Netflix has officially canceled the musical comedy series Girls5Eva, leaving fans and LGBTQ activists reeling from another significant loss of queer representation on screen. The series, which debuted on Peacock before moving to Netflix for its final season earlier this year, became one of the numerous shows axed as networks and streaming services grapple with issues surrounding content viewership and diversity.
Starring notable actors Busy Philipps, Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Paula Pell, Girls5Eva followed the lives of four women from a once-popular 1990s girl band as they attempt to rekindle their musical careers decades later. The show earned acclaim not only for its humor but also for embracing LGBTQ themes, particularly through Pell’s character, Gloria, who is portrayed as a plus-sized, middle-aged lesbian seeking fulfillment beyond her past fame.
The announcement came as Busy Philipps confirmed the cancellation on her podcast, Doing Her Best, on December 4, stating, "It’s dead. I’m just saying it because fuck it. If Netflix won’t, I will. I guess not enough people watched it or watched it the way counts or I don’t know.” Her candid remarks echoed sentiments from many fans who felt the show deserved more support.
Initially launched on Peacock, which abruptly canceled the series after its second season, Girls5Eva found new life on Netflix, where it started streaming its third season in March 2023. At the time, the show was celebrated by critics and had garnered significant praise, achieving approval ratings exceeding 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes across its three seasons. It also received three Emmy nominations, marking it as one of the standout comedies of the year.
The show's blend of humor and heartfelt moments, dealing with #MeToo movements and female friendship, captivated audiences and critics alike. Many regarded it as one of the best shows of 2024, with The A.V. Club noting, “If anything, the show’s latest (and possibly last) season reaches for a little more emotional depth amid all the showbiz spoofing.”
Despite its accolades, viewership numbers failed to align with the high praise. Netflix's announcement of the show’s cancellation followed reports of disheartening statistics on LGBTQ representation within media. The series sat among a long list of canceled LGBTQ-inclusive shows, which included Our Flag Means Death, We’re Here, and Kaos — all of which had also received recognition.
Philipps speculated about the show's struggles, humorously theorizing, "Maybe [the title] alienates men—like straight fucking dudes.” This reflects broader conversations within Hollywood about the viability of streaming LGBTQ-content — even when such shows do achieve cult status. Critics lamenting this trend argue the cancellations are part of declining commitments to diversity on screen.
Activist organizations such as GLAAD take note of these cancellations, with their 2024 report indicating astonishing decreases: “Of the 468 LGBTQ characters counted, at least 170 (36 percent) will not be returning,” they reported. This troubling trend also follows the actions of major entertainment players who have faced backlash for revising or removing LGBTQ content, exemplified by Disney's recent decisions impacting its children’s programming.
Final remarks from busy supporters and cast hint at the potential for revival; Philipps even suggested turning it “into a live stage show—a musical, maybe even Broadway someday.” Still, uncertainty lingers as fans clamor for shows like Girls5Eva to find their footing again within mainstream media.
Through its portrayal of women seeking to reclaim their voice and identity, Girls5Eva managed to speak volumes about the unyielding nature of friendship and resilience. While it may no longer exist on screens, its spirit continues to resonate, embodying hope for future narratives celebrating diversity and authentic characters.
With the industry reframing its approach to inclusive programming, there’s room to hope for not just the characters of Girls5Eva but also for the multitude of stories waiting to be told. The stars may have dimmed for this favorite series, but its light continues to inspire fans as they look toward what the future holds for representation on television.
