HBO is officially bringing back Girls for a seventh season, and the news comes with a mix of excitement and bittersweetness. The network has ordered five new episodes of the beloved coming-of-age comedy, which originally ran for six seasons from 2012 to 2017. While plot details remain tightly under wraps, the revival will see Lena Dunham reprise her role as Hannah, alongside Allison Williams (Marnie), Jemima Kirke (Jessa), Zosia Mamet (Shoshanna), and Andrew Rannells (Elijah). However, one notable absence has fans buzzing: Adam Driver will not be returning.
The announcement arrives as HBO continues to dominate the entertainment landscape. The network has already enjoyed a stellar year with the second season of The Pitt, the hit medical drama starring Noah Wyle, and two Game of Thrones spin-offs—A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and House of the Dragon. The former was renewed for a second season before its first episode even aired, a testament to HBO's confidence in its slate. Now, with Girls returning, the network is clearly banking on nostalgia and the enduring appeal of its iconic shows.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Girls follows an aspiring writer and her three friends navigating life in New York City after college. The show was praised for its raw, often uncomfortable honesty about young adulthood, earning an 89% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. The official synopsis describes Hannah as a writer who wants success without the effort, Marnie as the Type-A best friend with a serious boyfriend, Jessa as the free-spirited bohemian, and Shoshanna as the NYU student yearning for a Sex and the City lifestyle. The revival is expected to pick up with these characters years later, though specifics are still under wraps.
The decision to exclude Adam Driver is a significant one. Driver's character, Adam Sackler, was a central figure in Hannah's life, and their on-again, off-again relationship was a cornerstone of the series. While no official reason has been given for his absence, it's likely due to his busy film career—he's been a major movie star since the show ended, with roles in Star Wars and Marriage Story. Fans will have to wait to see how the revival addresses his character's fate.
Filming for the new episodes is slated to begin sometime next year, with a likely release in 2028. That gives the creative team plenty of time to craft a story that honors the original series while exploring where these characters have ended up. Given the show's reputation for tackling uncomfortable truths, the revival could offer a poignant look at middle age and the lingering questions of youth.
For those who want to revisit the original six seasons, they're currently streaming on HBO Max. And while you're there, you might also check out Prime Video's perfect weekend trio for a different kind of nostalgia. The revival of Girls is sure to spark plenty of discussion, much like the show did during its original run. Stay tuned for more updates as production details emerge.
In the meantime, fans can also explore other HBO classics that have left a lasting impact. For instance, why Luke Danes is the heart of Gilmore Girls offers a similar blend of humor and heart. And if you're in the mood for more revival news, Netflix's Hollywood Arts revival might fill the void left by other shows.
As we await the return of Girls, it's clear that HBO is betting big on its legacy properties. With Girls joining the ranks of other revivals, the network is proving that great storytelling never really goes out of style. The five-episode seventh season is poised to be a major event, and we'll be here to cover every twist and turn.
