‘I didn’t know if I’d ever have sex again’: inside Sharon Horgan’s excruciating post-divorce comedy

Horgan’s hilarious new show probes the perils of ageing and the horror of being single again – and it has sex scenes so wild you’ll be laughing for weeks. The creator and her co-stars open up about Youth

‘I didn’t know if I’d ever have sex again’: inside Sharon Horgan’s excruciating post-divorce comedy

TL;DR

  • The series 'Youth' by Sharon Horgan focuses on the 'sandwich generation,' with the protagonist Alex caring for her son and elderly parents while dealing with divorce and her career.
  • Horgan drew inspiration from her own life and friends' experiences, aiming to capture the urgency and emotional complexity of reaching her 50s.
  • Co-star Rupert Friend plays Patrick, a potential love interest for Alex, highlighting the complexities of dating and biological clocks for men and women.
  • Aran Murphy portrays Alex's son, Ruari, a realistic and complex teenager dealing with the anxieties of Gen Z.
  • The show also delves into the challenges of caring for aging parents, depicting their stubbornness and the impact on family dynamics.
  • Horgan's writing is characterized by its avoidance of sentimentality, focusing instead on genuine emotion and the balance between humor and pathos.
  • The series features strong supporting performances from actors like Anne Reid, Harriet Walter, and Damian Lewis, who contribute to the show's sharp depiction of various aspects of life and industry.