The story
Socially awkward Otis Milburn knows far more about sex than he would like, thanks to his mother Jean, a sex therapist who is refreshingly – and mortifyingly – frank. When sharp, rebellious classmate Maeve Wiley spots an opportunity, the two set up an unofficial clinic offering advice to fellow pupils at Moordale Secondary. Business booms, but friendships, family life and Otis's growing feelings for Maeve make everything more complicated.
Why it matters
A British comedy made for a global platform, Sex Education reached more than 40 million viewers with its first series and won the International Emmy for best comedy. It was also Netflix's first production to use intimacy coordinators, and is cited in discussions of how intimate scenes should be filmed.
Notable facts
- Moordale Secondary was filmed at the former Caerleon campus of the University of South Wales. (source)
- Its style borrows American teen-film touches, such as lockers and letterman jackets, inspired by John Hughes films. (source)
- It was Netflix's first production to use intimacy coordinators to choreograph intimate scenes. (source)