The Best 'Girls' Seasons, Ranked

Ranker TV
Updated April 27, 2024 4 items

HBO's groundbreaking series, Girls, not only received critical acclaim but also became a cultural phenomenon. Throughout the show's six-season run, viewers got to know the complexities of four young women navigating through life in New York City while tackling relationships, friendships, and career struggles. When it comes to discussing the best Girls seasons, it's essential to consider not only how these seasons have shaped characters and storylines but also how they've contributed to the growth of television as a medium. 

The best seasons of Girls showcase Lena Dunham's talent for creating compelling and realistic stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Each season builds upon the previous one, enriching both character development and plotlines, making it challenging to narrow down which stand out most. 

Among the many Girls seasons that are often considered favorites are Season 1, Season 2, and Season 3. The first season introduced viewers to Hannah, Marnie, Jessa, and Shoshanna while setting up their individual journeys in a way that felt fresh and authentic. Season 2 delved deeper into their personal lives and showcased some dark yet fascinating moments; meanwhile, Season 3 continued evolving these intricate characters while offering memorable storylines such as Hannah's experience at the Iowa Writers' Workshop. These three seasons are good examples of what makes Girls an exceptional television show.

As we celebrate the various popular seasons of Girls in retrospect, it becomes apparent just how influential this series has been. The very notion of choosing which among them were truly "the best" illustrates just how richly textured each installment was - a testament to Dunham's creative genius and her team's dedication to producing quality content consistently throughout its run. Ultimately, these best Girls seasons serve as a reminder of how the show has left its mark on viewers and popular culture alike. 

  • Girls: Season 1
    Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY
    1
    51 VOTES

    Girls: Season 1

    First Aired: April 15, 2012

    Aspiring writer Hannah Horvath is cut off from her parents' support and loses her internship. She is joined by friends Marnie, Shoshanna, and Jessa. The season follows all the trials these young woman making their way in New York City.

    Top episodes include "Vagina Panic," "Hannah's Diary," and "Leave Me Alone." 

    Interesting moments in this season:
    - Jessa finding out her pregnancy was a false alarm  
    - Shoshanna getting turned down for being a virgin
    - Shoshanna smoking a crack by accident
    51 votes
  • 2
    44 VOTES

    Girls: Season 3

    First Aired: March 17, 2014

    WIth Hannah on medication for her OCD, Marnie recovering from a second breakup, Shoshanna in another relationship, and Jessa in rehab, it's another season of challenges for the girls. 

    Significant episodes include "She Said OK," "Free Snacks," and "Two Plane Rides."

    Interesting moments in this season:
    - Hannah, Adam, and Shoshanna going to pick up Jessa
    - Hannah's grandmother Flo dies of pneumonia
    - Hannah purposefully gets herself fired from GQ magazine
    44 votes
  • Girls: Season 2
    Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY
    3
    38 VOTES

    Girls: Season 2

    First Aired: December 17, 2012

    Hannah takes care of Adam while he nurses a broken leg. Marnie loses her job and the girls find out that Jessa is married. Shoshanna has a relationship that later flames out.

    Interesting episodes this season include "Bad Friend," "Boys," and "On All Fours."

    Interesting moments in this season:  
    - Hannah and Elijah doing cocaine for a project 
    - Hannah coining the word "sexit" 
    - Hannah deals with her OCD
    38 votes
  • Girls: Season 4
    Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY
    4
    37 VOTES

    Girls: Season 4

    First Aired: March 10, 2015

    Hannah moves to Iowa, hoping it will be easier than New York. Shoshanna tries to find a new job but ends up messing up her attempt. Marnie goes through some tensions with her current flame. 

    This season's notable episodes include "Female Author," "Sit-In," and "Daddy Issues." 

    Interesting moments this season:
    - Elijah and Hannah crash a frat party
    - Shoshanna ruining her job interview
    - Hannah's father revealing that he's gay
    37 votes