Sex Education

When I initially saw the ad for the new Netflix original series, Sex Education pop up on my Netflix

feed, my knee-jerk reaction was, nah, no thanks.  Another high school show?  Really?

However, my tune changed after a close friend suggested I at least watch the two minute trailer, and give the show a chance.  This I did, and now I am recommending this show to friends and family alike in droves.  

Here's my quick synopsis.  Set in a high school in England, Otis, the main character is an awkward, sexually inexperienced boy on the outskirts of the school's social scene.  He virtually moves through his day unnoticed by most peers.  He lives with his Jean, a single mom, and successful sex therapist who is forward thinking, progressive, and very open with her son regarding dialogue about topics surrounding sex.  Otis' world mainly consists of his mom and his best friend Eric, a dynamic, energetic, openly gay kid, the only son in an immigrant family among four sisters, who while loved by his parents struggles to have them fully understand and accept his gender identity and is personal choices.  

The story takes off when Otis is unfortunately paired on an after school project with the school's bully (and headmaster's son), Adam.  After Adam exposes Otis' mom's professional life online, to unfettered ridicule and embarassment, a string of unforeseen circumstances lead Otis and mystery-girl Maeve to stumble upon Adam in an embarrassing situation, the tides having turned.  Otis, being the kind, affable teenager that he is, offers to help Adam, offering words of advice which Adam takes to heart and subscribes to.  

Maeve, who is essentially orphaned and struggling to survive on her own, sees the potential in Otis and capitalizes on this moment, suggested he provide similar sex advice to other kids in the school, charging a small fee, making this a lucrative operation for both of them.

The show is explicit, NOT little kid-friendly in the slightest - please be aware...there's nudity, explicit language, and many sexual topics covered. On the flip side, it is also incredibly heartfelt, with moments that inspire laugher and tears.  The music is spot on, and the storylines have elements of truth, humor, and believability.  I like that is is a window into high school life, highlighting that no matter where you are in the social hierarchy, everyone struggles with something, whether that be insecurity, pressure, challenges, or navigating touchy topics with parents.  

I laughed and I cried, and highly recommend!  (Truth be told, I've have already rewatched the series twice!).