Sharon Horgan's Youth is returning for a second season after an order from HBO, Variety reports. The renewal follows an eight-episode debut season available on HBO Max. Production and release dates for the new installment were not included in the announcement.
The family at the centre
Horgan plays Alex, a divorced woman of 50 whose relationships unfold alongside concerns about her ailing parents and a son struggling to settle into a new college.
The ensemble includes Rupert Friend as Patrick, Sharlene Whyte as Sam, Aran Murphy as Ruari and Robbie Gee as Frank. In her response to the renewal, Horgan welcomed another opportunity to collaborate with the cast and creative team and described the reaction to the show as exceeding her expectations.
Why the renewal matters to its makers
HBO places Youth among its five strongest global comedy launches. Variety also notes positive critical reception and the show's Rotten Tomatoes score at the time of publication.
Merman produces the series. Horgan combines performing, writing and executive-producing duties, with Faye Dorn for Merman, Jim Kleverweis and director Dawn Shadforth also executive producing. HBO comedy executive Amy Gravitt praised the performances and the show's ability to combine humour with emotion.
The next stage is development of the second season under that renewed commitment. Viewers still need a further announcement for the production timetable, episode details and release schedule, rather than treating the renewal itself as a premiere-date announcement.