Younger Ending Explained: Liza’s Journey, Love, and Career Growth in the Publishing World

In Younger, Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) is a freshly divorced 40-year-old who is determined to re-enter the workforce after a 15-year absence to support her teenage daughter. She faces challenges in securing a job due to her age. After an unexpected encounter with Josh (Nico Tortorella), a young tattoo artist who mistakes her for a millennial, Liza decides to take a bold step.

She pretends to be younger, using a fake ID and a reworked social media profile to land a job at Empirical Publishing, a prestigious New York City publishing house.

Liza’s decision to fake her age sets off a journey full of deceit. As she tries to keep her secret, she constantly questions her choices and self-worth. Her actions throughout the series are motivated by fear that her lie will be exposed and that it will ruin her relationships, especially with Josh. Liza’s persona as a millennial is temporary in her mind, which leads her to adopt a mentality of being a secondary character in her own life. She worries about the impact of her actions on others, especially those closest to her.

Kelsey Peters (Hilary Duff) also experiences significant growth throughout Younger. Starting as an assistant at Empirical, Kelsey works hard to prove her worth and eventually creates the Millennial Imprint. After significant personal and professional development, Kelsey decided to leave Empirical and start her own publishing brand called Inkubator.

This decision signals her move beyond Charles’ influence and toward her own dreams. Though she initially struggled with Liza’s secret, Kelsey remains a loyal friend, and their bond strengthens as they both find their paths in the competitive world of publishing.

Josh and Liza’s Relationship: Love That Transcends Age and Secrets

Liza’s relationship with Josh, the tattoo artist, becomes central to her story. Despite the complications caused by Liza’s lie, their connection remains deep throughout the series. From their first meeting, it is clear that Josh and Liza share a strong bond, but when Josh learns the truth about her age, Liza worries their relationship has an expiration date.

However, Josh proves to be understanding, and their love remains strong despite the obstacles they face. By the series finale, their relationship stands as a testament to how love can transcend age, with the final moments suggesting a future together.

Charles Brooks (Peter Hermann), the older love interest, symbolizes the ideal life Liza thinks she desires—one without secrets and with an age-appropriate partner who supports her dreams. He has no idea Liza is much older than she claims, and their relationship flourishes under that misconception.

However, when Liza’s secret is finally revealed, Charles struggles to accept it. Despite his attempts to maintain their relationship and his support for Liza’s career, his inability to forgive the lie causes their eventual breakup. In the end, Charles retreats to focus on his own career, leaving Liza to move on.

Lauren’s Bold, Unapologetic Personality Provides a Contrast to Liza’s

Lauren (Molly Bernard) is a standout character in Younger due to her fearless and unapologetic approach to life. Whether she is throwing an extravagant bar mitzvah or embracing a gender-fluid romantic life, Lauren is always true to herself.

Over time, Lauren becomes more prominent at Empirical, taking over Diana’s role in marketing after Diana’s departure. Lauren’s journey also includes reconciling with her ex-boyfriend Max, who reveals that their relationship helped him realize his bisexuality. Lauren’s boldness serves as a model for Liza, encouraging her to embrace her own truth and follow her heart.

Maggie (Debi Mazar), Liza’s friend and roommate, also experiences growth, particularly in her romantic life. After several complicated relationships, Maggie settles into a traditional relationship with Mags (Janeane Garofalo), a woman who had once been her teacher.

This relationship signals a shift in Maggie’s approach to love and her ability to embrace stability. As the series reaches its conclusion, Maggie’s story comes full circle, just as Liza and her friends move forward into new phases of their lives. Maggie’s evolution highlights the theme of following one’s heart and finding fulfillment.

The final moments of Younger offer a sense of closure for many of its characters, though the endings are open to interpretation. Liza’s journey concludes with a sense of acceptance and a possible future with Josh, despite the challenges they faced throughout the series.

Meanwhile, Kelsey finds success with her new publishing venture, Charles steps back from Empirical, and Lauren takes on a larger role in the company. Maggie’s romantic life is also settled, and the show ends on a note that suggests all of the characters have grown into their authentic selves.