Sharon Horgan's "dazzling" comedy that's 'reminiscent of Amandaland' gets exciting new-season update

Sharon Horgan's "dazzling" comedy has just received an exciting new update. First airing on HBO in September 2026, Youth follows Alex (Horgan), a divorcee who is approaching sixty-years-old, as she struggles to manage her ailing parents, relationships and her troubled son.

Alongside Horgan, the eight-part series also stars Rupert Friend as love interest Patrick, Sharlene Whyte as Sam, Aran Murphy as Alex's son Ruairí and Robbie Gee as Frank. It is also produced by Merman (Bad Sisters), with Horgan also acting as a writer and co-producer.

Following the conclusion of season 1 on 1 November, HBO Max has given an order for a season 2.

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In a statement, Horgan expressed her delight at the renewal, saying: "I’m so happy to get another opportunity to live out my emotional and biological crises on HBO.

"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."

Meanwhile, Amy Gravitt, the exec VP of HBO Programming and head of HBO & HBO Max comedy series, said that Game Night star "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," she continued. "Along with our partners at Merman, we are so thrilled to have this brilliant ensemble back for another season."

According to HBO, Youth "ranks among the top five HBO comedy launches globally", and over on Rotten Tomatoes, season one is currently sitting with a critical score of 94% and an audience rating of 70%.

Related: Rivals confirms FULL release schedule: Here's when you can watch the rest of season 2

Critics had nothing but praise for the show, with The New Republic calling it a "sexy, dazzling, often devastating comedy of middle motherhood."

The Sunday Times described Youth as being "reminiscent of Horgan’s other recent hit, Amandaland", adding: "But it’s smarter with better jokes and a main character you can actually root for."

Meanwhile, Common Sense Media wrote: "Sharon Horgan's comedy takes a smart, unflinching look at the messy realities of 50-something womanhood with warmth and humor."

Season one of Youth is available to stream on HBO Max.

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