NEW SERIES "LOOKING," STARRING JONATHAN GROFF, FRANKIE J. ALVAREZ AND MURRAY BARTLETT, FROM MICHAEL LANNAN AND ANDREW HAIGH, DEBUTS JAN. 19, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO

Patrick, Agustín and Dom are close friends living in the progressive city of San Francisco. Against the backdrop of the Bay Area, they explore the exciting and varied options available to a new generation of gay men, seeking fulfillment in love and life. From collaborators Michael Lannan and Andrew Haigh, the half-hour series LOOKING takes a frank look at the experiences of the three men when the show kicks off its eight-episode season SUNDAY, JAN. 19 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

The series stars Jonathan Groff ("Spring Awakening," HBO's upcoming "The Normal Heart") as Patrick, along with Frankie J. Alvarez ("Smash") as Agustín and Murray Bartlett ("August") as Dom.

Friendship may bind the three, but each is at a markedly different point in his journey. Patrick is a 29-year old video game designer getting back into the dating world after his ex's engagement. Though surprised by how challenging it is to find a partner, he knows he always has his friends to rely on should his efforts go astray. Agustín, 31, agrees to move in with his long-term boyfriend in Oakland, but is apprehensive about monogamy and the prospect of choosing domesticity over the energy of city life. At 39, Dom is the oldest of the group and is daunted by the success of an old flame, as well as the approach of middle age with romantic and professional goals still unfulfilled.

San Francisco is the fourth character in LOOKING, its presence intertwined with the stories of the three friends. Shot in more than 40 locations in a variety of neighborhoods, the series delves into the city beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, embracing the real San Francisco, from the expense of city living and cramped apartments to the unique natural light and rides on the Muni.

Recurring guest stars on LOOKING include Scott Bakula (HBO's "Behind the Candelabra"; "Quantum Leap"), Russell Tovey ("The History Boys"), Lauren Weedman ("Date Night"), O-T Fagbenle ("Breaking and Entering"), Andrew Law and Raúl Castillo.

January's episodes:

Episode #1: "Looking for Now"

Debut: SUNDAY, JAN. 19 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates: Jan. 19 (12:30 a.m., 2:30 a.m.), 20 (11:15 p.m.), 21 (9:30 p.m.), 22 (9:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 23 (8:30 p.m.), 24 (12:30 a.m.) and 29 (8:30 p.m.), and Feb. 5 (8:00 p.m.).

HBO2 playdates: Jan. 20 (10:30 p.m.), 23 (9:00 p.m.) and 25 (11:30 p.m.)

After a park-cruising experiment is derailed by a phone call, 29-year-old video-game designer Patrick (Jonathan Groff) meets up with his best friends, roommate Agustín (Frankie J. Alvarez), 31, and Dom (Murray Bartlett), 39, to discuss the impending wedding of his ex. The next morning, Agustín agrees to move in with his boyfriend, Frank (O-T Fagbenle), in Oakland, though he wonders if domesticating is the right move. Dom, who's been a waiter at the same restaurant for years, tells his roommate, Doris (Lauren Weedman), that he's thinking of reconnecting with old flame Ethan (Derek Ray), who has a successful real-estate career. Later, Patrick meets up with OkCupid date Benjamin (Matt Wilkas); after the date goes south, Patrick is chatted up on the Muni by Richie (Raúl Castillo), a cute barber who also works the door at a Latin drag club in the Mission.

Written by Michael Lannan; directed by Andrew Haigh.

Episode #2: "Looking for Uncut" Debut: SUNDAY, JAN. 26 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)

Other HBO playdates: Jan. 26 (12:30 a.m., 2:30 a.m.), 27 (10:45 p.m.), 28 (10:30 p.m.), 29 (9:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 30 (8:30 p.m.) and 31 (12:30 a.m.), and Feb. 5 (8:30 p.m.).

HBO2 playdates: Jan. 27 (10:30 p.m.) and 30 (9:00 p.m.), and Feb. 1 (11:30 p.m.)

When Dom helps Agustín move his belongings to Frank's house in Oakland, the two question whether Patrick is capable of a casual sexual relationship, despite his assertion that he's tired of searching for a boyfriend. Back in San Francisco, Dom meets up with his LA-ified ex Ethan, and seems intrigued when Ethan tells him he'd like to "start over" as friends. Later, Patrick and Richie go out on a date, but a tipsy Patrick becomes a little too focused on personal details.

Written by Andrew Haigh; directed by Andrew Haigh.

Jonathan Groff can currently be heard in the animated feature film hit "Frozen." He is best known for originating the lead role of Melchior in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "Spring Awakening," and played Jesse St. James on the TV series "Glee." Groff will appear in the upcoming HBO Films drama "The Normal Heart," directed by Ryan Murphy and based on the play of the same by Larry Kramer, to debut in 2014.

LOOKING is executive produced by Andrew Haigh and Sarah Condon; co-executive producers, Michael Lannan and Allan Heinberg; producer, Kat Landsberg; consulting producers, John Hoffman and Jill Soloway.