Chicken Girls
Chicken Girls is an American teen drama web series created and produced by Brat, a digital studio targeting young audiences, which premiered on YouTube on September 5, 2017.[1] The show revolves around a group of middle school friends—primarily Rhyme McAdams and her dance crew—who form a tight-knit group nicknamed the Chicken Girls, as they navigate the complexities of adolescence, including friendship dynamics, romantic interests, school pressures, and personal growth through dance and social challenges.[1][2] Starring social media influencers and young actors such as Jules LeBlanc as Rhyme McAdams, Brooke Elizabeth Butler as Ellie Mack, Hayley LeBlanc as Harmony McAdams, and Indiana Massara as Rooney Burke, the series has evolved over its run, with characters aging from middle school to high school and beyond.[1] Chicken Girls aired 11 seasons from 2017 to 2023, comprising 138 episodes, making it one of Brat's longest-running and most viewed original programs, with spin-offs like Chicken Girls: College Years (premiered 2022) extending the narrative into the characters' post-high school lives.[3][4] A feature-length film, Chicken Girls: The Movie, was released in 2018, focusing on the group saving their school's spring dance amid administrative changes, and it garnered significant viewership on the platform. The series is noted for its relatable portrayal of Gen Z experiences and has contributed to the rise of its young cast in digital entertainment.[2]Overview
Premise
Chicken Girls is an American teen drama web series produced by Brat TV, centering on a close-knit group of teenage girls who form a dance crew called the Chicken Girls. The core storyline revolves around their experiences navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, including building and maintaining friendships, exploring first romances, dealing with betrayals, and achieving personal growth amid the pressures of school life. Dance serves as a central element, providing a platform for the characters to express themselves and bond as a team.[1] The series delves into key themes that resonate with young audiences, such as the transformative power of dance for self-expression and confidence-building, the ebb and flow of friendships tested by change and conflict, the excitement and heartache of young love, family challenges that influence daily decisions, and the pervasive role of social media in shaping teen identities and relationships. These elements highlight the complexities of growing up in a digitally connected world, where online interactions amplify both support and drama among peers.[5][6] Over the course of its seasons, the premise evolves to reflect the characters' maturation, beginning with a focus on dance competitions and group dynamics in a middle school setting, later transitioning to high school and broader explorations of independence, career aspirations, and adult responsibilities in later installments and spin-offs like Chicken Girls: College Years. This progression mirrors real-life stages of development, emphasizing resilience and adaptation as the central figures, anchored by key members like Rhyme and Birdie, face new challenges beyond the dance floor. The "Chicken Girls" moniker originates as a collective ship name for the crew, symbolizing their unified spirit through shared experiences and creative expressions like signature dance moves.[5][7][8]Format and style
Chicken Girls employs a short-form webisode format, with episodes typically running between 5 and 10 minutes in length, designed for quick consumption on digital platforms. These episodes are released weekly through the official Brat TV YouTube channel, allowing for serialized storytelling that aligns with the viewing habits of its young audience.[9] As of October 2023, the series had produced 148 episodes across 11 seasons, emphasizing ongoing narrative arcs in a bite-sized structure. No new seasons have been announced as of November 2025.[1] The stylistic elements of the series contribute to its intimate and relatable tone, featuring handheld camera work that creates a personal, documentary-like feel, as if capturing real-life moments among teens.[10] Social media integration is a key aspect, with episodes incorporating actual posts and interactions to blur the lines between the show's fictional world and the characters' online lives, reflecting the digital-native experiences of Gen Z viewers. Dance sequences serve as pivotal scenes, often featuring original choreography that highlights the performers' skills and advances the plot, influenced by the premise's focus on a dance crew.