HBO Max Orders New Lena Dunham Series

HBO Max has greenlit the half-hour dramedy Generation from executive producer Lena Dunham, marking the streamer’s first pilot to get a full series order.

The series is created by 18-year-old Zelda Barnz and her father Daniel Barnz, who also directs. Generation is a dark yet playful dramedy following a group of high school students whose exploration of modern sexuality tests deeply entrenched beliefs about life, love and the nature of family in their conservative community.

Generation’s cast includes Nathanya Alexander, Chloe East, Nava Mau, Lukita Maxwell, Haley Sanchez, Uly Schlesinger, Sam Trammell, Chase Sui Wonders with Justice Smith and Martha Plimpton. Ben Barnz executive produces alongside Dunham. The series is produced by We’re Not Brothers Productions and Good Thing Going Productions.

“Daniel and Zelda are an incredibly passionate team with true vision and authenticity, providing an inside look at the windy path many adolescents have to navigate as they come to terms with their identity and sexuality in Generation,” said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max.

“Zelda has a particular ability to speak to and about her generation with humor and relatability, only brought further to life by this incredible cast. We couldn’t be prouder of a show to mark our first pilot to series order for HBO Max,” added Kevin Reilly, chief content officer HBO Max and president of TBS, TNT and TruTV.

“I wanted to see myself and kids my own age represented on TV in a way that felt real, without judgment or nostalgia. I’m so appreciative of my mentor and soul-sister Lena Dunham for all her support and guidance, and so thankful to HBO Max for making this crazy dream come true,” said Zelda Barnz.

Dunham added: “I have fallen head over heels for this brilliant family, who have allowed their 18-year-old daughter Zelda to express herself in a way that’s both effortlessly funny and plumbs the depths of the adolescent experience. Daniel’s direction is sensitive and artful and as a producer, Ben is equally committed to rigor and fun. I cannot wait for people to see Zelda’s brilliance come to life and to meet this insanely impressive cast of honest, powerful performers and I’m so excited to be a part of the soon to be juggernaut of HBO Max.”