Sex Education (2019–2023) User Reviews

What happened?

[keiths29 · 7/10 · 23 September 2023]

The first three seasons were spectacular, but the forth season is awful. They went from an insightful, witty show about coming of age to cliche and awkward. What a waste of a talent and three years of character building.

The situations in the first three seasons felt real, if not a bit rushed, but the characters were well developed. Now they're all charactertures of the originals. You cared about what happend to them. Now, I really don't. Also, too many of the story lines from the first three seasons have been dropped. I know they lost several actors to other shows, but it's like they just rebooted the show. Alas, as i was really looking forward to the final season.

Do yourself a favor, binge first three seasons and pretend the show got canceled before they had a chance to make the final season.

Fantastic All Around!

[cpbigalke · 9/10 · 18 January 2019]

I am so surprised by this show! I'm a 38 year old dude who wouldn't even really consider watching a show like this. I just randomly clicked it because I was bored before going to bed. I typically watch documentaries and shows in the style of The Wire or Game of Thrones. Everything about this show is great! The vibrant acting, the story narrative, the gorgeous cinematography, the absolutely stunning location (Penarth, South Wales), the great characters, the relationships between characters, and Gillian Anderson! I'm also not a fan of sex being portrayed in films and tv because it's usually cringe-worthy, but this is fun and educational. It's like a coming of age film that's really fun but deals with important and complex subjects. I don't typically get hooked on shows but you got me Netflix! Cheers! Well done.

I love everything and everyone one in this series

[cpainter1-4-578820 · 10/10 · 1 February 2020]

I am an 80 year old retired psychologist and I am totally enchanted with each and every one of these characters. Life is messy, their lives are messy, and they find ways to deal with and cope with real situations. The acting is wonderful, the stories are wonderful, the filming is wonderful...Simple, free advice? Watch it.

Where's the conclusion? 4/10 for last season..7.5 for whole series!!

[aaravsengar · 8/10 · 23 September 2023]

**Review of "Sex Education" Season 4**

I recently finished watching the fourth season of "Sex Education," and I must admit that I'm quite disappointed with the direction the series has taken. The first three seasons were a delightful blend of humor, heartfelt storytelling, and character development, but this season left me feeling like it missed the mark.

One of the major issues I encountered was the lack of a cohesive and engaging storyline. In previous seasons, the plotlines were well-crafted and kept me eagerly anticipating what would happen next. However, in season 4, it felt like the story was all over the place, lacking a clear and satisfying narrative arc.

The introduction of new characters also left much to be desired. Unlike the well-developed characters we've come to love, the new additions felt shallow and lacked depth. It seemed like they were introduced merely for the sake of expanding the cast rather than contributing meaningfully to the story. The focus on side cast was way too much that it annoyed me...They should have just given more screen time to main cast for which we have been waiting...

Moreover, I couldn't help but notice that this season appeared to prioritize the promotion of LGBTQ+ themes at the expense of other essential storylines. While it's important to address such topics sensitively, it felt like an overload, overshadowing the other compelling aspects that made the show great.

My biggest disappointment, however, was the lack of closure for several key storylines. What about Otis, Ruby, or Maeve? It felt like their character arcs were left hanging without any resolution. Maeve's character, in particular, seemed to regress to where she started in the beginning of the season, which left me feeling unsatisfied.

In light of these issues, I can't help but give "Sex Education" Season 4 a rating of 4 out of 10. It's a disappointing and, at times, boring conclusion to a series that had so much potential. It's disheartening to witness the decline of what was once a very promising and enjoyable show.

S1-3 good, 4 not good

[eoinageary · 8/10 · 26 September 2023]

Sex Education Season 1-4

As far as I know this is the final season, I have just finished it so I will do an overall show review but first a small S4 review

Season 4

Not what I had been expecting after a 2 year wait, my honest thoughts is the show just went a little to much and lost its spark, it tried to do so much in the final season it felt messy.

The main story is of Otis in competition with O for a new sex clinic in college. They battle it out while he also deals with a long distance relationship with Meave who moved to the USA for college to become a writer. Eric is coming more and more into himself and discovering his purpose of the corse of the season, Jean is dealing with the baby while also hosting a new radio show, her sister comes to town to top it off.

