Retta, beloved for her role in NBC’s hit series “Good Girls,” recently opened up about her feelings regarding the show’s abrupt cancellation. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, she expressed her disbelief and disappointment, stating, “No. We were devastated. But I don’t know. I don’t see that coming back. That’s an NBC thing.”
The cancellation came as a shock not only to the cast but also to the fans, who had invested in the lives of the three suburban mothers navigating the complexities of crime to support their families. The show, which premiered in February 2018, quickly gained a loyal following due to its unique blend of drama and humor, showcasing the struggles of Christina Hendricks, Retta, and Mae Whitman as they became entangled in a world of gang heists.
Retta recalled her surprise at the news, admitting that the cast had anticipated a longer run for the series. “We really thought we would go a long time, and so it kind of threw us for a loop,” she shared. The show’s cancellation was part of a larger wave of cutbacks at NBC, which faced backlash from viewers for its decision to eliminate multiple popular series.
Despite the outcry from fans, Retta acknowledged that the inner workings of network decisions were often unclear. “I also don’t know how any of that works. How the metrics work, how they decide what’s going to make it on air, what’s not, what’s coming back and what to put on,” she explained. She expressed confusion over why networks would introduce new shows that might compete with existing ones, questioning, “Well then don’t start a new show if it was just like the one that’s already there.”
The cancellation of “Good Girls” left many storylines unresolved, and the cast has continued to express their love for the series. Following the announcement, Mae Whitman took to Instagram to share her heartbreak, stating, “Feel too sad and confused to look at the phone but just a little look back at some of the best times with my girls.” Whitman, who portrayed Annie, emphasized her gratitude for the support from fans and the joy she experienced playing the character.
Retta has previously mentioned her frustration over the circumstances surrounding the show’s end, noting that it was “very close” to receiving a fifth-season renewal. During an appearance on “Live With Kelly and Ryan,” she revealed that behind-the-scenes issues played a significant role in the cancellation. “One person ruined it for all of the cast and crew and so it’s not back,” she stated, hinting at the complexities that often plague television productions.
Reflecting on her time with “Good Girls,” Retta remarked on the challenges of transitioning to her new role as host of “Ugliest House in America.” She shared that the initial experience was daunting, as she was unfamiliar with hosting. “In the beginning, it was really hard. It’s a lot of travel and we didn’t know what we were doing. We didn’t have a system,” she explained. However, she found her footing once she embraced her authentic self on screen, saying, “There was a point where my [executive producer] was like, ‘Be yourself.’”
The journey of hosting “Ugliest House in America” has also provided Retta with valuable insights as a homeowner. She emphasized the importance of thorough planning when considering renovations, advising potential buyers to consult experts before diving into projects. “You can’t buy a place with a plan to redo it without an actual plan,” she cautioned.
Despite the disappointment surrounding “Good Girls,” Retta remains busy in the entertainment industry, with guest appearances on shows like “The Morning Show” and “Elsbeth.” As she continues to navigate her career, she carries the fond memories of her time on “Good Girls” while looking forward to new opportunities.
“Ugliest House in America” airs on HGTV on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET, where viewers can catch Retta showcasing some of the most unique and challenging home renovation projects. As fans continue to rally around “Good Girls,” Retta’s journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the resilience required to adapt to change.