Girlfriends (2000)
A groundbreaking comedy-drama following four Black women navigating friendship, love, and ambition in Los Angeles across eight unforgettable seasons.
Girlfriends - Series Information
- Original Title: Girlfriends
- First Air Year: 2000
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Created by: Mara Brock Akil
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 172
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 11, 2000 (United States - TV-PG), September 11, 2000 (Canada - PG), September 11, 2000 (United Kingdom - 12), September 11, 2000 (Germany - 12), September 11, 2000 (France - 12), September 11, 2000 (India - U), September 11, 2000 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: UPN, The CW
- Production Companies: Grammnet Productions, CBS Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Подруги (UA), Подруги (RU)
Girlfriends - Plot
The series revolves around the friendship of four African-American women in different phases of their lives. They explore the many trials and tribulations that most women face today such as relationships, family, friends and other current issues that will interest most women. Whether it's getting over a divorce, finding a career, or looking for true love, Girlfriends delivers along with comedy and wit.
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Girlfriends - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mara Brock Akil
Main Cast
- Tracee Ellis Ross
- Golden Brooks
- Persia White
- Reggie Hayes
- Jill Marie Jones
- Khalil Kain
- Keesha Sharp
- Jason Pace
- Tanner Scott Richards
- Phil Reeves
Writers
- Mara Brock Akil
- Michael B. Kaplan
- David Adam Silverman
- Regina Y. Hicks
- Bernadette Luckett
Girlfriends - FAQs
Where can you stream Girlfriends online?
Girlfriends is available to stream on Netflix and Philo via subscription, and on Tubi TV for free with ads. You can also purchase episodes through Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current options.
Why was Girlfriends cancelled without a proper finale?
Girlfriends ended abruptly in 2008 when The CW cancelled it without advance notice, leaving no time to film a proper series finale. The writers' strike of 2007–2008 contributed to the disrupted production schedule, and the cast and crew only learned of the cancellation after the fact.
Who are the main characters in Girlfriends?
The four central characters are Joan Clayton (Tracee Ellis Ross), an ambitious attorney; Maya Wilkes (Golden Brooks), her street-smart assistant; Lynn Searcy (Persia White), a free-spirited eternal student; and Toni Childs-Garrett (Jill Marie Jones), a status-conscious real estate agent. William Dent (Reggie Hayes) is a key supporting character.
When did Girlfriends first air on television?
Girlfriends premiered on September 11, 2000, on the UPN network. The series ran for eight seasons, later moving to The CW after UPN merged with The WB. It concluded in 2008, making it one of the longest-running live-action sitcoms led by Black women in American television history.
Will Girlfriends ever get a revival or reunion?
As of 2025, no official revival or reunion has been confirmed, though creator Mara Brock Akil and cast members including Tracee Ellis Ross have publicly expressed interest in revisiting the series. Fan campaigns for a proper finale or continuation have persisted for years, keeping the conversation alive.
How many seasons and episodes does Girlfriends have?
Girlfriends ran for 8 seasons and a total of 172 episodes. Season counts range from 13 to 25 episodes per season, with Season 3 being the longest at 25 episodes and Season 8 the shortest at 13 episodes due to the series' abrupt cancellation.
Who created the TV series Girlfriends?
Girlfriends was created by Mara Brock Akil, who also served as showrunner and lead writer throughout much of the series' run. Akil drew on personal experience and cultural observation to craft the show's authentic portrayal of Black womanhood, friendship, and professional ambition in Los Angeles.
How was Girlfriends received by critics and audiences?
Girlfriends earned strong praise for its sharp writing, authentic representation of Black women's lives, and the chemistry of its ensemble cast. It developed a devoted following over its eight-season run and is widely regarded as a groundbreaking series in Black television history, influencing later shows like Insecure and Black-ish.
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