We get a smattering of characters this season, some good some not so, I think they had maybe too many story lines going on, some of them were a bit much for me, also I'm not sure if they are trying to be real or hyper real but this college does not exist in the UK, just no. This college of acceptance where people come to feel part of a people, it was just gloomy and depressing covered up with bright colours, it didn't feel like the show at all. Disappointing season I'd give a 6.5/10

The whole show is quite good, S1-3 definitely the best and all have strong points in each season, for me Eric is the absolute best in this show, brining joy, laughter and a character who isn't out just for themselves, someone to really root for. Gillian Anderson is fantastic as Otis mom. She is really funny in the first few seasons.

The key takeaway would be 1-3 are great, 4 was mediocre with a poor ending, worth a watch as the show is a solid 8/10.

Fantastic

[stevews-11264 · 10/10 · 15 January 2019]

Probably the best production Netflix has ever done so far. By the way it's not just for teenagers I'm 67

Must watch season for 2019!!!

[beccy_meares · 10/10 · 15 January 2019]

In an era of too many options on TV, I was feeling a bit down and out about the lack of good shows actually out there, then I discovered this series. It's so bloody refreshing, hilarious, honest and endearing that you can't stop watching. The cast is brilliant and the plot is interesting, with the right amount of predictability and surprise. It's beautifully shot and the acting is really amazing. Can't praise this show enough, I'm going to have to start rewatching it if season two doesn't come out soon...

Season 1 and 2 were brilliant. 3 & 4...

[jonny-pears · 6/10 · 23 September 2023]

I can't say enough how well season 1 and 2 were. Stories of young people coming to terms with their sexuality whilst dealing with real life family/friend problems. But also fantastic drops of comedy. The characters felt real. Otis, Meave, Eric, Amiee, Adam all have issue that many people face at some point especially in the younger years. From sexual assault, bullying family members to simply falling in love with your friend. A story we all wanted to watch.

But by season 3, the drama and comedy was becoming a little over the top and even the Otis/Meave storyline was running a little thin. At risk of becoming a Ross and Rachael fiasco. But Season 3 had a hilarious singing performance towards the final. Season 4 however is just a depressing slow ending. There is very little comedy. Even Eric has become boring and depressed. Most of the cast have if I'm honest. Meave is depressed. Adam is still depressed. Otis is just angry. Jean is depressed. I could literally go on.

It's a shame. I really loved this show but I wish it was just cancelled after season 3.

Not the Season 4 anyone was looking for ... 2/10

[thebman-69628 · 7/10 · 29 September 2023]

I fell in with this when the first season dropped and got everyone I knew to watch it. How refreshing to see so many taboo subjects opening explored but, and here's the key, in a serious BUT FUNNY way. It offered light and shade. There were moments of real levity.

I'm a staunch ally, as I guess the majority of fans are, but I found this final season a TOTAL DISASTER. I'm not sure if there were new writers, but it lacks heart, humour, I felt like I was being preached at. The acting is wooden and the writIng is lazy. Am a straight male in his 40's with 4 grown up children and I don't need to be spoon fed situations to bring my attention to the battles the LGBTQIA+ community faces on a daily basis. There were too many new characters introduced for what had already been announced was a final season, in what felt like an attempt to "tick as many boxes" as possible but the result is a jumbled mess that doesn't really give ANY of the issues the time/sympathetic writing they deserve. You lose sight of the core characters, and by the end, the pay-off (which disappoints) just left me thinking 'meh'.

From a 9/10 to a 3/10 in one season!

[courtyard · 8/10 · 28 September 2023]

Never have I ever seen a show go from so good to so bad so quickly. I said it has officially jumped the rainbow shark. Did they fire the writers and hire a bunch of teenaged boys to write season 4. The college is ridiculous, a lot of the new characters couldn't act their way out of a wet paper bag, and our fav character went from being out fav to dreading when he would be back onscreen.

What id like to know is how it could go from so good to so bad. I love diverse characters and have no issues with some of the new ones, but we don't need everything forced down our throats. We finished the season as quickly as possible because as we kept saying to each other "let's just get it over with!".

Heartwarming, Shocking and Hilariously Funny!

