Sharon Horgan’s new HBO half-hour comedy series Youth examines the chaotic, humorous, and deeply relatable realities of entering one’s 50s. Starring Horgan as Alex, a London literary agent navigating an empty nest, perimenopause, and complicated modern responsibilities, the series marks the latest chapter in Horgan’s exploration of life’s stages.
Following her breakout BBC series Pulling,
which focused on 20somethings, and her collaboration on Catastrophe,
which centered on early parenthood and long-term monogamy, Horgan positions Youth as the conclusion of a trilogy of sorts mapping closely onto her own biography.
Managing Midlife Chaos and Career Pressures
Alex’s life is full to the brim with responsibilities. She manages her career at a literary agency run by her best friend and boss, Sam (Sharlene Whyte), where the two clash over artistic quality versus commerciality. Tensions boil over when Alex rejects an author of a romantasy novel called The Goblin Seed,
which ultimately becomes a massive bestseller, leaving her facing the wrath of the author.
Outside of work, Alex faces a generational sandwich of obligations. Her elderly parents need more attention, her teenage son Ruairi (played by Aran Murphy, son of Cillian) is heading to university while secretly struggling with modern concerns, and her absentee ex-husband Lorcan is saved in her phone under Dick for Brains.
She also juggles a confusing situationship with Pat (Rupert Friend).
Humor and Modern Realities
The series opens with a montage of women winning awards and taking part in extreme challenges before cutting to Alex scrolling through social media on her couch. Distracted by videos ranging from facelifts to a clip about menopause, Alex drops her phone on her face, setting the tone for a show that blends sharp dialogue with awkward, everyday mishaps.
Despite the trials of aging, perimenopause, and family stress, Youth leans into a loose and light feel. Through Horgan’s writing and magnetic screen presence, the inevitable consequences of aging are met with aspiration, botched experimentation, and plenty of laughs.