"Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce" follows Abby McCarthy, a best-selling self-help author played by Lisa Edelstein, who secretly navigates life as a newly single woman in her 40s in Los Angeles after separating from her husband, Jake (Paul Adelstein). Throughout the series, Abby leans more on her divorced friends for advice rather than her married ones, leading to various unexpected and transformative experiences.
Trivia:
1. Lisa Edelstein and Paul Adelstein, who portray ex-spouses Abby and Jake, were married in real life from 2000 to 2011, adding an intriguing layer to their on-screen dynamic.
2. This series was one of the first original scripted series produced by Bravo, marking the network's expansion into scripted television beyond its traditional reality programming.
3. The show is based on a best-selling book series by Vicki Iovine, making it one of the few reality-inspired dramas centered on female friendships and post-divorce life.
Ran for 5 seasons.
Main Cast of Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce
Lisa Edelstein
Abby McCarthy
Lisa Edelstein joined the cast of 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce' in its later seasons, bringing a compelling depth to the series with her portrayal of a nuanced and complex character. Her performance was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional range, setting her apart by adding a unique blend of wit and vulnerability that resonated with audiences. A lesser-known fact about Edelstein's involvement is that she actually drew inspiration from her own experiences and those of her close friends navigating life's challenges, which helped her bring a genuine feel to the role. Behind the scenes, she was known for her collaborative spirit, often working closely with writers to refine her character's arc and ensure it remained true to the show's tone.
Paul Adelstein
Jake
Paul Adelstein played the character Jake Novak in the TV series 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce.' In this role, he portrayed a charismatic and complex partner, which showcased his ability to delve into nuanced, mature characters. This performance marked a departure from his earlier, often more comedic or procedural roles, allowing him to explore deeper emotional layers and relationship dynamics. Compared to his better-known work, such as in '
Private Practice' or '
Scandal,' where he often played supporting roles with a lighter or more procedural focus, his role in 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce' stood out as it gave him more dramatic range and screen time to develop a multifaceted character.
Beau Garrett
Phoebe
Beau Garrett played the character Pam in the TV series 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce.' This role marked a notable departure from her earlier work, which often leaned towards film roles in genres like action and thriller. In 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce,' her performance was distinguished by a more nuanced, character-driven drama that allowed her to explore complex interpersonal dynamics and emotional depth. This contrasted with her prior roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress and highlighting her ability to engage in more mature, relationship-focused narratives. Consequently, this performance stands out as a significant expansion of her acting repertoire, aligning her with acclaimed contemporary television dramas and broadening her appeal to a diverse audience.
Alanna Ubach
Jo
Alanna Ubach guest-starred in the TV series 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce,' where her performance was met with positive reviews for its depth and comedic timing. What made her role unique was her ability to balance humor with genuine emotion, bringing a relatable and engaging character to life amidst the show's exploration of complex relationships. A lesser-known fact about Ubach's involvement is that during filming, she improvised several lines that were ultimately kept in the final cut, adding authenticity to her character and highlighting her talent for spontaneous humor.
Necar Zadegan
Delia
Necar Zadegan portrayed Delia Banai in the TV series 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce.' In this role, she played a complex character navigating personal and professional challenges, which allowed her to showcase a nuanced emotional range and depth. This performance stood out compared to her earlier, perhaps more constrained roles because it highlighted her ability to handle multifaceted and mature storylines within a modern, female-driven dramedy. It marked a significant evolution in her career by positioning her in a central narrative of contemporary relationships and personal growth, distinguishing it from her previous work that often featured her in more supportive or genre-specific roles.
Retta
Barbara
Retta delivers a compelling performance as Barbara in the TV series 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce,' bringing a nuanced blend of humor and depth that enriches the show's dynamic ensemble. Compared to her iconic role as Donna Meagle on '
Parks and Recreation,' where her character is known for sharp wit and confidence, Retta's portrayal of Barbara reveals a more vulnerable and layered side, showcasing her versatility as an actress. An interesting trivia fact is that Retta originally gained prominence as a stand-up comedian before making her mark in television, which distinctly influences her timing and delivery across her diverse roles.
Crew of Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce
Full backstage crew list →