Girlfriends Turns 25! Tracee Ellis Ross & Cast Reunite with Mara Brock Akil to Celebrate Iconic Sitcom

It’s been 25 years since Mara Brock Akil’s groundbreaking sitcom Girlfriends first hit TV screens, and the cast is making sure the milestone doesn’t go unnoticed.

This week, Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Jill Marie Jones, Persia White, and Reggie Hayes reunited with Akil at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood for a nostalgic celebration that had fans in their feelings.

Ross, who played the beloved Joan Clayton, reflected on Instagram:

“25 years ago today, my life changed forever. On Monday, September 11, 2000, GIRLFRIENDS premiered on UPN. It’s so crazy to see the impact that it has had, especially for a show that existed before social media! What a special thing you created @marabrockakil! … Seeing how much it means to so many people is really something special.”

Each cast member posted heartfelt tributes about what the show and the fans have meant to them. Jill Marie Jones reminisced on the show’s premiere, admitting she was nervous about whether audiences would connect with it — only to later thank the fans for 25 years of love and loyalty. Hayes, who played William, joked that the group looked like a band, quipping “SEXUAL CHOCOLATE!!”

Golden Brooks and Persia White also shared their gratitude, with White even hinting she hopes for a proper conclusion with a Girlfriends movie someday, saying her “fingers are crossed” for the right funding.

Meanwhile, Ross — who has since starred in Black-ish — admitted earlier this year that while the cast has always wanted to finish the story, a true series finale is unlikely: “I think it would be a miracle.”

Still, the 25-year reunion proves the legacy of Girlfriends is alive and well. From its witty writing to its trailblazing portrayal of Black women navigating love, friendship, and careers, the series continues to hold a special place in TV history.