Women of a certain age are like a good bottle of wine—they just get better with time. This is almost the perfect way to describe Girls5eva—a show that proves women in their 40s still have plenty of rhythm, sass, and heart to make the music industry take notice, even after their big hits have faded into the annals of pop culture history. Created by Meredith Scardino and executive produced by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, Girls5eva is an amazing ride through nostalgia, irreverence, and hilarity, all wrapped up in infectious pop anthems.
We’ve watched the hilarious and endearing quartet of former girl group members—Dawn, Wickie, Summer, and Gloria—reignite their dreams of stardom while battling personal struggles, fractured friendships, and the weight of a past that refuses to let them go. But, as with any musical comeback, not all seasons are created equal.
Let’s take a look at how each season of Girls5eva measures up, from worst to best, based on their Rotten Tomatoes ratings and the overall vibe they brought to the table.
3. Season 2: Settling into the groove
Season 2 of Girls5eva is a familiar ride. It’s like slipping into your favorite pair of jeans—comfortable, cozy, and just the right fit. The chaos of the first season has settled into something smoother, but the sass and sharp wit are still firing on all cylinders. While the pace slows down a bit from the breakneck speed of Season 1, it’s far from boring.
It’s the calm after the storm, but the storm is still brewing in the form of punchlines that hit like a catchy hook. The ladies aren’t just washed-up pop stars anymore; they’re making the best of their second act, juggling their careers, their quirky flaws, and the hilarious chaos of womanhood.
Plot: The band gets more serious about its comeback, signing to a quirky label and producing an album with songs that reflect their journey as women in their 40s. There are songs about being powerful, reclaiming their worth, and making peace with the past. It’s clear that the group has come a long way from the shallow pop of their youth, embracing a deeper sense of self and what it means to be a woman in the public eye.
Review: Season 2 marks a more ‘grown-up’ phase for the group. The comedy remains sharp, but there’s an emotional undercurrent that gives the show more depth. The ensemble continues to shine, especially Sara Bareilles, whose quiet strength anchors the season. Renée Elise Goldsberry’s Wickie still steals the show with her self-delusion and constant drive for stardom, and Busy Philipps brings her unique blend of ditzy and wise to her character, Summer.
Plus, the songs are an absolute blast and shockingly addictive, with tracks like BPE (Big Pussy Energy) and Bend Not Break highlighting both their comedic and musical chops.
Season 2 was a bit more reflective, offering more of the same but in a more refined package. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%, it was clear that fans appreciated the consistency and the fun, even if the spark of the first season was harder to find here. Girls5eva was settling into its rhythm, which was great but not as exciting as before.
2. Season 1: The spark that started it all
The perfect introduction to this fabulous, funny foursome. Season 1 of Girls5Eva is like the first note in a song that immediately grabs your attention and refuses to let go. This season is where it all began, and it truly set the bar high. The comedy was rapid-fire, the references were spot-on, and it gave us characters that were both laugh-out-loud funny and incredibly relatable.
They’re hilarious, but they’re also real—trying to reclaim their fame while juggling the chaos of their lives. You’ll laugh, cringe, and cheer all at once.
And then there’s the first season, which doesn’t just introduce us to Girls5Eva—it’s like handing us the keys to the jukebox and letting us pick the perfect playlist. In this debut season, the group’s attempt at a comeback is as much about self-discovery as it is about reclaiming past glory.
Plot: Set twenty years after their one-hit-wonder status, the group reunites after rapper Lil Stinker samples their old track ‘Famous 5eva’. The women—now middle-aged and with various personal struggles—find themselves asking if they should make a second attempt at stardom. As the show dives into their individual journeys, we see them reconnect with their old passion for music, confronting their insecurities and relationships with the people around them.
Review: Season 1 is an absolute hit in terms of comedy. The pacing is fast, and the jokes come thick and fast—especially when it comes to skewering pop culture and gender stereotypes. The show hits its peak in its absurdity, with laugh-out-loud moments that never feel forced. The standout performance here is Sara Bareilles, whose portrayal of Dawn is both hilarious and grounded.
And we can’t overlook Renée Elise Goldsberry, whose portrayal of Wickie is the perfect mix of diva and hot mess. The humor, fueled by nostalgia, is sharp and never too sappy, while the songs—absurd as they are—somehow stick with you and keep you humming.
The group’s chemistry is the secret sauce that elevates Girls5Eva from just another comedy to a must-watch phenomenon. No wonder it hit a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes; it’s like they bottled lightning, giving us characters that feel like friends, with a touch of madness that makes every moment sparkle.
1. Season 3: A hilarious comeback that exceeds expectations
Season 3 of Girls5Eva lands in a bit of a peculiar sweet spot—it’s like an old friend you’ve reconnected with after a long hiatus, but the initial excitement of the reunion feels slightly dulled. It’s partly because of its resurrection after being dropped by Peacock and then scooped up by Netflix.
The third season of Girls5Eva effortlessly picks up the pace, preserving its signature blend of hilariously absurd humor and quick-witted banter. The camaraderie between the characters is as dynamic as ever, with each episode delivering both laughs and surprisingly touching moments. While the show keeps its sharp, unpredictable edge, it also evolves, layering in new surprises and keeping things refreshingly lively.
Fey and Carlock continue to masterfully balance wild humor with heart, proving the series still has plenty of unexpected sparks left.
Plot: With the group still trying to reclaim the glory they lost in the early 2000s, Season 3 puts Dawn (Sara Bareilles) in the spotlight as she juggles her pregnancy, her personal growth, and the burdens of keeping the band together for their final tour. The season continues to explore the growing tension between each of the characters, all while Girls5eva tries to balance their past dreams and their evolving present lives.
Review: While Sara Bareilles brings her usual charm and emotional depth to her role as Dawn, the rest of the ensemble—though still strong—seems stuck in their respective roles. Summer (Busy Philipps) remains delightfully self-absorbed, yet there’s little evolution in her character arc. Meanwhile, Gloria (Paula Pell) continues her over-the-top persona without any substantial growth.
Rotten Tomatoes’ score for Season 3 sits at a respectable 100%.
In December 2024, Netflix made the tough call to cancel Girls5eva (via Variety). And now, with its sudden end, it’s like a song that fades before the final note. It’s a bummer, no doubt, but the memories and laughter will stick with us.
All seasons of Girls5eva are available to stream on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
