HBO Renews Sharon Horgan's Comedy 'Youth' for Season 2

HBO has ordered a second season of "Youth," the comedy created by and starring Peabody and BAFTA winner Sharon Horgan. Season 1, an eight-episode run, is streaming now on HBO Max.

Horgan plays Alex, a 50-year-old divorcee navigating new relationships, her ailing parents and a troubled son who, in HBO's own synopsis, "isn't quite gelling at his new college." The ensemble cast includes Rupert Friend as Patrick, Sharlene Whyte as Sam, Aran Murphy as Ruari and Robbie Gee as Frank.

The renewal follows strong performance data. According to HBO, "Youth" ranks "among the top five HBO comedy launches globally." The series holds a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and Variety praised Horgan for her "magnetic screen presence" and called her "a sharp comic writer."

What did Horgan say about the renewal?

"I'm so happy to get another opportunity to live out my emotional and biological crises on HBO," Horgan said in a statement. "I can't think of a better platform to air my UTI problems on. The response to 'Youth' has been beyond what I could have hoped for. I'm so grateful for the response and the chance to work with this incredible cast and creative team once more."

Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO Programming and head of HBO and HBO Max comedy series, framed the pickup in warmer terms: "In a way that only she can, Sharon has created a show that makes us howl with laughter and with tears — often in the same moment. Each performance in 'Youth' is more delightful than the next. Along with our partners at Merman, we are so thrilled to have this brilliant ensemble back for another season."

Who makes the show?

Merman, the production company behind "Amandaland," "Bad Sisters" and "Vladimir," produces "Youth." Horgan stars, writes and serves as executive producer. The additional executive producers are Faye Dorn for Merman, Jim Kleverweis and Dawn Shadforth, who also directs.

What does this change for HBO's comedy slate?

The renewal consolidates Horgan's position as one of the network's most reliable comedy voices, extending a relationship that now spans multiple Merman-produced titles. What HBO has not disclosed is a premiere date, an episode count for Season 2 or any production timeline — the announcement covers the order itself, nothing more. For viewers, the practical effect is simple: Alex's story continues, with the same cast and creative team, on a platform that says the first season outperformed most of its comedy launches worldwide.