Shows Like Girls Will Be Girls (2005)

Michelle Shipley, Karina Griffith, Jennifer Gardiner, and Lisa Bromhead in Girls Will Be Girls (2005)

1.1 / 10 (based on 245 reviews)

Genre: Comedy, Reality-TV

Main Cast: Michelle Shipley, Lisa Bromhead, Karina Griffith, Jennifer Gardiner
Creators: Michelle Shipley
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30-minute runtime

Shows Most Like Girls Will Be Girls (2005)

Ni zhao liang wo xing qiu (2014)

Janine Chun-Ning Chang and Joe Cheng Yuan Chang in Ni zhao liang wo xing qiu (2014)

1.4 / 10 (based on 495 reviews)

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Genre: Drama

Main Cast: Joe Cheng Yuan Chang, Janine Chun-Ning Chang, Summer Meng, David Hao-Chi Chiu
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1 season, 20 episodes

A Little Late with Lilly Singh (2019)

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1.4 / 10 (based on 7530 reviews)

Late-night talk show hosted by Canadian comedian and YouTuber Lilly Singh.

Genre: Comedy, Talk-Show

Main Cast: Lilly Singh, Alison Sieke, Henry Dittman, Rainn Wilson
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2 seasons, 178 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime

Attaway General (2020)

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1 / 10 (based on 2669 reviews)

When four very different teens arrive at Attaway General Hospital’s prestigious volunteer program, they must learn to work together to survive the program and make a difference in the lives of patients.

Genre: Drama

Main Cast: Dean Testerman, Madi Monroe, Eric Montanez, Lauren Kettering
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3 seasons, 22 episodes

Gen Zed (2015)

Gen Zed (2015)

1 / 10 (based on 350 reviews)

A Trans girl and the misfit friends she meets playing online video games move into a loft together in Downtown LA. They have to deal with real life, real problems and each other.

Genre: Animation

Main Cast: Stephanie Bentley, Hayden Black, Emily Chang, Matthew Del Negro
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58.0-minute runtime

Fred: The Show (2012)

Lucas Cruikshank in Fred: The Show (2012)

1.7 / 10 (based on 2082 reviews)

The adventures of a 16-year-old boy named Fred, who has friends that are ghosts, giant cookies, goths, and weirdos.

Genre: Comedy

Main Cast: Lucas Cruikshank, Jake Weary, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Rachel Crow
Creators: Lucas Cruikshank
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1 season, 24 episodes, 11.0-minute runtime


“Girls Will Be Girls” is a unique gem in the world of television, a show that defies traditional norms and embraces the absurd with open arms. This 2005 series, while not as widely recognized as some of its contemporaries, has carved out a niche for itself among fans who appreciate its distinctive blend of humor, satire, and drag performance. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this show stand out, its characters, and why it remains relevant.

The Premise

At its core, “Girls Will Be Girls” is a satirical take on the lives of three women living together in Hollywood, each striving for fame and love, albeit in their own unconventional ways. The twist? All three women are portrayed by male actors in drag, which adds layers of comedy and commentary to the narrative. This setup allows the show to explore and poke fun at gender stereotypes, the entertainment industry, and the absurdities of everyday life.

The Characters

The show revolves around three main characters, each more outrageous than the last:

  • Coco Peru (played by Clinton Leupp): A cynical, somewhat jaded actress with a sharp tongue and a heart of… well, not exactly gold, but perhaps a gold-plated alloy. Coco’s experiences in Hollywood, ranging from the highs of minor success to the lows of constant rejection, provide a biting commentary on the entertainment industry.

  • Evie Harris (played by Jack Plotnick): A washed-up, drug-addled actress clinging to the remnants of her once-glorious career. Evie’s delusions of grandeur and desperate attempts to reclaim her fame are both hilarious and tragic, showcasing the dark side of celebrity.

  • Varla Jean Merman (played by Jeffery Roberson): The naive, yet ambitious newcomer to Hollywood, Varla Jean brings a fresh, if somewhat clueless, perspective to the trio. Her journey from innocence to a more seasoned (if slightly tarnished) outlook on life mirrors the experiences of many who come to Hollywood with dreams of stardom.

The Humor

What sets “Girls Will Be Girls” apart is its unapologetic, razor-sharp wit. The show doesn’t shy away from dark humor, sexual innuendos, or the absurd. Its jokes often land with precision, targeting the superficiality of Hollywood, the struggles of aging, and the complexities of female friendships. The humor is not for everyone, but for those who appreciate a more cutting, satirical take on comedy, it’s a goldmine.

The Commentary

Beneath the layers of makeup and the outrageous outfits, “Girls Will Be Girls” offers insightful commentary on gender, fame, and the human condition. By having male actors portray female characters, the show blurs the lines of gender and challenges the audience’s perceptions of femininity and masculinity. It’s a bold statement on the performative aspects of gender, made all the more poignant by its comedic packaging.

Moreover, the series doesn’t hold back in its critique of Hollywood’s obsession with youth, beauty, and status. Through the characters’ various misadventures, it highlights the often ridiculous lengths people will go to in pursuit of fame and the toll it can take on one’s identity and relationships.

Why It Matters

In today’s landscape, where discussions about gender identity and representation in media are more prominent than ever, “Girls Will Be Girls” feels surprisingly relevant. Its willingness to tackle these issues head-on, albeit through a comedic lens, makes it a precursor to many of the conversations happening now. It’s a testament to the show’s ahead-of-its-time approach to storytelling and character development.

The Legacy

Though “Girls Will Be Girls” might not have achieved mainstream success, its impact on cult television and drag culture is undeniable. It’s a cult classic that continues to attract new fans who appreciate its unique blend of humor, satire, and drag performance. The show has also paved the way for other drag-centric shows and films, proving that there’s a hungry audience for content that pushes boundaries and challenges norms.

In Conclusion

“Girls Will Be Girls” is more than just a TV show; it’s a bold exploration of gender, fame, and friendship wrapped in a package of biting humor and unforgettable characters. Its legacy as a cult classic and its relevance in today’s conversations about gender and representation in media make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersections of comedy, drag, and social commentary.

Whether you’re drawn to its satirical take on Hollywood, its nuanced commentary on gender, or simply the outrageous antics of its characters, “Girls Will Be Girls” offers something for everyone. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound messages come wrapped in the most unexpected packages.

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