[11] Music and sound design play a central role in enhancing the youthful energy, utilizing contemporary pop tracks alongside original songs performed by cast members, such as Jules LeBlanc's contributions to tracks like "Photograph" and "Little Do You Know."[12] Diegetic music is frequently employed during dance routines, where songs emanate from in-world sources like phones or speakers, immersing viewers in the scenes. The official soundtrack includes collaborative efforts, such as the theme "Birds of a Feather" sung by cast members including LeBlanc, Brooke Butler, and Hayden Summerall.[13] Visually, Chicken Girls adopts a bright, youthful aesthetic with vibrant colors and quick cuts to maintain a dynamic pace suitable for short attention spans. Text overlays simulate social media notifications and messages, reinforcing the series' digital theme and adding layers of interactivity. Location shooting occurs in suburban Los Angeles areas, providing authentic backdrops that evoke everyday teen environments.[14]Cast and characters
Main cast and characters
The main cast of Chicken Girls centers on the titular dance crew, a group of friends navigating friendship, romance, and personal growth, evolving from middle school to high school and beyond. The series launched in 2017 with Brat selecting young influencers and emerging actors for the roles, leveraging their online presence to appeal to a Gen Z audience. This approach allowed the core ensemble to develop alongside the show, with many original members appearing through the first six seasons before spin-offs and later iterations introduced new dynamics. The characters' relationships form the emotional core, emphasizing themes of loyalty and self-discovery amid changing group dynamics. Jules LeBlanc portrays Rhyme McAdams, the charismatic leader of the Chicken Girls and an aspiring dancer and singer who grapples with family pressures and her ambitions. Rhyme's arc spans the early seasons, evolving from a middle school student focused on dance competitions to a high school influencer balancing fame and personal relationships. [1] Brooke Butler plays Ellie Mack, an ambitious yet insecure member of the group known for her quirky personality and boy-crazy tendencies. Ellie's development highlights her struggles with self-confidence and romantic pursuits, contributing to the crew's internal conflicts and reconciliations across the initial seasons. [1] Dylan Conrique stars as Kayla Seltzer (later Sharp), the fierce and protective friend who joins the Chicken Girls early on, bringing intensity to the group's adventures. Kayla's storyline explores her loyalty to the crew while dealing with rivalries and personal challenges, active primarily in the first four seasons. [1] Madison Lewis depicts Birdie Kaye, Rhyme's close friend introduced in season 3 as a passionate dancer and former rival who transitions into a key ally. Birdie's evolution involves self-discovery through romantic entanglements and identity issues, culminating in her central role in the Chicken Girls: College Years spin-off (2022–2023). [1] Indiana Massara embodies Rooney Forrester, a determined character focused on independence who becomes a core member starting in season 3. Rooney's journey emphasizes breaking free from expectations, with her friendship with Birdie driving much of the narrative in high school and beyond. [1] Hayley LeBlanc portrays Harmony McAdams, Rhyme's younger sister who appears recurring in seasons 1–6 and becomes a main character and lead in seasons 7–9, adding sibling dynamics, rivalry, and growth themes to the later storylines. [1] The longevity of the core cast underscores the series' success, with original selections like LeBlanc and Butler remaining integral for years, reflecting Brat's strategy of building around relatable influencers. [5]| Actor | Character | Seasons Active | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jules LeBlanc | Rhyme McAdams | 1–6 (main), 7 (recurring), 8–9 (guest) | Leader, aspiring performer, family-focused |
| Brooke Butler | Ellie Mack | 1–6 (main), 9 (guest) | Quirky, ambitious, romantically driven |
| Dylan Conrique | Kayla Seltzer (Sharp) | 1–4 (main), 6 (guest) | Fierce, protective, loyal friend |
| Madison Lewis | Birdie Kaye | 3–11 (main series), Chicken Girls: College Years (2022–2023) | Passionate dancer, self-discovering |
| Indiana Massara | Rooney Forrester | 3–11 (main series), Chicken Girls: College Years (2022–2023) | Independent, resilient, friendship-oriented |
| Hayley LeBlanc | Harmony McAdams | 1–6 (recurring), 7–9 (main) | Sassy younger sister, source of conflict and wisdom |
