HBO’s GOSSIP GIRL is Scandalous, Yet Devoid of Substance
By Movieguide® Contributor
HBO’s GOSSIP GIRL is a 2021 original teen drama series that premiered on HBO Max. Set at a Manhattan private school, a group of affluent teens engage in scandalous behavior. In response, the anonymous Instagram user “Gossip Girl” vows to expose their dirty deeds to the world. With their reputations utterly decimated, the teens wage a vicious online war against the whistleblower. HBO’s GOSSIP GIRL is a reboot / continuation of the 2007 CW drama of the same name.
GOSSIP GIRL (2021) is the failed resurrection of a pre-existing television franchise. The “woke” commentary is shallow, the characters are flat as cardboard, and its pacing runs for an eternity. Other than the adequate cinematography and one or two decent performances, this series is a barren digital wasteland. It also features underage drinking, strong language, and explicit sex scenes. MOVIEGUIDE(R) urges mature audiences to avoid this soulless cash grab.
This article contains MINOR SPOILERS for season one. It will also judge the show from the perspective of someone not familiar with the vintage 2007 series.
The series follows Julien Calloway (Jordan Alexander), a popular fashion influencer who attends Constance Billard High School. Julien and her friends begin the new semester with grand plans. However, the school teachers become fed up with Julien’s arrogant social clique. Kate Keller (Tavi Gevinson), the school’s English teacher, creates the Instagram account “Gossip Girl” and uses it to anonymously publish “scandalous tips.” The teachers approve of Kate’s decision, believing they can reform the students’ otherwise immoral behavior.
The biggest issue plaguing HBO’s GOSSIP GIRL is its dull and lifeless cast. The characters are barely characters: they are empty vessels for the plot. For example, Julien struggles to connect with her morally upright half-sister Zoya (Whitney Lott). Julien hid Zoya’s presence from her friends, causing a brief schism in the group. This drama occurs for four episodes, and then gets dropped for another subplot. Julien and her friends have zero chemistry, other than being conventionally attractive and committing illicit activities. The actors try their best to act, but the flat writing does them no favors.
In terms of worldview, the series leans on materialistic and scandalous appetites. Julien’s clique, all of whom are under the age of 18, engages in alcohol consumption, heavy cussing, and orgies. In multiple episodes, three of Julien’s classmates perform a three-way love scene. Topless women are briefly shown. The teens shamelessly flaunt their immense wealth on social media. They engage in blackmail, cheating on one another, and sending tips to their online enemy.
Promoting despicable behaviors to its TV-MA audience is one thing. But it is another thing to justify the teachers’ invasion of privacy. Kate initially feels guilty starting the Gossip Girl account, but is vindicated in ruining Julien’s life. Moreover, Kate gathers intel on Julien’s group outside of school. She not only oversteps her bounds, but also violates the laws of common sense.
Kate’s primary goal is to morally reform Julien’s vapid friend group. Rather than talking to each student individually, she runs a six month tabloid project in the hopes they will somehow be more virtuous. Kate’s plan causes division with the entire student body and fails to redeem Julien’s unethical conduct. In the season finale, Julien “defeats” Gossip Girl and coerces the account to bend to her will. Kate’s “scheme” is so nonsensical, it is surprising nobody in the writers’ room shot it down.
The bad writing also extends to its progressive ideals. HBO’s GOSSIP GIRL features heavy LGBT representation. Julien’s group is made up of transgender, homosexual, and bisexual individuals. Similar to Julien herself, these “diverse” characters offer little depth and only exist to fulfill casting quotas. The students often discuss “cancel culture,” fighting the “patriarchy,” and protesting anti-gay companies. This commentary is shallow and rarely results in meaningful character development.
The show’s most desperate attempt at relevance is referencing the 2007 show. The teachers briefly compare their students to Serena and Blair, the lead characters in the original series. Julien and her friends dress up as the 2007 characters in order to throw off Gossip Girl’s trail. The 2021 incarnation takes place in the same continuity as the retro series. However, these connections are tenuous at best and immersion breaking at worst.
In conclusion, HBO’s GOSSIP GIRL is another failed attempt at reviving a previously popular series. The characters lack personality, the “woke” commentary is shallow, and the writing has more logic deficiencies than Swiss cheese. The cinematography is competent, and a few actors deliver a decent performance. However, the show is so devoid of substance, even the “scandalous” elements fail to invigorate the paper-thin story. MOVIEGUIDE(R) recommends that mature audiences block “XOXO, GOSSIP GIRL” from their lives.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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