Youth is a 2026 British comedy–drama series created, written, and led by BAFTA-winning actress and writer Sharon Horgan. The series is directed by Dawn Shadforth and produced through Horgan’s production company, Merman. The cast includes Sharon Horgan, Rupert Friend, Sharlene Whyte, Aran Murphy, Robbie Gee, Harriet Walter, Anne Reid, and Freddie Fox.
The story follows Alex, a 50-year-old literary agent living in London. After her divorce, she tries to rebuild her personal life while dealing with work, dating, and family responsibilities. She is also caught between caring for her aging parents and raising her teenage son. The series explores relationships, sexuality, family life, aging, and the search for independence in midlife.
Youth has eight episodes and premieres on September 20, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max. The series begins with two episodes before moving to weekly Sunday releases through November 1, 2026.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Youth |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Creator/Writer | Sharon Horgan |
| Director | Dawn Shadforth |
| Starring | Sharon Horgan, Rupert Friend, Sharlene Whyte, Aran Murphy, Robbie Gee, Harriet Walter, Anne Reid, Freddie Fox |
| Runtime | Not officially confirmed |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Age Rating | TV-MA |
| Release Date | September 20, 2026 |
| Distributor/Platform | HBO / HBO Max |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Youth Age Rating
Youth is rated TV-MA (Mature Audience Only) for strong language, sexual content, adult situations, and mature themes. The story deals with divorce, dating, sexuality, family pressure, parenting, aging, and other subjects aimed at an adult audience.
The series has little to no physical violence. Instead, most of the conflict comes from family disagreements, relationship problems, emotional stress, and awkward social situations. Strong profanity is used throughout the series, including frequent use of very strong language.
The TV-MA rating means a program is intended for mature viewers and may not be suitable for children under 17. Parents should expect adult themes, language, sexual material, and situations that are more appropriate for an adult audience.
Is Youth Suitable for Kids?
Youth is not suitable for young children. The series is built around adult relationships and midlife experiences and includes strong language, sexual content, drinking, smoking, and mature discussions about relationships and family life.
Younger teenagers are not recommended to watch the series. Older teens may understand some of its family and relationship themes, but parents should consider the strong language and sexual material before allowing them to watch. Youth is mainly intended for adults.
Age-by-Suitability Table
| Age Group | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Ages 3-7 | No, not suitable for young children. |
| Ages 8-12 | No, not recommended for this age group. |
| Teens (13-15) | No, not recommended because of mature adult content. |
| Teens (16-17) | With guidance; parents should consider the strong language and sexual content. |
| Adults (18+) | Yes, intended for mature audiences. |
Youth Parents Guide
- Sex & Nudity: Youth contains significant sexual content and adult relationship themes. Characters have frank conversations about sex, dating, attraction, and intimacy. Sexual situations and encounters may be shown or strongly suggested, with partial or implied nudity possible. Sexual humor is also part of the series.
- Violence & Gore: Youth contains minimal to no violence. It is mainly a character-driven comedy-drama, so the tension comes from arguments, family problems, relationship issues, and uncomfortable situations rather than physical action. There is no major focus on graphic violence, gore, or frightening attacks.
- Profanity: Youth contains strong and frequent profanity. Characters use coarse language and adult insults in conversations, arguments, and comedic situations. Strong words, including frequent F-bombs, are part of the show’s dialogue.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: Youth contains alcohol and smoking. Characters may be seen drinking wine, beer, and spirits in social, home, and work settings. Casual smoking may also appear. Substance use is present but is not the main focus of the story.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: Youth does not focus on horror or frightening situations. However, some scenes can be emotionally intense because of family conflict, divorce, aging, parenting problems, and relationship stress. Some uncomfortable social situations may also be difficult for younger viewers.
Tips for Parents
Parents should be aware that Youth is written for an adult audience and focuses on subjects such as sexuality, divorce, aging, dating, parenting, and family responsibilities. If an older teen wants to watch the series, parents may want to preview it first and discuss the strong language and sexual themes. The family story can also provide opportunities to talk about relationships, personal boundaries, independence, and caring for family members.
Youth Official Trailer
Youth premieres on September 20, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max in the United States. The eight-episode season begins with two episodes, followed by one new episode each Sunday through the November 1 finale.
FAQs
What is the age rating for Youth?
Youth is rated TV-MA (Mature Audience Only) because of strong language, sexual content, adult situations, and mature themes.
Is Youth suitable for kids?
No, Youth is not suitable for kids. The series contains strong profanity, sexual material, drinking, smoking, and adult relationship themes.
Is Youth suitable for teenagers?
Youth is not recommended for younger teenagers. Older teens may understand the story, but parental guidance is recommended because of the strong language and sexual content.
Does Youth have violence or scary scenes?
Youth has minimal to no violence and is not a horror series. Most intense moments involve family conflict, relationship problems, emotional stress, and uncomfortable situations.
Does Youth contain sexual content or nudity?
Yes, Youth contains sexual content, frank conversations about sex and relationships, adult dating situations, and possible partial or implied nudity.
Where can I watch Youth?
Youth premieres on HBO and HBO Max on September 20, 2026. The series has eight episodes, with the first two released at the premiere and the remaining episodes scheduled weekly.