Sharon Horgan returns to HBO with midlife comedy Youth

Sharon Horgan is back in front of the camera for HBO with Youth, an eight-episode comedy about starting again at 50.

The half-hour series, meaning episodes built around a 30-minute slot, is created by Horgan, the actor and writer long associated with frank comedies about relationships. Variety published its review of the season on 20 September 2026. Variety

At the centre is Alex. She is a freshly 50-year-old divorced London book agent. Her story follows a search for sex and love while she also juggles care for her ailing parents.

That squeeze shapes the household. Alex’s teenage son Rauri is played by Aran Murphy. The season covered in the review runs to eight episodes in total.

Variety describes the show as having a loose and light feel. That is the publication’s characterisation in its review, not a ratings result or a renewal decision.

Horgan has positioned Youth as the closing part of a trilogy with Pulling and Catastrophe. Catastrophe was her four-season collaboration with Rob Delaney. Pulling was her earlier comedy about single life in London.

The new series adds to a busy run of credits. Horgan created Divorce, the Sarah Jessica Parker series about a marriage ending. She also played one of the title characters in Bad Sisters alongside her writing duties on that show.

The HBO project has been in the works for some time. In February 2025, Horgan was reported to be set to star in and executive produce a new HBO comedy about a divorcee, a role that means leading the cast and overseeing the production. Variety A later trailer preview described Youth in similar terms, as the story of a 50-year-old divorcee looking for sex and love while caring for her parents. Variety

For viewers, this means a short, self-contained run. Eight half-hours. One woman, one crowded family, and a very full in-between stage of life.