Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, mature humor in hilarious music biz spoof.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Girls5eva
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Back in the 1990s, the Spice Girls-esque female quintet GIRLS5EVA scored just one big hit before fading to obscurity, but when a rapper uses their song to craft a new tune, ex-band leader Dawn (Sara Bareilles) thinks it may just be time to get the band back together. She wastes no time finding her former besties: ditzy but sweet Summer (Busy Phillips), sassy Gloria (Paula Pell), and glamorous Wickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry); unfortunately, their fifth member, Ashley (Ashley Park), died after swimming off her infinity pool. Is it finally Girls5eva's time to shine? Dawn and the rest of the (no longer really) girls intend to find out.
Is It Any Good?
The Tina Fey/Robert Carlock joke machine is in fine fettle in this charming series, cranking gags out so fast that you miss two while you're laughing at one. Fey fans will be happy to see that Girls5eva runs along the typical Fey lines: an unconventional yet confident female lead with a quirky chosen family, grappling with her life's absurd foibles with an artillery of quick-wit punchlines. It's a formula that generally works beautifully (see: 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) or at least pleasantly (Mr. Mayor, Great News), and Girls5eva is thankfully leaning more toward the former.
Of course, there's plenty of absurdity to be mined from the entertainment business in general, and Girls5eva's characters are instantly lovable. Phillips is in her element as the Jacqueline White/Jenna Maroney of the group, and her scenes with ex-teen idol hubby Kev (Andrew Rannells, with a hilariously Bieber-esque wig) are one of the series' highlights. Dean Winters shows up with what feels like a riff on his Dennis-from-30-Rock character, Bareilles throws off a Fey vibe, Pell is a scream as suffer-no-fools band member Gloria. Of the whole band, only Goldsberry's Wickie seems to have held onto her superstar vibe, and every time she and Bareilles start in on a number, you're reminded that these two can actually sing (Hamilton fans will recognize Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler). It all adds up to a lot of fun, and a breeze of a show that's a blast to watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about different types of comedy, and what type Girls5eva relies upon. Satire? Irony? Slapstick? Dark humor? Absurdity? Does the comedy come from mocking its characters, surreal situations, or both? Do you find the comedy funny?
Do you think this show exaggerates what happens behind the scenes in the entertainment industry? Would you ever be interested in becoming a performer? Does Girls5eva make it look appealing?
The characters in Girls5eva are in their 40s yet trying to relaunch their music career. Is this typical? Are there many 40-something musical groups? What's the humorous aspect to mature women trying for success in a genre dominated by younger artists?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 6, 2021
- Cast : Renee Elise Goldsberry , Busy Philipps , Sara Bareilles
- Networks : Peacock , Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- TV rating :
- Award : Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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