Thank Gen Z for the ‘Girls’ Revival
The HBO series served as a stand-in for everything wrong with white millennial women during its original run. Then Gen Z started watching.
Gen Z social media enthusiasts played a pivotal role in the resurgence of HBO's hit series Girls. The show's original airing in 2012 sparked controversy, with critics bombarding star Lena Dunham for sexism, misogyny, and alleged nepotism. Despite the backlash, the series remained popular among viewers, who found themselves rewatching it and sharing memes, clips, and podcasts.
Gen Z viewers, in particular, connected with the show's satirical style, which they had missed before. Amateurs Ritthaler and Lazarus, two Brooklyn comedians, launched a Girls Rewatch podcast, further igniting the show's revival. As Dunham's memoir Famesick gained traction, the show experienced a cultural resurgence, and HBO announced a five-episode reboot.
Dunham credited Gen Z fans for her motivation to return to the series, stating that their love for the show helped her overcome the harsh criticisms she faced. The revival represents a nostalgic return to millennial optimism, which Gen Z never experienced in their adult lives.
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