[Antiguan-Princess · 10/10 · 26 January 2020]

All my favourite elements rolled into one. I binged both seasons on Netflix and cannot wait for more. Great writing, great casting and gripping storylines. The best thing about this show is that it is British. It's so refreshing to see real people portrayed instead of glamned up plastic characters like the US school dramas. Please let there be a season 3.

A Worldwide Education

[mannly · 10/10 · 11 January 2019]

I had just pulled an all night movie session off with a friend & as the sun rose thought I would watch an episode of this series. I ended up drinking coffee & bingeing it, because it's that well acted, colourful & human on every level. I can already see reviews criticising making school in the U.K. visually look like the U.S., but if it helps it appeal to a global audience I don't blame them! It works. It's done perfectly with that in mind, and if you are complaining about that then you haven't watched the full beauty & impact that this series should create. There is no racism of any kind, and people are attracted to the person, the way it should be. It puts a spotlight on homophobia & shoo shoos it away for how ridiculous it is & how strong the gay supporting character is, the styles of dress never conform, and it just shows a more beautiful fluidity of beauty, colour, sex, style, and sexual honesty that I wish the whole planet was like. Nit pick what you want people, but in my opinion that's a reflection on you & "The Norm" when I see a fantastic cast with great writing, direction, costume, location, etc... That shows a new ideal town. I wish my high school was like that instead of a stuffy all boys grammar school with bums to the wall when I was outed at 16. Thankyou Sex Education for educating the world on a whole lot more acceptance than just bedroom antics. Watch this show. It's important.

Loved it

[andy-salter · 9/10 · 12 January 2019]

IT'S NOT SET IN THE 80'S, THEY HAVE MOBILE PHONES. IT'S NOT IN AMERICA, NOT ALL BRITISH SCHOOLS WEAR UNIFORMS. THEY ARE IN 6TH FORM, VERY FEW 6TH FORMS WEAR UNIFORMS. IT'S A RUGBY BALL, NOT AN AMERICAN FOOTBALL.

All in all I loved it.

A fall from class and importance with the last season.

[christopher-w-silvester7 · 6/10 · 24 September 2023]

Sex Education was one of the smartest and most well-crafted shows during its first three seasons. The storylines were poignant, thoughtful, and clever. It never indulged in excessive campiness and always sparked meaningful conversations instead of preaching. Its inclusivity managed to engage even those who might have been initially hesitant, such as my elderly parents from a different era who still loved the series.

What set it apart was its departure from the typical high school formula where teenagers are portrayed as hormone-driven simpletons lacking emotional intelligence. However, in its final season, the show took a campier turn, and the college characters seemed more fragile, annoying, and immature compared to the earlier high school seasons. It became overly preachy, potentially alienating the dedicated audience that had grown to love it.

Although there are occasional glimpses of the magic seen in the first three seasons, they are too fleeting and infrequent to sustain interest. The show has become grating and excessively unrealistic with its absurd campiness and silliness.

It's disappointing to witness one of the most mature and intelligent shows devolve into one of the most immature and nonsensical. I'll always cherish the memories of its first three seasons."

Nice to watch, but a bit unrealistic!

[badicastef · 9/10 · 11 January 2021]

I like the show. I find it entertaining and it does bring back some memories from high-school. But, though it is nice and funny, we must address the elephant in the room! And that is the fact that the show creates an unrealistic image, and you don't have to be a brittish teenager to realise this. I mean, though most of the script is well written, and the humor is good, the writers would really have us believe that in the two seasons, depicting two high-school terms, placed in Great Britain, IT ONLY RAINED ONCE??!? I just don't buy that :)).

Great show otherwise!

Declining rapidly

[jjkearney-24351 · 6/10 · 16 October 2021]

First series were terrific but this latest one is just plain silly. They've lost the plot. The new principal is introducing 1970s rules at the school which would not be possible in 2021. The show has completely gone off the rails. It's really disappointing and a great pity.

An updated version of a John Hughes film done as a British TV series

[icymi-37906 · 10/10 · 17 January 2019]

At first I was thinking, okay this is pretty good... reminds me of all the teen comedies I grew up watching in the eighties, but as it went on they fleshed out some of the characters who began as basic tropes and caricatures and I ended up really liking it by the end.

It's the equivalent of watching four solid John Hughes movies with a little Judd Apatow Freaks and Geeks feel as well. Much more enlightened than a Hughes script yet still irreverent and fun.