Recurring cast and characters
The recurring cast of Chicken Girls features supporting actors who enhance subplots centered on romance, friendships, and personal growth, often bridging gaps between the main characters' arcs. These characters are introduced across different phases of the series, reflecting evolving themes from high school drama to family dynamics and later college transitions.[2] In the early seasons (1–3), key recurring figures include Hayden Summerall as TK Kaye, a brooding love interest who drives romantic tension within the group, and Riley Lewis as Quinn Forrester, who injects comic relief into the friendships of the Chicken Girls dance crew. TK's presence creates emotional depth in interpersonal relationships, while Quinn's humorous mishaps highlight themes of belonging and self-acceptance among the peers.[15] Seasons 4–6 introduce additional recurrings that expand family and conflict elements, such as Hayley LeBlanc as Harmony McAdams, Rhyme's younger sister, whose arrival adds layers of sibling rivalry and protective dynamics to the narrative. Harmony's character shifts group interactions toward themes of guidance and independence, influencing how the main cast navigates transitions like high school challenges.[16] Later seasons, particularly from season 7 onward and the Chicken Girls: College Years spin-off, bring in new recurrings to explore diversity in mental health, career ambitions, and social circles. For instance, Txunamy Ortiz as Brittany Alvarez joins as a friend in Harmony's squad, contributing to subplots on loyalty and new alliances, while Sterling Monett as Kendall in the college era introduces perspectives on ambition and personal reinvention among the aging cast. These additions refresh dynamics post-major exits and returns, fostering tension and growth in evolving storylines.[2][4]| Actor | Character | Seasons Appeared | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayden Summerall | TK Kaye | 1–3, 5–9 | Brooding romantic interest, loyal friend |
| Riley Lewis | Quinn Forrester | 1–6, 7 (guest) | Comic relief, quirky and relatable |
| Hayley LeBlanc | Harmony McAdams | 1–9 | Sassy younger sister, source of conflict and wisdom |
| Txunamy Ortiz | Brittany Alvarez | 7–9 | Loyal squad member, adds diversity in friendships |
| Sterling Monett | Kendall | Chicken Girls: College Years | Ambitious college student, focuses on career themes |
Episodes
Season summaries
Season 1, which premiered in 2017 and consists of 11 episodes, introduces the core members of the Chicken Girls dance crew—Rhyme, Skye, and Jocelyn—as they navigate the start of high school, form initial friendships, and develop crushes while preparing for their first major dance competition.[17] The season establishes the group's dynamic through everyday teen challenges, such as school pressures and budding romances, setting a foundation of camaraderie amid lighthearted drama.[18] Seasons 2 and 3, both released in 2018 with 11 and 13 episodes respectively, deepen the romantic entanglements within the group, particularly the evolving relationship between Rhyme and Hawk, while introducing betrayals among friends and scandals amplified by social media.[19][20] These seasons escalate the stakes through interpersonal conflicts, such as group divisions and public humiliations, testing loyalties and forcing characters like T.K. and Ellie to confront jealousy and reconciliation.[21][22] Seasons 4 through 6, airing from 2019 to 2020 and featuring 11, 11, and 10 episodes per season, explore the crew's transition into upper high school years, the integration of new members like Luna and Astrid, and escalating family crises that strain personal relationships.[23][24][25] Themes of identity and support systems emerge as characters face love triangles, parental expectations, and school rivalries, with Season 6 incorporating remote elements reflective of broader societal shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic.[26][27] Seasons 7 to 11, spanning 2020 to 2023 with episode counts of 15, 20, 16, 20, and 12 respectively, shift focus to maturing themes as the original crew, including Rhyme, prepares for college and post-high school life, while younger characters like Harmony take center stage amid breakups and early career explorations.[28][29] These later seasons emphasize personal growth, with conflicts driven by key figures such as Harmony and her peers navigating independence, friendships tested by diverging paths, and resolutions in the series finale that tie up long-running arcs like romantic resolutions and group legacies. Season 11, premiering August 30, 2023, follows the characters as sophomores confronting new romances, friend drama, and difficult decisions.[30][31][32] Over the course of its eleven seasons, Chicken Girls evolves from an innocent portrayal of teen dance crew antics and schoolyard crushes to a more introspective exploration of young adulthood, highlighting themes of resilience, identity, and evolving relationships (148 episodes total as of 2023).[1]Episode lists by season
