Plot Synopsis

Inspired by Vicki Iovine's "Girlfriends' Guide" book series, GIRLFRIENDS' GUIDE TO DIVORCE centers on Abby McCarthy, a self-help book author, who hides the fact that she's separated from her husband, Jake, as she starts to navigate her life as a single woman in her early 40s. Then, Abby shocks the world when she reveals that her seemingly perfect life has all been a lie, and America's once-favorite girlfriend finds her career and marriage in a free fall. Abby seeks advice from her new divorced friends: Lyla, a legendary no-nonsense entertainment lawyer, who is in a constant "War of the Roses" battle with her ex-husband, Dan; and Phoebe, a former model and budding entrepreneur, who has a very unique relationship with her ex, Ralf. Meanwhile, a rival attorney at Lyla's firm, Delia, is hired as Abby's divorce attorney, causing a rift between the girlfriends. Abby soon develops an interest in Nate, while her ex, Jake, has a 23-year-old girlfriend, Becca. Guest star Laverne Cox plays Adele Northrop, a Pulitzer-Prize winning war journalist and LGBT activist, who presents an award at a marriage equality gala, and Carrie Fisher appears in the pilot as Abby's book editor, Cat. On Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 10pm ET/PT, Bravo premiered Season 2 of GIRLFRIENDS' GUIDE TO DIVORCE. This season, as a new chapter in Abby's professional life seems promising, her personal life remains chaotic and all-consuming as her adventures in dating become even more unpredictable. When she becomes 'the face of divorce' for chic lifestyle website SheShe, Abby is once again forced to live a lie hiding her complicated relationship with estranged husband Jake. But as Abby finds success preaching the pros of divorce to her readers and portraying a fabulous single life on social media, she is torn over whether her marriage is worth saving or if she should chart her own course. Throughout Abby's ups and downs, the one constant in life remains her incredible girlfriends. While Delia grapples with following the rigid traditions of getting married, Phoebe tries to leave her demons in the past as she looks to find her true self and Jo deals with her ex-husband and his new wife encroaching on her new LA life. Joining the cast this season is Retta, playing Barbara, a rival editor at SheShe who is less than thrilled with Abby's optimistic approach to divorce; Megan Hilty as Charlene, a southern belle who is married to Jo's ex-husband Frumpkis, played by Maury Sterling; and Mark Valley as confident and charming TV personality Dr. Harris, who pursues Abby. Carrie Fisher returns as Abby's book agent Cat. Barry Bostwick and Lesley Ann Warren guest star as Abby's parents, George and Dina. Season 3 of GIRLFRIENDS' GUIDE TO DIVORCE premieres on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT on Bravo. This season, the women deal with redefining themselves while experiencing significant changes in their personal and professional lives. Abby struggles to revamp her image and figure out what's next after her meeting with SheShe goes awry. With her ex Jake handling finances, Abby switches gears to try her hand at romance novels and finds inspiration from her son's enigmatic baseball coach, Mike. After being left at the altar, Delia questions if she is marriage material and focuses her attention on getting her career back on track. Jo takes a risk mixing business and pleasure with her sex addict head baker Scott while also dealing with the repercussions of her alcoholic ex-husband Frumpkis. Barbara gets a new role at SheShe and treats herself to a kitchen renovation, bringing a new man into her life, handsome contractor Darrell, who just may fix more than her stove. Meanwhile, Phoebe deals with the consequences of rushing into her marriage with J.D and finds escape in her friendship with a charismatic billionaire named Gemma. In the season opener, "Rule #43: When One Door Opens, There's an Icy Draft," Abby deals with the professional fallout from her gigolo scandal while she and Jake care for Becca's abandoned baby. Delia confronts Albert about sabotaging her wedding. Jo considers dating her baker, Scott. Phoebe holds a ceremony to celebrate womanhood, but not all the girlfriends feel like celebrating. Season 4 of GIRLFRIENDS' GUIDE TO DIVORCE premiered on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT on Bravo, as as Abby continues to solidify her single status post-divorce with the help and hijinks of her girlfriends, Phoebe, Jo, Delia, and Barbara. This season, each of the women take their lives into their own hands and boss up. With dating on the back burner, Abby and Barbara decide to go into business together and create a website geared toward women their age called Lady Parts. Although both ladies have the company's best interest in mind, their leadership styles begin to clash. With the site in need of an influencer, Abby and Barbara attempt to court starlet Temple Hampton who is dating Abby's ex, Will. Jo continues to grow at Tao of Rex, her boxing and meditation group, and so does her relationship with the "Bald Eagle" aka Albert. When his true identity is revealed, Jo is forced to decide between love and friendship. Delia's new position at Legal Aid gives her a humanitarian high, only to be threatened by developing feelings for her new partner, Paul Cordero. Meanwhile, Phoebe continues her relationship with Gemma, but is left realizing she needs to reevaluate her priorities if she is going to salvage her marriage with JD. After a family emergency rocks Abby's world, and elicits the return of her family George, Dina and Max, she needs the help of all her girlfriends to keep from spiraling out of control. In the season opener, "Rule #776: Remember the Aquaduct," Abby and Barbara launch their blog, but it won't last long if they don't find a way to bring traffic to the site. As they look into potential influencers, a run in with Abby's ex and his new girlfriend sparks Barb's imagination. Delia's humanitarian efforts at Legal Aid send her on a stakeout with an abrasive but experienced new colleague. Phoebe gets in deeper with her seductive new friend. Jo consummates her flirtation with sparring partner Bald Eagle. The six-episode fifth and final season of GIRLFRIENDS' GUIDE TO DIVORCE premieres on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT on Bravo. This season, as Abby and the girlfriends each move forward in their lives, they are constantly reminded of their past and ever-intertwined lives with their exes. With Lady Parts finally on stable ground, Abby looks to take her relationship with Mike to the next level by blending their families, but receives some hesitation from his ex and hers. Barbara allows a not-so-innocent flirtation with a surprising former flame to jeopardize her future with Darrell. Phoebe's life is flipped upside down when her estranged brother Tony knocks on her door and she must decide whether to let him back in. She also dips her toe back in the dating game and finds herself unexpectedly drawn to an enigmatic new acquaintance. After taking the pregnancy test, Delia evaluates her relationship with Paul and comes to an unexpected conclusion. Meanwhile, Jo finds that mixing business with pleasure comes with its own side of pros and cons. But the return of Jo's ex Frumpkis from rehab ultimately tests the strength of her relationship with Albert. As the girlfriends each face the future and all of its unknowns, they lean on one another as they pave their own path to happily ever after. In the season opener, "Rule No. 773: Step and Repeat," at a red carpet event, Abby and the girlfriends flash back to their struggles and victories over the past six months. Abby makes an impetuous offer to Mike. Barbara lets her guard down around her ex-husband Leon. Delia gets some disappointing news -- and then a surprising offer. Phoebe weighs the pros and cons of letting her brother Tony back into her life.
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On Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT, Bravo premiered "Rule No. 1: Keep the Toast Short," the series finale of GIRLFRIENDS' GUIDE TO DIVORCE. With her daughter headed off to college and Barbara moving to New York to pursue new opportunities, Abby must face the future and all its unknowns. Will she get her "happily ever after"? Phoebe frets that her newfound romance with Tess will be over before it starts. Delia must decide how to handle her unexpected pregnancy. Jo must decide between Frumpkis and Albert. All the girlfriends gather to celebrate Lilly's graduation. A surprising coda answers many questions.