Girls HBO revival from Lena Dunham shifts the characters into a new era
A 40th birthday milestone prompted a five-episode return to the comedy, but major figures from the original series remain conspicuously absent.
HBO has ordered a five-episode limited revival of Girls, network executives and series creator Lena Dunham announced on Tuesday, October 13. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027, marking 10 years since the comedy-drama ended its six-season run in 2017.
Lena Dunham is set to reprise her role as Hannah Horvath alongside original stars Allison Williams as Marnie Michaels, Jemima Kirke as Jessa Johansson, and Zosia Mamet as Shoshanna Shapiro. Andrew Rannells will also return as Elijah Krantz, with executive producer Judd Apatow back on board.
Former co-showrunner and executive producer Jenni Konner is not returning for the revival series, according to reports from Deadline and TheWrap, following the end of her and Dunham’s production partnership in 2018.
What Lena Dunham said
Dunham explained the timing of the project in an official press statement on Tuesday. “We always said we would only return to Girls if there was a specific story we were burning to tell,” she said.
“I’ve missed these characters, but for a long time I couldn’t quite picture them in the present day,” Dunham continued. “Then, right around my fortieth birthday, they started talking to me in the shower.”
Reflecting on revisiting the show, Dunham added: “It’s rare that you get the chance to return to something that changed your life with the gift of hindsight and a whole new level of gratitude and understanding.”
Amy Gravitt, Head of HBO and Max Comedy Programming, welcomed the return in an official statement. “We’re thrilled to have Lena turn her gaze from the tumult of one’s twenties to the milestone of turning forty,” Gravitt said.
How the cast reacted
The announcement arrived with a video showing the returning cast members agreeing to the project. Andrew Rannells quickly agreed to join the revival, commenting: “I’m in. But only ‘cause you trashcans need constant supervision,” as reported by Complex.
Jemima Kirke agreed to participate while lighting a cigarette in the clip, remarking: “As long as it’s not too much of a commitment, I’m not doing a year,” according to TheWrap.
What we know and what comes next
During its original run on HBO from 2012 to 2017, Girls earned 19 Emmy nominations, took home two Emmy wins, and secured two Golden Globe Awards in 2013.
It remains unconfirmed whether other key original cast members will appear in the new episodes. According to reports from TheWrap and the Los Angeles Times, HBO has not confirmed appearances by Adam Driver (Adam Sackler), Christopher Abbott (Charlie Dattolo), or Alex Karpovsky (Ray Ploshansky).
The question regarding Driver follows Dunham’s memoir Famesick, published in April 2026, in which she alleged past volatile behavior by the actor on set. When asked about Dunham’s book at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026, Driver stated: “I have no comment on any of that. I’m saving it all for my book”
HBO has not yet announced an official title, specific plot details, or a broadcast date for the revival.
