Netflix’s new female-led comedy
If you’re in the mood for a Netflix comedy packed with familiar faces, sharp humor, and unapologetic fun, The Fifth Wheel is officially one to watch. The upcoming Netflix original marks Eva Longoria’s second directorial feature, following the critically praised Flamin’ Hot. In fact, it reunites an impressive lineup of comedic powerhouses for a female-led romp set in the ultimate adult playground — Las Vegas.
Written by Paula Pell and Janine Brito, The Fifth Wheel stars Kim Kardashian as a “hot outsider” who disrupts a longtime friend group during what’s meant to be a nostalgic girls’ weekend. Think The Hangover energy but with the women firmly in control this time around. After years of male-dominated Vegas comedies, this film flips the script and lets female friendship, chaos, and self-reflection take center stage.
A Cast Built For Comedy
Joining Kardashian is a stacked ensemble that reads like a greatest-hits list of modern comedy talent. The film co-stars Nikki Glaser, Fortune Feimster, Brenda Song, Jack Whitehall, Casey Wilson, and Scott MacArthur, bringing together stand-up icons, sitcom favorites, and scene-stealers with proven chemistry.
Netflix recently unveiled first-look images from the film’s opening day of production, offering an early glimpse into the high-energy dynamic and glamorous chaos audiences can expect once the story hits Sin City.
Friendship, Fallout, and Facing Reality
According to Netflix’s official synopsis, The Fifth Wheel follows “a group of best friends from high school [who] attempt to reconnect during a weekend jaunt to Vegas. When a hot outsider crashes the weekend, they’re forced to face their messy lives, bad decisions, and unraveling friendships”.
At its core, the film blends laugh-out-loud moments with emotional honesty exploring how friendships evolve, fracture, and survive as adulthood sets in. It’s a premise that feels both timely and relatable, wrapped in glitter, heels, and neon lights.
A Creative Team With Proven Chemistry
Behind the scenes, the film boasts equally impressive credentials. Paula Pell and Kim Kardashian serve as producers alongside Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, and Alex Brown for Gloria Sanchez Productions, with Cris Abrego and Eva Longoria producing through Hyphenate Media Group. Executive producers include Mary Bundy and David Hyman.
Pell, a former Saturday Night Live writer, is no stranger to ensemble-driven female comedies. She previously starred in Netflix’s Wine Country, directed by Amy Poehler—a fan-favorite that brought together SNL legends like Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey, Ana Gasteyer, Rachel Dratch, and Emily Spivey. That project proved Pell’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, a balance that The Fifth Wheel appears ready to deliver once again.
Eva Longoria Expands Her Directorial Range
While Flamin’ Hot explored ambition, culture, and perseverance through a true story lens, The Fifth Wheel allows Longoria to flex a different creative muscle leaning fully into comedy while maintaining character-driven storytelling. The genre shift signals Longoria’s growing confidence behind the camera and her commitment to amplifying diverse, female-centered narratives.
What’s Next?
Currently in production in Los Angeles, The Fifth Wheel is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most anticipated comedies, driven by star power, sharp writing, and a fresh take on friendship-fueled chaos. Vegas has seen plenty of wild weekends on screen. This time, it’s the women’s turn to own the moment.
