Classes resume at Moordale Secondary School as our favorite coming-of-age drama-comedy comes back for a third season.
Since it premiered on Netflix in 2019, “Sex Education” has gained a global fan base for its unabashed and sincere portrayal of the teenage youth’s journey toward self-discovery, sexual awakening and relationships.
On Sept. 8, members of the press got to chat with some of the cast—Asa Butterfield, Mimi Keene, Ncuti Gatwa and Aimee Lou Wood—to talk about the show and what to expect in the upcoming episodes.
To celebrate the release of the brand new season, let’s talk about four reasons why “Sex Education” is a must-watch:
Yes, it’s about sex... among other things
Although the show is generally light and humorous, it also delves into heavier matters like women’s reproductive health, trauma, flaws in the educational system and so many subjects that are often glossed over in television. In the third season, we will see Aimee continue to deal and cope with what happened to her in the bus last season.
“The bus moment is only the beginning of her journey. It’s going to be a process. I’m just so happy she finds feminism in the most Aimee way. There’s no right way to be a feminist and Aimee does it in her way,” teased Aimee Lou Wood, who won a BAFTA Television Award in 2021 for Best Female Comedy Performance.
The show explores the wide spectrum of the queer community
There’s substantial queer representation in the show: Gay, pansexual, bisexual, and this season features the introduction of Cal, a new student who is non-binary, played by Dua Saleh. Their queerness is celebrated without making it the be-all and end-all of who they are as human beings.
This season, Eric Effiong, who is brilliantly portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa, goes on a life-changing trip to his family’s home in Nigeria. “I think going there, he learns how to embrace all parts of his full identity, with regards to his race, religion and sexuality. I think he learns that not any one part has to shrink in order for the other to flourish,” Gatwa shared.
Characters aren’t boxed into stereotypes and clichés
Asa Butterfield, who plays the awkwardly charming Otis Milburn, said of the show: “It made me appreciate the huge spectrum of identity and sexuality a lot more and how everyone is so different and unique. I think the show really opened my eyes to that.”
Teen-oriented shows have a habit of creating very specific, albeit tropey, characters, but “Sex Education” is led by beautifully nuanced individuals with well-written story lines.
Sex isn’t watered down or romanticized
If you’ve watched from the beginning, then you know it doesn’t shy away from sex, including the good and not-so good parts of doing the deed.
“I think the message this season focuses a lot on shame and just abolishing that, and not feeling ashamed of who you are,” said Mimi Keene, who plays the fabulous Ruby Matthews of the Untouchables.
The show makes good on its title, depicting the beauty of physical intimacy, along with the cringe-y and awkward moments that come with it. It also starts important conversations on sexual health, getting to know your body, and creating meaningful connections, which is a huge win and step forward for modern television.
Season 3 of “Sex Education” is now streaming on Netflix.