HBO Greenlights Five-Episode 'Girls' Revival for 2027

Key points

HBO has ordered a five-episode limited series revival of 'Girls,' featuring the return of creator Lena Dunham and the majority of the original cast.

Production is scheduled to begin in 2027, marking a decade since the show's finale.

While Dunham, Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet, and Andrew Rannells are confirmed, Adam Driver and co-showrunner Jenni Konner are absent.

Dunham stated she would only return if there was a specific story to tell, noting the characters are now in their 40s.

The original series ran from 2012 to 2017 and earned 19 Emmy nominations and two wins.

Background

Lena Dunham has expressed openness to reviving 'Girls' multiple times over the years, previously suggesting potential storylines involving millennial women becoming mothers or stepping into menopause. In September 2026, Dunham welcomed her first child, a daughter, via surrogacy after years of fertility struggles, a development that may inform the narrative of the revival. The original series was a cultural touchstone for the millennial generation, often cited as one of the greatest television shows of all time despite mixed critical reception during its initial run.

How outlets are covering it

Variety, Deadline, and The Hollywood Reporter all confirm the core details of the revival: a five-episode limited series with production starting in 2027, featuring Dunham, Williams, Kirke, Mamet, and Rannells. All three outlets note the absence of Adam Driver and Jenni Konner, linking it to Dunham's memoir 'Famesick,' which detailed negative experiences with both. Variety and THR emphasize the show's legacy and critical reappraisal, while Deadline highlights the surprise nature of the announcement. All outlets include Dunham's statement about the characters 'talking to her in the shower' around her 40th birthday. No significant disagreements were found among the sources.

Why it matters

The revival of 'Girls' marks a significant moment for HBO and the broader television landscape, as it brings back a show that was a defining cultural artifact of the 2010s. The return of the original cast, particularly Dunham, signals a shift in the show's focus from the tumult of the 20s to the milestone of turning 40, reflecting the aging of its core audience. The absence of Driver and Konner underscores the personal and professional rifts that have shaped the show's legacy, while the revival itself suggests a renewed interest in the millennial experience and its evolution into midlife.

What to watch

Production for the five-episode revival is scheduled to begin in 2027. HBO has not yet announced a specific air date or release window for the series. Dunham has indicated that the story will focus on the characters in their 40s, but specific plot details are being kept quiet. The absence of Adam Driver and Jenni Konner suggests that the revival will not feature the original love interest or co-showrunner, potentially altering the dynamic of the core group.