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Girlfriends was one of the founding members of Monday
nights for the UPN network, and one of the shows that survived
the merger with the WB that led to the birth of the CW network.
Though not a ratings blockbuster, it has been one of the
longest-running African-American shows on television, as
the award-winning series created the spinoff The Game (2006-09)
aired right after them. For the last six years, viewers
have been following the trials and tribulations of Joan
(Tracee Ellis Ross), Lynn (Persia White), Maya (Golden Brooks),
and Toni (Jill Marie Jones): four black women from all walks
of life who endure good and bad times but always have each
other's backs as Girlfriends. ***
However, Jones decided to leave the series to pursue
films, as season six ended with the once unbreakable bond
between the women. Season seven begins with Joan aiding
Hurriance Katrina victims and finding love with handsome
soldier Richard T. Jones (Judging Amy, Terminator: The Sarah
Connor Chronicles), as she reconnects with Maya and Lynn,
but couldn't with Toni, who left due to the falling out
from last season. Honorary Girlfriend William (Reggie Hayes),
meanwhile, deals with relationship problems in his on/off
courtship with Monica (Keesha Sharp), who becomes the new
fourth Girlfriend. While getting her music career going,
Lynn falls for minister Kadeem Hardison (A Different World)
who doesn't believe in sex before marriage, which makes
it harder for the sexually active musician. Now back together
with Darnell (Khalil Khan, Juice), Maya and her family moves
to the suburbs, but her teenage son Jabari (Kendre Berry)
starts growing up and getting into trouble, and comes to
the aid of her neighbor who may have been abused by her
husband. ***
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