Corrine Arnell

My Girrrrllfrieends. I know you sang that in your head. This is one of my comfort shows that I can put on and play time and time again. There’s nothing like a show centering a group of four women who are best friends. I will eat it up every time. This one is super special though. For the Black community, it was more than just a sitcom. It was showing joys and struggles of womanhood, friendships, and ambition. Seeing multifaceted Black women on screen, navigating life on their own terms, was and still is iconic. 

In recent years, streaming services like Netflix have brought back classic Black sitcoms, giving a new generation the chance to experience the brilliance of shows like Girlfriends. I’ve seen episodes of girlfriends in the past of course, but it’s residency on Netflix is the first time I’ve ever watched it all the way through first the first season to the last. Created by Mara Brock Akil, Girlfriends originally aired in 2000 and quickly became a cultural staple, showcasing the lives, careers, and friendships of four dynamic Black women. Starring Tracee Ellis Ross as Joan, Golden Brooks as Maya, Jill Marie Jones as Toni, and Persia White as Lynn, the show resonated deeply with Black audiences by offering representation, humor, and real conversations about love, success, and identity. 

I thought it would be fun to look back at this classic show and figure out different things we can learn about life and/or leveling up from our four main girls. Here’s what I came up with. 

Joan Clayton: The Overachiever & Caretaker 

Joan is the successful, Type-A lawyer turned entrepreneur who always wants to “fix” everything for her friends. She’s the glue of the group but struggles with setting boundaries and finding fulfillment. Her style was a mix of professional chic and feminine flair. She rocked structured blazers, power suits, and sophisticated dresses, effortlessly blending business and fashion-forward trends. 

Joan was always the friend who tried to hold everything together. She was successful, dependable, and nurturing, but sometimes at her own expense. Her constant desire to “fix” everything, whether in friendships or relationships, often left her feeling unfulfilled. Joan teaches us the importance of setting boundaries and making sure we prioritize our own happiness too. When Joan finally opens her restaurant, The J-Spot, it’s a dream come true. But despite her professional success, she still struggles with personal fulfillment, showing us that external achievements don’t always bring internal happiness.  

So, what can we learn from our girlfriend Joan? You can’t pour from an empty cup. 

Toni Childs: The Material Girl with a Soft Heart 

Toni is the glamorous, self-absorbed real estate agent who loves luxury but also has deep insecurities about love and acceptance. She’s bold, confident, and sometimes ruthless but she has a soft side she rarely shows. Her wardrobe was pure luxury. She embodied high fashion, serving looks with designer dresses, fur coats, and killer heels. Her style was bold and elegant. 

Toni started off as the glamorous, sometimes self-absorbed friend who valued luxury above all else. But beneath her designer bags and high-maintenance attitude was someone deeply afraid of being unloved. Her journey reminds us that money and status can’t replace genuine connections and emotional security. Toni’s divorce and custody battle for her daughter was a major turning point. It showed a different, more vulnerable side of her as she fought for something beyond material success. Her role as a mother. 

So, what can we learn from our girlfriend Toni? Self-worth Shouldn’t be Based on Wealth or Status  

Maya Wilkes: The Realist & Hustler 

Maya is the sharp-tongued, no-nonsense friend who started as Joan’s assistant but worked her way up to being a successful author. She had a signature early 2000s street-chic style. She rocked trendy denim, fitted tops, hoop earrings, and stylish but accessible looks that reflected her down-to-earth yet fashionable persona. 

Maya started the series as Joan’s assistant, often underestimated by those around her. But she never let her circumstances define her. She pursued her dreams, became an author, and built a life for herself on her own terms. Maya’s story proves that resilience and self-belief can take you far, no matter where you start. When Maya publishes her book Oh, Hell Yes!, it’s a triumphant full-circle moment. She transforms her personal experiences into a success story, proving that your struggles can fuel your achievements. 

So, what can we learn from our girlfriend Maya? Never Let Anyone Count You Out. 

Lynn Searcy: The Free Spirit & Creative 

Lynn is the bohemian, wildly intelligent, but directionless friend who has multiple degrees but no real career path. She’s artistic, spiritual, and unconventional, always searching for meaning. Lynn’s style was all about effortless bohemian vibes. She wore flowy skirts, layered jewelry, crop tops, and earthy tones, perfectly matching her free-spirited personality. 

Lynn was the definition of a late bloomer. With multiple degrees and no clear career path, she spent much of the series searching for her purpose. But her journey teaches us that life isn’t a race, and it’s okay to take unconventional paths as long as you’re true to yourself. When Lynn finally embraces her love for music and records her song L.A. Song, it marks the moment she stops drifting and commits to something she’s passionate about. It’s a reminder that passion and purpose don’t always come with a strict timeline. 

So, what can we learn from our girlfriend Lynn? It’s Okay to Take Your Time Figuring Things Out. 

Girlfriends wasn’t just a sitcom. It was a reflection of real-life struggles, triumphs, and growth. Each character had flaws, but that’s what made them feel so real. Whether it’s learning to put yourself first like Joan, embracing growth like Toni, pushing past obstacles like Maya, or taking your time to find yourself like Lynn, there’s something in Girlfriends for all of us. 

Which character do you relate to the most? Let’s talk about it in the comments and continue the conversation on the So About That Post podcast!