HBO Greenlights Five-Episode 'Girls' Revival for 2027 Without Driver and Konner
HBO has ordered a five-episode limited series revival of the 2012 dramedy 'Girls,' with production set to begin in 2027. Creator and star Lena Dunham will reunite with original cast members Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet, and Andrew Rannells. The announcement notably excludes former co-star Adam Driver and co-showrunner Jenni Konner, following allegations made by Dunham in her 2026 memoir.
Key points
- HBO announced a five-episode limited series revival of 'Girls,' with production scheduled to start in 2027, a decade after the original series finale.
- Lena Dunham will return as creator, showrunner, and star, alongside Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet, and Andrew Rannells.
- Adam Driver and co-showrunner Jenni Konner are not returning, a decision linked to Dunham's 2026 memoir 'Famesick' which detailed conflicts with both individuals.
- Judd Apatow will return as executive producer, while Dunham, Ilene S. Landress, and Michael P. Cohen serve as producers under her Good Thing Going banner.
- Dunham stated she only returned to the project because she had a specific story to tell about the characters in their 40s, noting the show's renewed popularity with Gen Z audiences.
Background
The original 'Girls' series ran from 2012 to 2017, earning 19 Emmy nominations and two wins. It was a cultural touchstone for millennial audiences but faced significant criticism for its portrayal of privilege. In 2025, Dunham expressed openness to a revival if it addressed specific life milestones like motherhood or menopause. The show has seen a resurgence in popularity among younger viewers in the 2020s.
How outlets are covering it
The Washington Post and The New York Times focused on the core cast return and the absence of Driver and Konner, highlighting Dunham's statement about the characters 'talking to her in the shower.' The Guardian emphasized the show's legacy and the HBO merger with Skydance, noting the $111bn deal. Variety provided the most detailed breakdown of the production team, including Judd Apatow's return, and extensively covered the allegations against Driver and Konner from Dunham's memoir 'Famesick,' which Variety described as the primary reason for their exclusion.
Why it matters
The revival signals a shift in how legacy TV content is consumed, with Gen Z audiences rediscovering millennial-era shows. It also highlights the impact of memoirs on industry relationships, as Dunham's public allegations directly influenced the casting decisions for this high-profile reboot.
What to watch
HBO has not announced a specific air date or title for the new episodes. Production is expected to begin in 2027. Further casting announcements and plot details are anticipated as production approaches.
- What we know about Lena Dunham’s ‘Girls’ reboot The Washington Post
- ‘Girls’ to Return for a Limited Run The New York Times
- Lena Dunham’s Girls returning for limited run at HBO The Guardian
- ‘Girls’ Shocker: Lena Dunham Sets Revival at HBO With Allison Williams, Zosia Mamet, Jemima Kirke Returning Variety
- Hit HBO show returning for new season 10 years after series finale Syracuse.com
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