The Chicken Girls web series comprises 11 seasons and 148 episodes in total, released primarily on a weekly basis via the official Brat TV YouTube channel starting September 5, 2017, with occasional hiatuses between seasons and double-episode drops in later years.[33][1] Episodes typically run 8-12 minutes each, focusing on short-form storytelling centered around the dance crew's dynamics. Detailed episode lists for each season can be found on IMDb and the official Brat TV YouTube channel.[34]Season 1 (2017)
Season 1 consists of 11 episodes, introducing the core group of friends trying out for the school dance team. (Detailed list omitted due to verification; see IMDb for titles including "Monday" to "Two Places at Once".)[17]Season 2 (2018)
Season 2 has 11 episodes, expanding on the team's competitions and interpersonal drama. (Detailed list: titles include "Thyme", "Gone West", etc.; see sources.)[19]Season 3 (2018)
Season 3 features 13 episodes, including a holiday special, delving into family and friendship strains. (Detailed list: "Bring It On", "If/Then", etc.)[20]Season 4 (2019)
Season 4 includes 11 episodes, with themes of change and relocation affecting the group. (Detailed list: "Flour Babies", "Flew The Coop", etc.)[23]Season 5 (2019)
Season 5 has 11 episodes, exploring leadership shifts and new alliances. (Detailed list available on IMDb.)[24]Season 6 (2020)
Season 6 contains 10 episodes, incorporating virtual elements due to pandemic influences on production. (Detailed list: "Resolutions", "Cheer Up", etc.)[25]Season 7 (2020-2021)
Season 7 spans 15 episodes, focusing on senior year transitions. (Detailed list available on sources.)[28]Season 8 (2021)
Season 8 has 20 episodes, continuing post-graduation stories with double drops in some weeks. (Detailed list on IMDb.)[35]Season 9 (2022)
Season 9 features 16 episodes, emphasizing career aspirations and growing up. (Detailed list on sources.)[36]Season 10 (2023)
Season 10 has 20 episodes, focusing on reunions and legacies. (Detailed list available.)[29]Season 11 (2023)
Season 11 consists of 12 episodes, exploring sophomore year challenges.| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 137 | 1 | She Revealed Her BIGGEST Secrets | August 29, 2023 | Claire goes to dramatic lengths to keep her friend group intact.[37] |
| 138 | 2 | She Backstabbed Her BFF | September 5, 2023 | Betrayal among friends escalates drama.[38] |
| 139 | 3 | She Caught Her Boyfriend Lying | September 12, 2023 | Romantic trust is tested. |
| 140 | 4 | Rejected for Being Too Short | September 19, 2023 | Insecurities about appearance arise. |
| 141 | 5 | She Took Pills To Study | September 26, 2023 | Pressure to succeed leads to risky choices.[39] |
| 142 | 6 | Mean Girls Ruin Her Birthday Party | October 3, 2023 | Bullying disrupts celebrations. |
| 143 | 7 | Girl Gets Bullied For Going Viral | October 10, 2023 | Social media fame backfires. |
| 144 | 8 | Chicken Girls Secrets Exposed | October 17, 2023 | Hidden truths come to light.[40] |
| 145 | 9 | She Lied About Her Age | October 24, 2023 | Deception affects relationships. |
| 146 | 10 | The Biggest Fight of the Season | October 31, 2023 | Major conflict peaks.[41] |
| 147 | 11 | [Title not verified] | November 1, 2023 | Further resolutions. |
| 148 | 12 | [Title not verified] | November 1, 2023 | Season conclusion. |
Production
Development
Chicken Girls was developed by the Los Angeles-based digital studio Brat as one of its inaugural YouTube original series, launching on September 5, 2017. Created by writer Janey Feingold, the show drew inspiration from the rising influencer culture of the mid-2010s, centering on a group of young dancers while prominently featuring emerging social media personalities to appeal to a teen demographic active on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.[42][43] This approach allowed Brat to blend scripted storytelling with the authentic appeal of digital creators, positioning the series as a pioneer in high-production-value web content for Gen Z audiences.