well I spent 8 years of my life watchin Girlfriends started watching it since I was 12 years old with my mom. If there was still a UPN it probably would have got a series finale because I believe that show made it the network it was. But The CW don’t care its just two lame networks… Read more »
This is so messed up! I know the show was ending but the fans don’t even get a proper series finale. WOW, that’s is too unfair. I’m going to miss the Girlfriends especially Maya! We should get some kind of 30 min finale or something.
It is not always about the money. It is always about greed. This was a great show. I am sadden that I have seen the last of the show Girlfriends. It ended before it really got started for 2008. Shame on you!! Please give a respectable ending or endings to this series.