In a surprising turn of events, Max has officially cancelled "The Sex Lives of College Girls" after three successful seasons. The news, which broke on March 18, 2025, follows a tumultuous journey for the series, which first premiered on the streaming platform in November 2021.
Created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, the coming-of-age comedy quickly captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike, achieving impressive ratings in its initial runs. Both Seasons 1 and 2 garnered critical acclaim, with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 97% and 93%, respectively. However, the show's third season, which concluded with its finale on January 23, 2025, saw a dramatic decline in ratings. It currently holds a meager 29% approval based on seven critics' reviews.
The decline in viewership can, in part, be attributed to significant changes to the cast. Among the most impactful was the departure of fan-favorite Reneé Rapp, who played the confident and witty Leighton Murray. Rapp confirmed her exit from the series prior to Season 3, stating, "A lot of queer work gets belittled—but playing Leighton has changed my life. I love who I am 10x more than I did before knowing her. I hope she gave y'all a little bit of that too." After her departure, Gracie Lawrence joined the cast to fill the void, but reactions to the transition have been mixed.
With the departure of a leading character and the shake-up in cast dynamics, Season 3 struggled to replicate the success and charm of its predecessors. Justin Noble, who co-runs the show with Kaling, expressed sadness over the cancellation announcement, lamenting, "Unfortunately, Max has decided not to order a fourth season. We are currently in discussions with some new potential homes for the show, and it's nice that there is so much interest." His sentiments resonated with fans who had hoped for the series' continuation.
The cancelation decision came at a time when Warner Bros. Television, the studio behind the series, is actively pursuing new platforms to adopt the series. Among the most probable candidates is Netflix, where Kaling has established a fruitful partnership with her previous hit show, "Never Have I Ever." Reports suggest that WBTV has already initiated conversations to move the beloved series to the streaming giant.
The series follows a group of four college roommates navigating their academic and personal lives at the prestigious Essex College in New England—a backdrop that has provided a rich tapestry of humorous and relatable storytelling. However, the concluding episodes of Season 3 presented a somewhat more conclusive ending than fans were accustomed to, leaving many wondering about the characters' future.
Nonetheless, there is hope that the show might find a new home. In the streaming landscape, several shows have successfully transitioned to different networks after cancellation. For example, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" was saved by NBC after being canceled by Fox, while "Lucifer" found a second life on Netflix following its demise at Fox. As expressed by Noble, there appears to be significant interest from other networks in continuing the legacy of "The Sex Lives of College Girls," as he mentioned during an Instagram post, noting that the show had been among the most-watched scripted programs on Max.
The potential for a fourth season now hinges on those discussions between Warner Bros. and prospective streaming platforms. As industry trends shift, the fate of "The Sex Lives of College Girls" remains uncertain, yet the show’s creators and fans alike are eager to see it revived and given a chance to continue its story.
As Noble articulated, “I think 'The Sex Lives of College Girls' is a pretty damn good TV show—and it feels like there are fewer and fewer comedy series every month. We are living in an era where we need that comedy badly, so I really hope that turns around.” His words reflect not only the dedication of the creators but also the enthusiastic support from the fanbase, who hope to see their favorite characters return to the screen once again.
So, while Max may have decided to end its journey, the hope for another season of "The Sex Lives of College Girls" persists. All eyes remain fixed on Warner Bros. as they seek a new home for the series, with the belief that its heartwarming and humorous storytelling can once again find its audience.