[5] The series' longevity stemmed from annual renewal decisions driven by consistent viewership metrics and high fan engagement, with episodes regularly amassing millions of views on YouTube. Brat expanded Chicken Girls to 11 seasons, capitalizing on its status as the studio's flagship production and the growing "Brat Universe" of interconnected shows. Production concluded in 2023 following the airing of season 11, which wrapped on November 1 after a total of 148 episodes across the run.[44][45][5] Key creative decisions focused on evolving the narrative to reflect the audience's progression, shifting from middle school friendships and dances to high school rivalries and, in later seasons, young adult challenges like independence and relationships. This adaptation ensured relevance as viewers aged, culminating in thematic extensions into college life. The writing process emphasized collaborative efforts among a rotating team of writers, prioritizing relatable teen issues such as romance, betrayal, and self-discovery to maintain emotional resonance. Executive producers included Rob Fishman, Darren Lachtman, and Kristen Lachtman.[5][46][47]Filming and crew
The Chicken Girls series was primarily filmed at Brat Studios, located at 915 N. Highland Avenue in Los Angeles, California.[48] School and dance scenes were shot at a high school near Pasadena, allowing for overlapping production with other Brat TV shows set in the shared Attaway universe.[49] Occasional on-location shoots captured events in suburban Los Angeles areas to depict community gatherings and outdoor activities. Production occurred in blocks per season from 2017 to 2023, enabling weekly episode releases on YouTube while accommodating the young cast's availability. Filming for the first season commenced in August 2017, setting a pattern for rapid turnarounds typical of digital series. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, later seasons like 7 and 8 incorporated safety protocols, including limited crew sizes and health measures, to resume on-site work by early 2021.[2] Key crew members included director Ethan Dawes, who helmed episodes in the early seasons, contributing to the show's dynamic, youth-oriented visual style. Cinematographers focused on mobile camera techniques to capture energetic dance sequences and intimate teen interactions. Post-production teams prioritized efficient editing to meet YouTube's fast-paced release schedule. Challenges arose from coordinating shoots around the cast's burgeoning careers as social media influencers, requiring flexible scheduling to avoid conflicts with personal content creation. In later years, enhanced safety measures addressed pandemic-related disruptions, ensuring continuity without compromising the series' collaborative environment.[5]Release and distribution
Broadcast history
Chicken Girls premiered on September 5, 2017, on the Brat YouTube channel, where episodes were released weekly in a format suited to quick online consumption.[1] The series maintained this schedule through multiple seasons, with the main run concluding in 2023 after 11 seasons.[50] Over time, distribution expanded beyond YouTube, with episodes becoming available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video starting around 2018, later streaming on Peacock from 2021 onward, and free ad-supported streaming on Tubi in the United States.[51] [52][53] Cross-promotions on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok helped drive viewership, with official Brat accounts sharing teasers, behind-the-scenes content, and episode links. Internationally, the series reached audiences via YouTube's global platform from its debut and through Amazon Prime Video in select regions, including availability on Apple TV in Australia. [54] Following the completion of each season, binge-watching options were offered on YouTube through dedicated marathon videos and full-season playlists.[9] As of November 2025, no major revivals or new seasons of the original series have been announced.[55]Viewership
The Chicken Girls series has accumulated over 100 million views on YouTube as of 2018, with continued growth across its 11 seasons and spin-offs, contributing significantly to Brat TV's nearly 2 billion total video views by 2023.[6][56] Individual milestones include the 2017 feature film Chicken Girls: The Movie, which amassed nearly 30 million views by 2020.[2] Viewership peaked during seasons 3 through 5 (2018–2019), when episodes regularly exceeded 5 million views each—for instance, the season 3 premiere garnered 7.5 million views—reflecting totals surpassing 50 million per season through cumulative episode and marathon watches.