HBO has confirmed the second-season debuts of the acclaimed series “Enlightened” and “Girls,” with both shows scheduled to kick off ten-episode second seasons in Jan. 2013.

“Enlightened” tells the story of an ambitious executive at a global conglomerate, who returns to her fractured life after a humiliating public breakdown, determined to lead a more enlightened existence. But her newfound noble intentions only ratchet up the drama, wreaking unexpected havoc on those around her. Laura Dern stars in the series, which she executive produces along with Mike White, who also co-stars, writes and directs. The show concluded its first season in December 2011, with Dern receiving a 2012 Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical.

The Los Angeles Times called “Enlightened” “the most interesting and ambitious series of the fall season,” while the Hollywood Reporter hailed it as “very funny” and “emotionally resonant.” The New York Times described the show as “funny, sardonic,” and the Washington Post termed it “wonderfully realized” and “unique.”

Created by and starring Lena Dunham, “Girls” takes a comic look at the assorted humiliations and rare triumphs of a group of girls in their early 20s. Dunham, Judd Apatow and Jenni Konner executive produce the show, which concluded its first season in June. Bruce Eric Kaplan and Ilene S. Landress co-executive produce. The cast also includes Jemima Kirke, Allison Williams, Zosia Mamet, Adam Driver and Alex Karpovsky.

The series recently received five Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Lena Dunham), Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Lena Dunham) and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Lena Dunham).

“Girls” was called “smart, funny” and “groundbreaking” by the San Francisco Chronicle, while New York Magazine hailed it as “the ballsiest show on TV.” People described the show as “brilliant,” and TV Guide said it was “brilliantly raw” and a “true breakthrough.”

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After a couple of years in development, HBO’s new series this season Enlightened, starring Laura Dern debuted this October. Enlightened follows a self-destructive executive who, after a very public breakdown, has a philosophical awakening to turn her life around. The cast includes Diana Ladd, Laura Dern’s real-life mother, and Luke Wilson as Dern’s character Amy’s ex-husband.

Episode #5: “Not Good Enough Mothers” Debut:  MONDAY, NOV. 7 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)

After learning on TV about the deportation woes of a Mexican-born mother, Amy tries to motivate her co-workers to join her at a lunchtime rally for the family. Later, with the support of Tyler (Mike White), she decides to organize a women’s group at Abaddonn, and looks to enlist Judy (Amy Hill), head of human resources, by taking her out to dinner.

She also targets Krista’s (Sarah Burns) baby shower as a place to recruit members, but learns her cause and passion aren’t shared by the suburban domestic set.

Episode #6: “Sandy” Debut:  MONDAY, NOV. 14 (9:30-10:00 p.m.)

Amy is thrilled when Sandy (Robin Wright), whom she’d met in Hawaii during group therapy, comes to visit for a couple of days. Their kindred relationship starts to erode when Helen (Diane Ladd) refuses to put up Sandy for another night, forcing Amy to drop her friend off with Levi (Luke Wilson).

When Sandy fails to show up to teach a lunch-time yoga session at Abaddonn, Amy’s baser instincts get the better of her.

Episode #7: “Lonely Ghosts” Debut:  MONDAY, NOV. 21 (9:30-10:00 p.m.)

A disturbing dream leads Amy to confront the emptiness in her life – and her lingering feelings for Levi. At work, after Dougie (Timm Sharp) gets a promotion, she looks to get into his good graces by setting him up with Harper (Riki Lindhome), a pretty co-worker of Krista’s who had attended the yoga session. The incident brings her closer to Tyler, who has his own issues with loneliness.

Episode #8: “Comrades Unite!” Debut:  MONDAY, NOV. 28 (9:30-10:00 p.m.)

Friction increases between Amy, Dougie and the staff when she finds herself reported to HR for job deficiencies. Desperate to move out of the department, Amy tries to get Krista to get her a meeting with Damon (Charles Esten), with predictable results.

Enlightened is executive produced by Mike White and Laura Dern; co-executive producers, Miguel Arteta and Edward Saxon; producers, David Bernad and Jason Weinberg.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.tv.com

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