Okay, I know this might be hard to believe, but as a millennial—one who lived through the Tumblr era, the rise of Instagram, and yes, even the indie sleaze renaissance—I had never watched GIRLS on HBO. Shocking, right? I avoided it for years, convinced it was just a show about a group of annoying, privileged white girls bumbling around what was then the “up-and-coming” Williamsburg, Brooklyn. And honestly? Based on the clips and commentary I’d seen, I didn’t feel like I was missing much.
But now, over a decade later, nostalgia is doing what nostalgia does best—calling us back to the chaotic charm of our youth. The younger siblings of the GIRLS-watching crowd are now grown, reminiscing about a simpler, pre-Instagram life. And those of us who skipped it? We’re suddenly curious about a time when indie sleaze ruled, Facebook was the only social media that mattered, and underground parties weren’t documented in 4K. Back when you carried your iPod in your pocket and life felt like one long, confusing existential crisis.
Triggered (lovingly) by endless TikTok edits of Shoshanna being the underrated queen she is, I finally gave in.
I’m three episodes in, and let me tell you—my initial assumptions? SPOT. ON. But also… weirdly cathartic.
The Character Roll Call: Judgement, Nostalgia, and a Little Self-Reflection
Hannah – Annoying AF. Let’s call it what it is: she’s the poster child for entitled 23-year-olds getting cut off from their parents’ bankroll. Tantrums included. But you know what? She’s supposed to be annoying. She’s 23. Emotional immaturity is practically a job description at that age.
Marnie – Also annoying. Gorgeous and bored with her “safe” boyfriend, Charlie. She has that subtle pretty privilege energy—never acknowledged, but felt. It’s the lack of self-awareness for me. But again – I get it.
Jessa – HATE. I’ve met this type: too cool for everything, detached, as if feeling emotions is beneath her. Craving validation but pretending to care about nothing. She’s the female fuckboy archetype, and I fear she’ll stay that way. But we’ll see…
Adam – LOATHE. The artsy Brooklyn fuckboy trope personified. Ugh. Maybe it’s triggering because I’ve definitely dated an Adam—or two. 🙄
Shoshanna – A deer in headlights. She feels like she doesn’t quite fit in, but that’s why she stands out. She’s awkward, unsure, but also seems the most real. The TikTok girlies were right…so far…
Charlie – Sweet, but wow, codependent much? His mopiness is painful to watch. But hey, he’s in his early 20s—this is just his origin story. Growth pending.
Ray – CREEP. You know that guy who still dresses like a skater kid at 35? That’s Ray. Of course, dating someone his age wouldn’t work—they wouldn’t idolize him. Gross.
Why I Hate Them… and Why That’s the Point
Here’s the thing: I don’t like any of them. But I’m not supposed to. I’m in my late 30s. My brain is fully cooked. I’ve survived my canon events, had my character arc (or a few), and now I get to watch them flail with the clarity of hindsight.
Trauma? You mean my lore?
Watching GIRLS feels like yelling at a younger version of myself: “OMG you idiot, why are you doing that?!” It’s personal. My twenties were in NYC, in that Williamsburg. Every time an indie sleaze anthem drops, I feel like the Manchurian Candidate—instantly transported. I’ve fallen for the musician (never again), struggled with “adulting,” felt lost while assuming everyone else had it all figured out. I’ve met an Adam. I’ve had a Jessa in my life.
A Time Capsule, Not Just a Show
The wardrobe, the slang, the energy—GIRLS is a perfect time capsule. Lena Dunham really nailed that chaotic post-grad, pre-Instagram phase of life. And now, with therapy under my belt and some hard-won wisdom, I can watch it and still be annoyed—but also empathetic.
Hannah calling Adam for his weird hookup antics? Stupid, but relatable. Marnie avoiding the breakup convo with Charlie? Classic 20s behavior. Avoiding discomfort only to cause more hurt. But you don’t learn that until you live it—and self-reflect.
The Real Lesson: Doing the Best with What You Know
Watching these characters flounder reminded me of something my therapist always says: “You’re doing the best you can with the information you have. When you know better, you do better.” And that’s what these characters are. Annoying? Yes. But also mirrors of who we were, or people we knew.
I thought I was avoiding GIRLS, but maybe it just found me at the right time.
Three episodes in, and I’m already grateful. Grateful for the cringe. Grateful for the nostalgia. Grateful for how far I’ve come.
If you care to join me in this time capsule, click here to watch GIRLS 💖
Here’s to indie sleaze Kelly. 🖤