Can't wait for season 2... well done everyone!

So many feelings. WOW!

[janerosslj · 10/10 · 21 January 2020]

I can't stress enough how amazing this show is. It is a roller coaster of sadness and REAL life but so so funny and brilliantly made. I can honestly say it's one of my all time favourites. I had high expectations for Season 2 since Season 1 was so amazing, but Season 2 exceeded my expectations beyond any words I could ever write in this review. I binged both seasons in a day and journeyed along with all the characters. I LOVE that it displayed real life and not the typical stereotype "boy gets the girl and lives happily ever after". So wonderful to see Netflix releasing one of a kinds!! I really hope they renew for Season 3!

It's sixth form, not high school.

[Headblade · 8/10 · 11 January 2019]

Just thought I'd write this after reading some early comments. These are meant to be 16-18 year olds in sixth form college. I can't speak for all seperate sixth-form colleges, but the one I attended did not have a uniform, was based in an old mansion and yes even in the UK we'd occasionally throw an American Football around. Just because it's not the expected experience doesn't mean it doesn't occur.

It may feel alien to most, but the environment felt very nostalgic to myself. Now the storyline premise, that's a whole different story!

As for the plot, at least it's original and two episodes in it hasn't disappointed.

Brilliant!

[dwbell · 9/10 · 22 January 2020]

Just finished Season Two of Sex Education. It really is brilliant. Funny, poignant, sort of true to life (!). It's for everyone who's ever been a teenager!

Such a shame this show was cancelled by Netflix after the third season..

[Vertuse · 24 September 2023]

I'll be always wondering, what would've happen with our beloved characters? What problems and struggles they would've faced?

Definetely not hobo-fish divine creatures, elevator riots, poorly modelled 3D scroutms or disposable 2,5 liner characters introduced only to shove some guest star actors into the series. I'm pretty sure that showrunners would not have sacrificed the whole story to fit some 1st world problems into narrative, shrinking main characters arcs into rushed and meaningless finale. They would not have spoken to the audience like they are 6 years old, would not simplify the solution to every problem in the world to an astonising idea 'just beleive in yourself'.

They would've done something great, as great as seasons 1-3, I'm sure. Such a shame we'll never find out.

What happened to season 3...?

[hirokoebizaki · 8/10 · 30 September 2021]

Great show, lovable characters and good acting. Like many others wrote, I didn't enjoy season 3... did something happen to their screen writers?? I can't help but wondering that... IF they continue to season 4 I really hope they come back strong like season 1/2.

in the name of first 3 seasons...

[bilgenevrim · 6/10 · 25 September 2023]

I have never seen in my life such a sharp U-turn in a TV series. I started with an amazing concept: well balanced, good points, and an excellent combination of life-younglings-discovering phases. But season 4 is the worst thing I have ever experienced. I never stopped watching something that I started, but this will be the first for me. This season was all about those who had an identity crisis, overgrown and shrunken, selfish, nonsensical character developments. (I was able to last until the 5th episode.) The script was so forced that I couldn't connect with any of the subjects. The school ambience has become unnecessarily utopian. And some sexual points are explained by giving three unnecessary examples, but why is the part blank and we can't fill it in? I remember the series as consisting of only 3 seasons and completely erasing the 4th season from my mind.

It´s fun, relating and great acting!!!

[ivarrandahl · 10/10 · 11 January 2019]

2 Episodes in and I'm hooked. I´m a little older than the target group but still find it to be very relatable, not your typical high school drama but more about teenage life (but exaggerated ofc) . Great character build up with clear target of each problems and goals. Superb acting!

Sweet and saucy

[mflynn-4 · 9/10 · 12 January 2019]

I watched all eight episodes in one go, it was a delightful experience. Some stunning acting it does what a lot of British drama does at its best blending comic genius with some heartbreaking serious consequences and issues, but never in an overtly preachy manner. Ever character however superficial they initially appear show great depth and complexity in the course of the story. The filming locations are very near to where I live, and have been captured beautifully on camera. Symmonds Yat and the Wye Valley are designated areas of outstanding natural beauty, and the director happily used the area to it's full extent. I've no idea why they decided to go with 1980's cars for everyone whilst at the same time using 2018 mobile phones and laptops , other than that a refreshing amusing and sweet series. I hope it gets another season