Sex Education poster

Sex Education

"Growth is a group project."

TV Show TV-MA 2019 8.2 /10 Ended
Netflix A Netflix Original
Created by Laurie Nunn

Otis Milburn is a shy teen who knows a lot about therapy techniques, but very little about his own sex life. Raised by Jean, a frank sex therapist, he reluctantly pairs with Maeve, a sharp and independent classmate, to run an underground clinic in their high school bathroom. The clinic becomes a... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 26, 2026

About Sex Education

Otis Milburn is a shy teen who knows a lot about therapy techniques, but very little about his own sex life. Raised by Jean, a frank sex therapist, he reluctantly pairs with Maeve, a sharp and independent classmate, to run an underground clinic in their high school bathroom. The clinic becomes a safe place where classmates bring messy questions about sex, identity, and relationships, while Otis and Maeve learn about their own limits, desires, and the consequences of giving advice to others. The show mixes awkward humor with emotional moments and keeps the focus on everyday problems that feel real to teenagers, parents, and teachers alike.

Created by Laurie Nunn, the series premiered on Netflix in 2019 and is produced by Eleven Film. It stars Asa Butterfield as Otis and Gillian Anderson as Jean, with Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, and Kedar Williams-Stirling in central roles. Multiple seasons followed the initial release, helping the show reach a wide international audience.

The series has earned critical recognition and several award nominations, including BAFTA nods and other television honors, with frequent praise aimed at the ensemble cast. While not every ceremony is listed here, reviewers and industry groups have repeatedly highlighted the performances and the show's voice in awards conversations.

Sex Education made a noticeable cultural splash, opening up conversations about comprehensive sex education, consent, and queer representation on mainstream streaming TV. Memorable character moments and a distinctive visual style helped it seep into social media discussions, fan art, and fashion commentary, and it played a part in raising the profile of its younger cast members.

Critics generally responded positively, and audience scores reflect that reception, with an average of 8.217/10 (7689 votes). The show balances comedy and drama while tackling themes like intimacy, identity, mental health, and family dynamics, mixing blunt, honest scenes with lighter, character-driven humor.

What Viewers Are Saying

8.2/10
from 7,712 ratings

Viewers have mixed feelings about "Sex Education," with some appreciating its fresh comedic take on high school drama and thoughtful moments. Audiences praise the show's soundtrack and its willingness to explore diverse topics. However, others criticize it for relying heavily on stereotypes and losing focus on a cohesive plot as the series progresses. Some viewers also express discomfort with certain character portrayals and themes.

Details

Release Date
January 11, 2019
Rating
TV-MA
User Ratings
7,712 votes
Type
TV Series
Seasons
4
Episodes
32
Network
Netflix
Status
Ended
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Country
United Kingdom
Studio
Eleven
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Asa Butterfield

Asa Butterfield

Otis Milburn

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson

Jean Milburn

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa

Eric Effiong

Emma Mackey

Emma Mackey

Maeve Wiley

Kedar Williams-Stirling

Kedar Williams-Stirling

Jackson Marchetti

Thaddea Graham

Thaddea Graham

Sarah 'O' Owens

Mimi Keene

Mimi Keene

Ruby Matthews

Anthony Lexa

Anthony Lexa

Abbi Montgomery

Connor Swindells

Connor Swindells

Adam Groff

Aimee Lou Wood

Aimee Lou Wood

Aimee Gibbs

Created by: Laurie Nunn

Seasons (4 seasons, 32 episodes)

Season 1

Season 1

8 episodes - 2019

Season 2

Season 2

8 episodes - 2020

Season 3

Season 3

8 episodes - 2021

Season 4

Season 4

8 episodes - 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Sex Education is available to stream on Netflix.

Yes, Sex Education is available to stream on Netflix.

Sex Education has 4 seasons with a total of 32 episodes.

With a rating of 8.2/10 from 7,712 viewers, Sex Education is highly recommended and considered excellent by most viewers.

Otis Milburn is a shy teen who knows a lot about therapy techniques, but very little about his own sex life. Raised by Jean, a frank sex therapist, he reluctantly pairs with Maeve, a sharp and independent classmate, to run an underground clinic in their high school bathroom. The clinic becomes a ...

Sex Education stars Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, and Kedar Williams-Stirling.

Sex Education was created by Laurie Nunn.

Sex Education was released on January 11, 2019.

Sex Education is a Comedy and Drama series.

No, Sex Education is a fictional series created by Laurie Nunn. It follows made-up characters and situations about teens and sexual relationships rather than being based on a real person's life.

Asa Butterfield plays Otis Milburn, an inexperienced teen who channels his sex therapist mother and ends up co-running an underground sex therapy clinic at his school. Otis is the show's central character around whom many storylines revolve.

Gillian Anderson plays Jean Milburn, Otis's mother who works as a sex therapist. Her profession and blunt approach to sex education are key influences on Otis and the show's themes.

Sex Education centers on teen characters and issues, but it contains frank discussions of sex, sexual situations, and some nudity, so it's intended for mature teens and adults. Parents should be aware of explicit content before younger viewers watch.