HBO announced that the critically acclaimed series Girls will return for a limited run, marking the first new episodes of the show since its 2017 finale. The revival, consisting of five episodes, will reunite creator Lena Dunham with the core cast members Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet and Andrew Rannells, and production is scheduled to start in 2027.
Announcement details
The news was delivered during a mock Zoom call that featured Dunham and her former co‑stars. During the call, Dunham explained that the decision to revive the series hinged on having "a specific story we were burning to tell," adding that the idea crystallized around her 40th birthday. She humorously noted, "once this fivesome starts talking it's pretty hard to get them to stop," underscoring the chemistry that defined the original run.
Creative team
Judd Apatow, who helped launch the series on HBO, will return as an executive producer, ensuring continuity in the show's tone and vision. While other former collaborators such as Adam Driver and co‑showrunner Jenni Konner are not mentioned in the official statement, the core creative leadership appears focused on Dunham and Apatow.
What to expect
According to HBO programming executive Amy Gravitt, the revival will explore the characters’ lives as they transition from their twenties into their forties. She said, "the world has changed since we last saw Hannah, Marnie, Shoshanna, Jessa, and Elijah," suggesting that the new episodes will reflect both personal growth and broader cultural shifts.
Background on the original series
Girls aired for six seasons from 2012 to 2017, earning 19 Emmy nominations and winning two, including Best Casting. The series followed the intertwined lives of four friends—Hannah (Dunham), Marnie (Williams), Jessa (Kirke), and Shoshanna (Mamet)—as they navigated adulthood in New York City. It was praised for its authentic portrayal of millennial experiences, though it also sparked controversy for its candid treatment of topics such as sexuality and mental health.
Reception and legacy
The BBC ranked Girls at number 30 on its "100 Greatest TV Shows of the 21st Century" list, reflecting its lasting impact on contemporary television. Since the series ended, Dunham has continued to work in the industry, creating the Netflix series Too Much in 2025 and directing the indie film Sharp Stick.
Future outlook
The limited revival offers longtime fans a chance to reconnect with beloved characters while introducing the series to a new audience. As Dunham wrote on her Substack, "it's rare in life that you get the chance to return to something you love with new knowledge and a ... ton of gratitude," hinting at a reflective tone that may characterize the upcoming episodes.
With production slated for 2027, viewers can anticipate the return of the distinctive voice and humor that made Girls a cultural touchstone, now framed within the context of its characters' evolution into middle age.