Grace and Frankie was a popular comedy-drama series that aired on Netflix from May 2015 to January 2022. The show was created by Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris and starred Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as the titular characters. It revolved around the lives of Grace and Frankie, two women in their 70s who become unlikely friends after their husbands reveal they are gay and leave them for each other. The show received critical acclaim for its humor, heart, and portrayal of older women.
However, fans were left surprised and disappointed when the show ended abruptly after its seventh season. Many were left wondering why the show was ending when it had been so successful and had a loyal fan base. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons behind the decision to end Grace and Frankie.
1. Creative Decisions
One of the main reasons behind the decision to end Grace and Frankie was creative decisions. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, co-creator Marta Kauffman revealed that they had completed the stories that were most important to them and felt that it was the right time to end the series. She also said that they didn’t want the show to become stale and repeat storylines that they had already explored.
“We had done the stories that were most important to us, and it felt like it was the right time to end the series. And it’s better to leave them wanting more than to have people go, ‘Oh, they should have ended last year,'” Kauffman said.
Therefore, it seems that the decision to end Grace and Frankie was not a sudden one but rather the result of careful planning and consideration by the show’s creators.
2. Cast and Crew’s Schedules
Another factor that may have contributed to the decision to end Grace and Frankie was the cast and crew’s schedules. The show’s stars, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, are both in their 80s and may have wanted to explore other projects before retiring from acting. Additionally, the show’s creators and writers may have wanted to move on to other projects after working on Grace and Frankie for seven years.
In an interview with Variety, Lily Tomlin hinted at the reason behind the show’s ending, saying, “I think I heard that Jane [Fonda] was leaving the country. And I think I got a feeling that maybe they’re moving on to something else.”
Therefore, it’s possible that the show’s ending was influenced by the cast and crew’s desire to move on to other projects and commitments.
3. Financial Considerations
Another possible reason for Grace and Frankie’s abrupt ending could be financial considerations. While the show was successful and had a loyal fan base, it’s possible that the production costs were becoming too high or that the show was no longer bringing in enough revenue to justify its continuation.
Netflix is known for its data-driven approach to decision making, and it’s possible that the streaming giant saw a decline in viewership or engagement with the show, leading to the decision to end it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are likely various reasons why Grace and Frankie ended abruptly. From creative decisions to financial considerations to the cast and crew’s schedules, all these factors may have contributed to the decision. Regardless of the reason behind the show’s ending, it will always be remembered as a groundbreaking and beloved series that helped to redefine representation of older women on television.
FAQ
Did Jane Fonda leave Grace and Frankie?
Yes, Jane Fonda has left the popular Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’ after seven seasons. The show, which premiered in 2015, revolved around the story of Grace Hanson and Frankie Bergstein, whose husbands revealed that they are gay and in love with each other. The show was a hit with audiences and critics, and it quickly became one of Netflix’s most popular shows.
Throughout the series, Jane Fonda played the role of Grace Hanson, a no-nonsense retired businesswoman with high standards and a luxurious lifestyle. Her character was witty, sharp-tongued, and always impeccably dressed. On the other hand, Lily Tomlin played Frankie Bergstein, a hippie art teacher, who was the complete opposite of Grace. The two women formed an unlikely, but strong, bond after their husbands left them.
However, in September 2019, Jane Fonda announced that Season 7 of ‘Grace and Frankie’ would be her last. In a joint statement with Tomlin, Fonda said, “We are both so grateful to Netflix for allowing us to conclude the series on our own terms. It’s been a fantastic journey, and we’re going to miss these two old gals, Grace and Frankie.”
Despite Fonda’s departure, the show will continue with Lily Tomlin’s character, Frankie, leading the series in its final season. According to reports, the creators of the series had been planning for Fonda’s departure for quite some time. Hence, the seventh and final season of the show will be a fitting end to the story of Grace and Frankie.
Yes, Jane Fonda left ‘Grace and Frankie’ after seven seasons. The show would not have been the same without her contribution to the character of Grace Hanson. However, the final season will wrap up the story in a way that the fans of the show deserve.
Did the cast of Grace and Frankie get along?
Grace and Frankie is a popular comedy series on Netflix that features an impressive cast of actors, including Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen, and Sam Waterston. The series has received critical acclaim for its humor, acting performances, and tackling sensitive issues in a lighthearted way. However, just like any other TV show, there have been rumors about the cast not getting along. So, did the cast of Grace and Frankie get along?
The answer to that question is a resounding YES. The main reason for the show’s success is the incredible chemistry between the two leading ladies, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. But that chemistry goes beyond just their excellent on-screen performances. According to numerous interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, the Grace and Frankie cast not only gets along but they are also firm friends.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jane Fonda revealed that she and Tomlin have been friends for over 40 years, which made their on-screen relationship more natural. They even used to vacation together with their respective families. Additionally, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston are close friends, and their on-screen chemistry is also evident, making their characters’ romance even more convincing.
The camaraderie between the cast is also apparent in their social media posts. They frequently post pictures of themselves hanging out together, laughing together, and generally showing how much they enjoy each other’s company. In fact, in a recent Instagram post by Lily Tomlin, the caption read, “love my work friends like real-life friends! We’re just missing June.”
The cast of Grace and Frankie gets along incredibly well both on and off-screen. Their camaraderie and friendship are evident in the quality of their performances and their interactions with each other on social media and interviews. It’s clear that the cast’s genuine fondness for each other contributes to the show’s success.
Why was season 7 of Grace and Frankie so short?
Season 7 of the popular Netflix series Grace and Frankie was released in January 2021, but fans of the show may have noticed that the season was much shorter than previous ones. While the previous six seasons of the show have all featured 13 episodes, the seventh season only has seven episodes. This has left many fans wondering why the season was so short.
The most likely reason for the shorter season is COVID-19. Like many other TV shows and movies, Grace and Frankie was affected by the pandemic. The show was in the middle of filming the seventh season in March 2020 when production on the series was shut down due to the pandemic. The cast and crew were sent home to wait out the months-long lockdowns.
While some series that closed down filming in March were able to restart shooting in the summer of 2020, those shows did not have four main cast members over the age of 80. As such, Grace and Frankie took a much longer break. In fact, filming did not recommence on the series until June 2021 and it is set to run until October.
Another factor that may have contributed to the shorter season is the fact that the series has been leading up to a final season. In September 2019, it was announced that the seventh season of Grace and Frankie would be the show’s last. As such, the writers and producers may have been planning a shorter season as a way to bring the series to a close.
It’s also worth noting that while the seventh season of Grace and Frankie may be shorter than previous seasons, it still delivers all of the show’s hallmark humor, heart, and drama. Fans of the series can still enjoy the adventures of Grace, Frankie, and their families as the show comes to a close after a successful seven-season run.
