Peacock's The Five-Star Weekend has wrapped its first season, leaving viewers with plenty of questions—chief among them: What happens to Gigi after that explosive finale? Showrunner Bekah Brunstetter, known for her work on This Is Us and the upcoming Sirens, recently sat down to break down the fate of Gemma Chan's character and the series' deeper meaning.
The show follows Hollis (Jennifer Garner), a widow who invites a friend from each chapter of her life to a Nantucket getaway. The group includes childhood pal Tatum (Chloë Sevigny), college friend Dru-Ann (Regina Hall), mom bestie Brooke (D'Arcy Carden), and internet friend Gigi (Gemma Chan). Each woman brings her own baggage—a crumbling marriage, online cancellation, an affair, and a potential cancer diagnosis—along with long-simmering rivalries.
Gigi's Fate: A Lonely but Hopeful Future
Brunstetter revealed that while Hollis and Gigi won't be planning any future girls' trips, their connection isn't entirely severed. "I wouldn't be surprised if, every couple of years, they're reaching out to each other to see how they're doing, following each other on social media," she said. "I think they kind of weirdly have a soft spot in their heart for each other."
As for Gigi's romantic future, Brunstetter is rooting for her: "I hope she finds love with a man who's not married and who isn't dead." But more than that, the showrunner believes Gigi has come to a painful realization about herself. "She's realized that she's a real loner. She's got a couple of friends, but..."
Why Judy Greer Was Cast as the Villain
One of the season's most talked-about casting choices was Judy Greer as Electra, the villainous friend. Known for playing best-friend roles, Greer's turn as a antagonist was a deliberate subversion. "We just knew that we wanted to involve her in some way, and she's played that character so many times, and I just thought, 'Why not lean into that?'" Brunstetter explained. "Give the people what they want. We can have nice things. Let Judy be the villain."
The casting was also a reunion for Garner and Greer, who are old friends from previous projects. "Jen and Judy are old friends from their working relationship, and she really wanted to be involved," Brunstetter added.
Drawing from Reality TV
Brunstetter admitted she hadn't watched Real Housewives before developing the series, but quickly caught up after hearing the show described as "for the Bravo audience." She dove into Real Housewives of Atlanta, noting the parallels: "They go to a lake house, and they're drunk, wearing amazing outfits, pretending like they like each other. It's great."
For fans craving more deep dives into character arcs, check out our interview with the cast on Episode 6's explosive secrets. And if you're looking for more weekend binge options, see our Netflix recommendations.
Ultimately, The Five-Star Weekend is a story about the messy, complicated, and often hilarious bonds between women—and the secrets that can either tear them apart or bring them closer. As Brunstetter put it, the show is tailor-made for audiences who love drama, humor, and a little bit of heartbreak.
