The first season of Sex Education was released on Netflix in 2019, and after seeing the trailer advertising it, I immediately binge-watched the full season and instantly fell in love. Only a couple of days ago, the second season dropped, and just like the first, I watched all eight episodes in two days. After the second season finished on a cliffhanger, I have been anxiously awaiting the announcement of the third season. I have been wondering why more people haven’t been talking about this show even though in 2019, it had over 40 million viewers and is currently sitting at 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. It may be the fact that the show takes place in the UK, and most North American viewers are unable to relate or the fact that aside from Gillian Anderson and Asa Butterfield, the majority of the cast is not well known. However, I believe that the main reason is that the show openly discusses sex, and as viewers, we often get embarrassed discussing the subject of sex even though it is a basic human function.
Not only does Sex Education discuss open and healthy sexual relationships, it also discusses different sexual health issues, such as vaginismus. It also addresses the topic of abortion, depicting one of the leading female characters having an abortion. Otis, played by Asa Butterfield, acts as a sex therapist for the students at his school. Although the show comically delivers his advice, it still opens up a conversation about different sexual health problems that exist. Even though this show is meant to be entertainment, it still provides more information than other sex education programs that are offered in schools. In the second season, they address the fact that most sex education programs are lacking and that, especially in high school, there are so many students who wish had been taught.
Sex Education is also an incredibly diverse show, reflecting what our world looks like today. So often tv shows are lacking in diversity, so it is refreshing to see a show that breaks those barriers and is more inclusive. Many of the main characters in this show are different races and religions, as well as genders and sexual orientations. This is one of the first shows that I have ever seen that has an asexual and a pansexual character, and almost every episode shows relationships from the LGBTQ community. This new season also has a character that is paraplegic and is played by an actor who has paraplegia himself. One of the most moving episodes for me was when one of the main characters was sexually assaulted on a bus. Although it had been avoided talking about it, all the other female characters showed up to ride the bus with her and support her. It was a small gesture that moved mountains for me, and it showed how a group of girls who never really got along with each other, come together to show the power of girls supporting girls.
High school can be difficult, and Sex Education accurately describes the struggles and emotions one goes through when it comes to growing up. It is a refreshing break from the stereotypical shows that are on tv and Netflix at the moment, and it helps give a voice to those who often go unheard. Growing up is difficult, and it often feels like everything is against you. Sex Education enables you to feel a little less alone in the world, tackling difficult topics while still allowing you to let out some laughs.