How Girls5eva sets the stage for season 4 (and why it needs to happen)

After an underrated two-season run on Peacock that resulted in its quiet cancellation and subsequent rescuing by Netflix, Girls5eva has finally landed on its new streaming home. The first two seasons, which will continue to be shared by Peacock, arrived along with the brand-new, Netflix-exclusive third season on March 14, 2024. That's right, the girls are back and better than 5eva.

When Netflix saved the series, there were some cost-cutting measures taken in order to make the deal worthwhile, which included a decreased episode count (six episodes rather than eight) and a tight filming schedule that required a lot of hard work. Well, after watching the hilarious season 3, all of that work was more than worth it. But could Girls5eva season 4 be on the horizon next?

As of the third season's release on March 14, Netflix has not yet renewed the series for another season. Like every new release Netflix show, the series will have some viewership hurtles to cross. The streamer will be looking at how many viewers tune into the series, how many watch all three seasons and 22 episodes, and how many people complete the full run. For now, here's what we know so far!

Sara Bareilles wants the show to continue

In an article with Variety detailing the rise of Girls5eva as a Netflix original series and the uphill battle the show faced to get to this point, the cast and crew opened up about making season 3 and their love for the show. Because of all the behind-the-scenes budget-saving steps taken, the four leading cast members signed on without renegotiating their contracts. Sara Bareilles said, "Whatever we have to do to get the show up and running again, it was a no-brainer."

Expanding on her thoughts about the show, the Grammy Award winner expressed her desire for Girls5eva to continue with season 4 and beyond. She likened the series to Sex and the City, stating that she hopes someday there's a movie, which considering Tina Fey's relationship with Netflix, seems like it could totally be in the cards.

Here's what Bareilles told Variety about her hopes for the show on Netflix:

"I just hope we get to keep making this show. It is a real bright spot. A deep, creative joy. I’m someone who consumes a lot of comedy shows, but I’ve never been a part of making one and it just reminds me the value of laughing and the buoyancy in our life. In times when things do feel so bleak, and it’s really easy to slip into a hopeless kind of state of mind, it isn’t completely frivolous to be making people laugh. It is actually of service and I really I take that to heart. I do think there is intrinsic value in that. I want a Girls5eva movie. I want to Sex and the City this sh--. What a delicious dream."

Sara Bareilles

Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell, and Busy Philipps each also shared their love for making the series in the Variety write-up. As Goldsberry put it, "I have so much belief in this show — it’s such an undeniable bolt of joy and humor and aspiration — I never had a worry." When the cast believes this deeply in the show they're working on, it translates on screen and makes viewers want more.

Sure, the viewership will need to be there for Netflix to roll the dice on another season (or more), but it's important for their brand to continue to stand behind this show. Netflix needs more original comedy series under its belt, and Girls5eva has everything you could ever want from a comedy: a larger-than-life sense of humor, unexpected heart, and catchy pop songs.

Tina Fey was previously involved in the Netflix original comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, which was one of the streamer's earliest comedy success stories. The Emmy Award-nominated show starring Ellie Kemper lasted for four seasons and ended with an interactive wrap-up movie. Personally, I would love for Girls5eva to last longer than four seasons and also get a wrap-up movie.

WARNING: Spoilers ahead from the season 3 finale!

The season 3 finale opens the door for season 4

Just like the previous two seasons, Girls5eva season 3 doesn't end with a finality that closes the door on another season to continue telling the story of these four women. Even though their tour was mostly a bust and they were in a tough situation with Wickie booking Radio City Music Hall on Thanksgiving, the girls found their way out of their mess with their heads held high.

In the final episode of the season, Dawn gives birth to a daughter named Lesley, who she named after Wickie. The group seems to come to a realization that they don't need to chase down stardom again because they have reclaimed their close bond as friends and sisters. However, the Wickie's song "Yesternights" unexpectedly plays in the parody version of The Crown.

She receives a phone call from Nance Trace (Vanessa Williams), who offers Wickie an opportunity to make a song for the female Garfield movie in the works at Sony. But Wickie puts her foot down and insists that Girls5eva does the song. Dawn interjects to appeal to Wickie's previous desire to revel in the "medium time," but we're left without learning what decision Wickie gives Nance.

A potential fourth season would likely pick up from that moment with Wickie's decision. She doesn't seem like she would ever turn down a chance for fame, even if she was just enjoying the medium time. Now she has a real opportunity at the tips of her fingers. But would Dawn, Summer, and Gloria be on board? Where would the next phase of their career take them? We need season 4 to find out!

Watch Girls5eva seasons 1-3 on Netflix.