Sarah Jessica Parker on her return to TV in new comedy drama Divorce

While the decision that it is time to end a marriage might be made in an instant, Sarah Jessica Parker’s new ­television series, Divorce, shows that making a clean break and a fresh start is a painful process that can drag out over years filled with high drama.

Curiously, when one considers the intensity of the subject matter and the pain it often involves, this new HBO series – which begins on Monday, October 10 on OSN First HD – bills itself as a comedy. Don’t let that fool you, however, as this is by far the darkest, most sombre material Parker has ever attempted.

"Divorce is about people trying to navigate a really unhappy and difficult experience," ­she says.

Don’t expect buoyant, ­bubbly romance, then, as Parker ­wrestles with the role of Frances, a woman who, after more than a decade of marriage and two children, begins to rethink her life and frayed relationship with husband Robert, played by Thomas Haden Church ­(Sideways).

"I want to save my life while I still care about it," Frances says during her epiphany.

Returning to television after a 12-year break came easily for Parker. After all, she starred in the Emmy-winning Sex and the City – as Carrie Bradshaw who, along with her three friends Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, explored Manhattan’s dating scene – for six seasons before it ended its run in 2004.

Two reunion movies followed, in 2008 and 2010. Parker won four Golden Globes, three Screen Actor Guild Awards and two Emmys for her performance as Carrie.