HBO Inks Two-Year First-Look Deal with Sharon Horgan and Merman, Orders New Original Comedy Series

HBO has signed a two-year first-look television deal with BAFTA-winning and Emmy®-nominated actor, writer, and producer Sharon Horgan (“Bad Sisters,” “Catastrophe”) and her multi award-winning production company Merman, which began this month. HBO has also given a straight-to-series order for a new original comedy series, the first project under this deal, from Horgan and produced by Merman, with Horgan serving as writer, star, and executive producer.

This comedy series from Sharon Horgan follows a 50-year-old divorcee’s search for sex and love whilst juggling caring for her ailing parents and parenting her should-be grown up son.

Amy Gravitt, Executive Vice President, HBO & Max Comedy Programming, quote:

“We’re thrilled to be reunited with Sharon. Her willingness to offer up her own experiences through the characters she creates makes us all feel a little less lonely, that is what sets her comedy apart so brilliantly. She also has such a sharp eye for material and a strong desire to shepherd other people’s stories, we’re looking forward to the new talent she will bring into the fold.”

Sharon Horgan, writer, star and executive producer, quote:

“I’m so happy to once again be working with Casey, Amy, Francesca and the team at HBO, and really excited that Merman get to continue to tell stories for a company that’s been home to some of the most iconic television shows ever created.”

About Sharon Horgan: Horgan has created and starred in such series as “Pulling,” “Catastrophe,” “Motherland,” “Amandaland” and BAFTA and Peabody winning series “Bad Sisters,” which recently released its second season. She received Emmy® nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (“Catastrophe”), Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (“Bad Sisters”).

About Merman: Merman is a globally renowned production and entertainment company working across the UK and US. Founded in 2014, it has a reputation for scripting and producing award-winning TV and film and receiving a plethora of accolades, including numerous BAFTAs and multiple Emmy® and RTS nominations. Recent TV projects include season two of the critically acclaimed, BAFTA winning series “Bad Sisters,” multi award winning “Motherland” and its highly anticipated spin-off “Amandaland,” which launched in early 2025 to widespread acclaim.

Credits: The untitled HBO Original comedy series is produced by Merman. Sharon Horgan will write, star in and executive produce the series.