Photo credit: Paramount Studios
New and old fans alike have joined forces to discuss the turbulent, but relatable friendship of fictional characters Toni Childs and Joan Clayton. The show, which first aired in 2000, details the lives and shared platonic relationships of five women living in Los Angeles, California. Social media users have taken a particular interest in Childs and Clayton, childhood friends whose dynamic is anything but child’s play in their later years.
In the first episode, entitled “Toe Sucking”, viewers get their first inside look at the rocky friendship when Childs begins dating Clayton’s ex. Later in the episode, Clayton returns the favor. As the show progresses, it is clear to see that the women have different definitions of what it means to be girlfriends.
Netflix added the series as part of it’s “Strong Black Lead” initiative and users immediately showed their thanks by sharing the now-viral post. Since being placed on the platform Sept. 11, the social media posts have continued as many began to share their thoughts on Childs and Clayton.
The show’s success can be largely attributed to its authenticity. Fans of all ages have connected to the characters and expressed witnessing similar situations as the ones experienced by the women. As expected, fans have taken sides as they’ve done with other shows during this quarantine period.
Some have labeled Clayton as the show’s mom-friend who has issues enforcing boundaries and enables Childs, an emotional mooch. Others have taken up for Childs citing Clayton’s fickleness as the root of the pair’s problems.
The program, which spans the course of eight seasons, depicts the up-and-down friendship for it’s first six. Childs, played by actress Jill Marie Jones, does not appear in the show’s last two. “Girlfriends’ ‘ is once again being praised for showcasing the different trials friendships undergo as they shift and transform.
It is often said that friendships experience the true test of their strength when the friends involved go through fundamental changes. Monumental moments in the lives of both women (changes in career, relationship troubles, etc.) best illustrate that saying on screen.
The online discussions are prompting many to rethink the way they view friendship. Have they made themselves available when a friend was having personal issues? Should they have done things differently in the past?
With “Girlfriends” powerful way of influencing conversation, it is hard to believe it took 20 years before the show was present on any streaming services. Friendships have experienced their fair share of problems in recent months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other programs, including Moesha”, “The Game”, “Sister, Sister”, “The Parkers”, “Half & Half” and “One on One” are also featured in Netflix’s recent Black-centric lineup.
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