Criticism of HBO's Girls has largely been uncalled for. Hannah, Marnie, Jessa, and Shoshanna are ridiculed by critics for being white, privileged, and entitled, though they live in one of the most diverse cities in the world. But that's intentional. We’re supposed to laugh at their naiveté and poor life choices.
There’s been too much talk about Lena Dunham’s body and not enough talk about the real star of the show—the awkward, embarrassing, and humiliating scenes that we hate to watch, but can’t look away from. We might not admit it aloud, but there’s a lot of truth to the show when it comes to relationships, sex, and snippy microaggressions.
Here are the 15 most cringe-worthy moments on Lena Dunham’s Girls, which returns for season four tonight on HBO at 9/8c. Even if we love to watch it, we’d hate to live it.