HBO's 'Youth' Debuts: Sharon Horgan's Raw Look at Midlife Dating

Key points

• The series premieres on HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, September 20, at 10 p.m. ET.
• Sharon Horgan writes, executive produces, and stars as Alex, a 50-year-old London literary agent.
• The show explores themes of midlife sexuality, parental care, and the anxiety of aging.
• Rupert Friend plays Patrick, a 47-year-old man with a 'Peter Pan' complex, while Sharlene Whyte plays Alex's boss and best friend, Sam.
• The series is produced by Merman, known for 'Bad Sisters' and 'Amandaland'.

Background

Sharon Horgan is best known for creating and starring in 'Bad Sisters' and 'Catastrophe.' She paused development on 'Bad Sisters' Season 3 to focus entirely on 'Youth,' which she described as an 'autofiction' project. HBO previously collaborated with Horgan on 'Divorce,' and the network has recently expanded its comedy slate with pilots from creators like Issa Rae.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline highlights the physical comedy and blunt dialogue in the trailer, such as a character's jaw arthritis affecting intimacy. Vanity Fair emphasizes Horgan's critique of Hollywood's warped view of aging and the show's blend of comedy and drama, noting the influence of real-world influencer content on the teenage son's character. A.V. Club frames the series as a fresh take on romantic comedy tropes, focusing on the protagonist's search for love outside of dating apps. All sources agree on the premiere date and the core cast, but differ in their emphasis: Deadline focuses on the trailer's humor, Vanity Fair on the thematic depth and industry critique, and A.V. Club on the genre positioning.

Why it matters

The series offers a candid, unfiltered look at the realities of midlife for women, challenging industry norms that often ignore or sanitize aging. It reflects a broader trend in television toward authentic, autofictional storytelling that blends personal experience with broader social commentary, potentially resonating with audiences seeking more realistic portrayals of adult life.

What to watch

The first two episodes of 'Youth' will air on HBO and stream on HBO Max on September 20. Viewers can watch the trailer on Deadline's website. Horgan has indicated she hopes to return to 'Bad Sisters' Season 3 in the future, though 'Youth' currently takes priority.