The TV Zone

Breaking up is hard to do. Especially when it's over the phone.

Apparently, that's how the cast of "Girlfriends" [above in 2003 photo] got the news this week that The CW has decided not to put the series back into production after the writers' strike, according to this Black Voices blog entry.

Kind of a surprising fadeaway, considering what a stalwart job the sitcom has done for first UPN and then CW over the past eight seasons. While never a huge critical or audience hit, "Girlfriends" was a reliable performer in both those arenas. And the network seems to be letting this longtime building block die without even a proper goodbye (though internet rumors are flying that a series finale might still be possible).

More at the TV Series Finale site.

UPDATE AT 3:30 PM - "Girlfriends" creator Mara Brock Akil has issued this statement through the CBS Paramount production studio: "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. 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. 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."