Sharon Horgan Unpacks 'Youth' Finale & HBO Future

Creator, writer, and star Sharon Horgan recently discussed the evolution of her HBO series, 'Youth,' and her growth as a storyteller. The series follows Alex, a 50-year-old divorcee navigating family responsibilities and a complex love life while on a journey of self-discovery. Alex, a literary agent played by Horgan, cares for her aging parents and raises a teenage son, all while drawn to Patrick (Rupert Friend) despite uncertainties about their future and aligning priorities. The finale sees Alex making significant decisions about her romantic relationship before returning to bond with her son.

Horgan revealed that she is glad she waited a few years to write 'Youth' after first conceiving the idea. This delay allowed the series to become more hopeful, funnier, and wiser. She explains that if she had written it during the initial period of hitting menopause, coming out of a divorce, and re-entering the singles market, it would have been a much darker and less humorous story. Waiting provided her with more experience and perspective, allowing her to write about love from a different, more evolved place, embodying the adage "tragedy plus time equals comedy."

Reflecting on her journey as a storyteller, Horgan admitted she initially lacked confidence in her voice. Having primarily worked in writing duos for shows like 'Catastrophe,' 'Motherland,' and 'Pulling,' she found 'Bad Sisters,' despite having a writers' room, solidified her individual narrative control. This experience was crucial for her confidence to write 'Youth' solo. She learned to trust her instinct, even when fear arose about how her honest, lived experiences might be perceived on screen. Consistently, audiences have responded by relating to her truths, reinforcing her belief in authentic storytelling.

Horgan actively seeks challenges in her projects to evolve as an artist. She deliberately moved from half-hour comedies to an hour-long drama and thriller with 'Bad Sisters,' an adaptation that pushed her boundaries. With 'Youth,' she aimed to tell a new story in the half-hour format without a writing partner, delving into a difficult, often unfunny period of life. She believes in avoiding the easy or obvious path to keep her work fresh and engaging for both herself and her audience, preventing diminishing returns.

Specific narrative choices in 'Youth' also highlight Horgan's unique approach. She intentionally incorporated her real-life UTI trauma into Alex's story, finding humor and relatability in characters dealing with significant life events while simultaneously battling common physical discomforts. In the penultimate episode, Alex's discovery of Patrick's pros and cons list, particularly the 'con' about not having children, leads her to leave without explanation. Horgan explains this as stemming from Alex's vulnerability and Patrick's prior assurance, combined with Alex's struggle with communication. This choice, and the later comedic metaphor of a bicycle crash after Alex tells Patrick she's making it easy for him, allows Horgan to explore complex, dark times through the lens of comedy, offering both emotional depth and release.

Looking to the future, Horgan is open to the possibility of a second season for 'Youth,' acknowledging that ideas for the characters are always present in her mind. She finds the prospect of exploring Alex's interactions with other people or delving deeper into her relationship with Patrick equally compelling. Additionally, Horgan frequently considers a third season for her acclaimed Apple TV series, 'Bad Sisters,' especially when she reconnects with the cast, noting that the idea of reboots is always on her mind. 'Youth' is available to watch on HBO and stream on HBO Max.