In 2021, HBO Max began streaming the highly-anticipated Gossip Girl reboot. A modern take on the famed 2010s classic, the 2021 Gossip Girl was focused on the conversations around social media, nepotism, and privilege. At first glance, the reboot seemed like the perfectly-timed, social commentary that Gen Z needed — perhaps a new classic for the new generation. In hindsight, not exactly.
On Jan. 19, HBO Max announced the cancellation of the Gossip Girl reboot after two seasons. “We are very grateful to showrunner/executive producer Joshua Safran, and executive producers Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz for bringing us back to the Upper East Side and all the scandals at Constance Billard,” HBO Max said in a statement to Variety. “Although we are not moving forward with a third season of ‘Gossip Girl,’ we thank them for the enticing love triangles, calculated backstabbing and impeccable fashion this series brought to a new audience.”
The announcement took most fans by surprise, especially since the first season of the show was well-received by audiences. However, season 2 arrived in Dec. 2022 to mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. HBO Max hasn’t cited a specific reason as to why the show was canceled, but the series’ showrunner, Joshua Safran, spilled the tea in a recent Instagram post.
“We are currently looking for another home, but in this climate, that might prove an uphill bottle, and so if this is the end, at least we went out on the highest of highs,” Safran wrote in the Instagram caption. “Thank you for watching, and I hope you’ll tune into the finale next Thursday to see how it all comes together.”
The cast of the reboot also voiced their support for Safran, as well as thanking fans for supporting the show. Grace Duah, who plays Shan, reposted Safran’s announcement on her IG Story writing, “Thank you to @gossipgirl and all of the amazing fans for everything. My life will never be the same. Until we meet again [black heart emoji]”.
Jordan Alexander, who played Queen Bee Julien Calloway in the show, also posted a response to the news on Twitter. Fans of the show flooded the replies with love and support for the actress, showrunner, and the rest of the cast.
While the future of Gossip Girl is uncertain, I’ll be sure to update you when/if the reboot finds a new home on another platform. Until then, XOXO… Her Campus.