Jenner (2014, p. 260) argues we have entered another phase of television, ‘TVIV’ or the fourth stage of television, where new content distributors like Netflix have become producers. Netflix creates originals; an example is Sex Education. This is a British comedy-drama. The main character is Otis, an awkward teenager whose mother works as a sex therapist. Otis joins with Maeve to operate an underground sex therapy clinic within their school. They explore topics of friendship, love, insecurities, and personal development while advising other students on sexual difficulties. The series blends comedy and drama to deal with subjects including relationships, consent, sexual orientation, gender diversity, consent, and contraception.

“Sex Education suggests the potential of a more conversational, individualized education within British and U.S. high schools. […] highlighting the role that popular media like Sex Education can play to destigmatize modern sexual health issues” (Ezeh Aruah, 2021, pp. 59–61).

Sex Education has the potential to create awareness about sexual health problems. It makes the topic easier to talk about. Ezeh Aruah (2021, p. 54) suggests Sex Education explores sexual health problems that teenagers face, including teenage pregnancy, sexual violence, contraception, and abortion. Sex Education uses pop culture references; in one episode, Otis dresses up as Michael Myers, and in another episode, it references the 80’s film The Breakfast Club.

Lotz (2014, pp. 54-55) explains the ‘post-network’ era, where television has been completely revolutionised. She highlights technological convenience, portable TV, and theatrically watching TV with video on demand and non-linear viewing. With internet-distributed television on-demand, you can binge-watch TV series. With Sex Education, there are four seasons available to binge-watch on Netflix. You can watch it on mobile, tablet, TV, and anywhere with internet. This is different from cable television, where there were scheduled times for shows and no on-demand.

Netflix made quality television more accessible for viewers. An example of quality television in Sex Education is the multidimensional characters who have unique story arcs and struggles on their journeys. The genre of the series is drama and comedy. This scene is a turning point for Otis, showing the impact on the people around him as he stands on the table.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=cZOPI2jGmrQ%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26fs%3D1%26hl%3Den%26autohide%3D2%26wmode%3Dtransparent

This show explores gender representation in many ways. For example, the non-binary character Cal. It focuses on female empowerment, addressing body positivity, and consent. It challenges stereotypes by showcasing characters who break from society’s expectations; an example is Eric, who challenges traditional masculinity norms.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=g40umjsX7nI%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26fs%3D1%26hl%3Den%26autohide%3D2%26wmode%3Dtransparent

This scene with Otis and Eric shows the importance of friendship and acceptance; it highlights the complexity of the friendship and problems they face. “Sex Education had become the fourth most-viewed show on Netflix” (Ezeh Aruah, 2021, p. 49).

By James Farrell 

References:

Ezeh Aruah, D.C. (2021) ‘Sexual health on television’, The Journal of Public Interest Communications, 5(2), p. 48. doi:10.32473/jpic.v5.i2.p48. 

Jenner, M. (2014) ‘Is this TVIV? on Netflix, TVIII and binge-watching’, New Media & Society, 18(2), pp. 257–273. doi:10.1177/1461444814541523.

Lotz, A.D. (2014) The television will be revolutionized. New York: New York University Press.