[57] Later seasons, such as 8 (2021), saw marathon compilations with around 621,000 views, indicating a decline as the core audience matured into young adulthood.[58] The initial surge in popularity stemmed from the cast's established social media presences, including lead actress Jules LeBlanc's over 10 million Instagram followers and nearly 20 million on TikTok, which drove cross-promotion and fan engagement.[59][60] Viral elements, such as official dance challenges like the "Birds of a Feather" routine performed by the cast, further boosted episode traffic by encouraging user-generated content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.[11] Crossovers within the Brat universe, including appearances in shows like Total Eclipse and spin-offs such as Chicken Girls: College Years, helped sustain interest by expanding the shared narrative world.[5] Demographically, the series primarily appeals to females aged 13–18 within the Gen Z cohort, with robust demand placing it in the top 8.6% of U.S. shows according to audience analytics.[61] International expansion, fueled by social media shares and YouTube's global accessibility, has broadened its reach, particularly in Europe and Australia as Brat targeted these markets by 2023.[62]Reception
Critical response
The web series Chicken Girls has received mixed reviews from audiences and limited professional critics, with an average rating of 5.2 out of 10 on IMDb based on 10,817 user ratings (as of November 2025).[1] Many viewers praise its relatable depiction of teenage experiences, including friendship dynamics and the influence of social media on youth culture, which provides emotional resonance and even educational insights into real-life social challenges.[63] The show's focus on an empowering all-girl dance crew has been highlighted as a positive element, fostering themes of self-expression and group solidarity that appeal particularly to young female audiences.[64] Later seasons, such as Chicken Girls: College Years, demonstrate evolution toward more mature storytelling, earning higher praise for deeper character development and earning a 7.9 out of 10 rating on IMDb from users who appreciate the shift from initial tween-focused drama to young adult themes. Subsequent releases, including Season 11 of the main series in 2023 and Season 2 of College Years in 2024, have continued to receive enthusiastic fan feedback for advancing character arcs and themes of independence.[4][32][65] However, criticisms frequently center on formulaic plots that rely on clichéd teen drama tropes, underdeveloped side storylines, and inconsistent acting quality, with some reviewers noting that the performances feel amateurish compared to more polished network shows.[64] These elements contribute to perceptions of the series as "cringy" or unrealistic in execution, despite its heartfelt intentions.[63] Audience feedback on dedicated fan platforms remains enthusiastic, with discussions emphasizing strong cast chemistry, positive representation of diverse friendships, and the show's role in building a loyal community around its themes of resilience and creativity.[66] While not extensively covered by mainstream critics, the series' reception underscores its niche appeal as an accessible entry into teen-oriented web content, often compared informally to predecessors like Degrassi for its blend of drama and moral lessons.[64]Awards and nominations
Chicken Girls and its cast members have garnered recognition primarily through the Streamy Awards, which honor outstanding achievements in online video content. The series received multiple nominations across categories such as acting and scripted series, highlighting the performances of lead actress Annie LeBlanc (also known as Jules LeBlanc) and the overall production quality by Brat TV.[67][68][69] In 2018, the series earned a nomination for Best Acting in a Drama for LeBlanc's portrayal of Rhyme McAdams. The following year, 2019, marked a significant milestone with LeBlanc winning the Acting category for her work on the show, while Chicken Girls itself was nominated for Scripted Series and Audience Choice Show of the Year. These accolades underscore the series' impact in the digital drama space during its peak popularity.[67][68][70] No major awards or nominations have been reported for the series after 2020.| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Streamy Awards | Acting in a Drama | Annie LeBlanc | Nominated[67] |
| 2019 | Streamy Awards | Acting | Annie LeBlanc | Won[68] |
| 2019 | Streamy Awards | Scripted Series | Chicken Girls (Brat TV) | Nominated[69] |
| 2019 | Streamy Awards | Audience Choice Show of the Year | Chicken Girls | Nominated[70] |