An 18-Year-Old Boy and a 50-Year-Old Woman Are Not as Far Apart as You Might Think

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

Sharon Horgan has created and stars in *Youth*, an eight-part HBO Max series blending autobiographical fiction to explore divorce, family dynamics, and ageing through the story of a 50-year-old literary agent balancing care for her parents and raising her teenage son. Collaborating closely with co-star Aran Murphy and consulting younger voices, Horgan aims to authentically portray modern intergenerational relationships and the challenges of midlife, connecting especially with women navigating similar life stages.

Sharon Horgan, the Irish writer and actress known for creating acclaimed comedy series such as *Catastrophe* and *Motherland*, returns to autobiographical fiction with her new show *Youth*, which explores themes of divorce, family, and self-discovery. The eight-part series, available on HBO Max, stars Horgan as Alex, a 50-year-old literary agent in London who is navigating the complexities of divorce while caring for ageing parents and raising her teenage son, Ruari. The role of Ruari is played by Aran Murphy, the 19-year-old son of actor Cillian Murphy.

Drawing on her personal experiences, including her divorce from TV producer Jeremy Rainbird in 2019, Horgan describes *Youth* as a blend of autobiography and fiction. She said with a laugh that she hopes viewers cannot tell which elements are drawn from real life, as it would be “quite exposing.” Horgan, 56, pointed out that the series reflects a stage in life familiar to her and many of her friends—balancing adult children, ageing parents, and demanding careers.

Although Horgan has two daughters, she chose to focus the series on a mother-and-son relationship, finding the dynamic particularly compelling. She noted differences in communication styles between sons and daughters, observing that boys often keep their feelings inside, making the teenage son character more inarticulate. To capture an authentic portrayal of an 18-year-old boy living in 2026, Horgan involved Aran Murphy in the creative process. She consulted with younger men in the writer’s room and set up a WhatsApp group with Murphy to share current social media trends, ensuring the character’s behavior felt genuine rather than imagined by someone from an older generation.

The series also explores the theme of time running out, inspired by the saying “50 is the youth of old age.” Horgan reflected on the awareness of ageing and shifting life milestones, such as the quarter-life crisis and turning 40. She candidly described the physical challenges of being a woman in her 50s as a mix of frustration and humor, something she aimed to represent on screen. Horgan highlighted her connection to a predominantly female audience, especially Irish women, viewing her work as a combination of entertainment and a subtle public service announcement.

Aran Murphy described his character Ruari as a realistic depiction of young men today, grappling with emotional turbulence and the pressures of university life and social media. He praised the show’s handling of these themes as relevant and relatable. Speaking about his on-screen relationship with Horgan’s character, he noted its volatility and humor, attributing the better qualities of his character to the influence of his mother.

Looking ahead, Murphy expressed enthusiasm for exploring diverse roles and genres, including comedy, which he finds challenging but enjoyable when working alongside seasoned performers like Horgan. Together, their collaboration brings a nuanced and contemporary perspective to the complexities of family and personal growth across generations.

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