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Sharon Horgan Returns to Half-Hour Comedy with HBO's 'Youth'

publication · 2026-09-20

The HBO comedy 'Youth,' featuring Sharon Horgan as Alex, follows a fiftysomething literary agent and divorcée whose son, Ruari, comes back home after his initial week at college. This series explores midlife issues such as a fading publishing career, menopause, dating, and the responsibilities of caring for elderly parents. Horgan, recognized for her work on 'Catastrophe,' 'Pulling,' 'Divorce,' and 'Bad Sisters,' refers to 'Youth' as a revival of the half-hour show format. The project received approval following a discussion with HBO CEO Casey Bloys. Shot in London, it stars Aran Murphy as Ruari and Rupert Friend as Alex's romantic interest, Patrick. The set design draws from Horgan's personal belongings, mirroring her life experiences and fascination with chaotic relationships.

Key facts

  • Sharon Horgan's new HBO comedy 'Youth' stars her as Alex, a fiftysomething literary agent and divorcée.
  • The series explores midlife, menopause, dating, and the sandwich generation.
  • Horgan broke through in the US with 'Catastrophe' in 2015 and created 'Pulling,' 'Divorce,' and 'Bad Sisters.'
  • 'Youth' returns Horgan to the half-hour comedic format.
  • HBO CEO Casey Bloys green-lit the show after a meeting where Horgan discussed the sandwich generation.
  • Aran Murphy, son of Cillian Murphy, plays Alex's son Ruari.
  • The show was filmed in London, with scenes re-creating Ibiza, Frankfurt, and a book fair.
  • Rupert Friend plays Alex's love interest Patrick.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • HBO
  • Merman
  • New Yorker
  • HBO Max
  • Apple TV
  • Channel 4
  • Bad Sisters
  • Catastrophe
  • Pulling
  • Motherland
  • Youth
  • Sherwood
  • BBC

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Ibiza
  • Spain
  • Frankfurt
  • Germany
  • Dublin
  • Ireland
  • East End
  • China

Sources