Sex, Explained is a documentary series that does something rare: it treats sex as a subject worthy of serious thought, not just as a topic for giggles. Released in 2020, the show is available on Netflix, and it runs for six episodes across three hours of runtime. It covers everything from sexual attraction to the science of orgasm, and it does so with a mix of animation, interviews, and expert commentary that makes complex subjects feel accessible.
The series is a masterclass in how to make nonfiction television. It takes subjects that are often treated as taboo and presents them with clarity, humor, and a genuine sense of curiosity. Each episode is built around a central question, and the show answers that question by pulling together research from psychology, biology, and social science. The result is a show that feels both deeply informative and surprisingly entertaining.
Trailer, via Netflix.
The Structure Of Each Episode
Each episode of Sex, Explained follows a similar format. The show opens with a broad question, like “What is love?” or “Why do we have sex?” Then it breaks down the answer into smaller, digestible parts. There are animated sequences that explain scientific concepts, interviews with researchers, and occasional detours into cultural history. The pacing is fast, but the information sticks.
The animation is a key part of the show’s appeal. Simple drawings help illustrate complex ideas, from the neural pathways involved in arousal to the evolutionary reasons behind monogamy. The animations are not fancy—they don’t need to be—but they are effective. They serve as visual aids that reinforce what the speakers are saying.
The interviews are also well-chosen. The show features experts from fields like psychology, biology, and gender studies, and it gives each of them enough time to make their points. The host, a calm and curious narrator, asks questions that guide the conversation without dominating it. The result is a dialogue that feels natural and engaging.
What The Episodes Cover
The six episodes of Sex, Explained cover a wide range of topics. Here’s a quick rundown of what each episode explores:
- Episode 1: What Is Love?
- Episode 2: Why Do We Have Sex?
- Episode 3: What Makes Us Attractive?
- Episode 4: How Do We Choose Our Partners?
- Episode 5: How Does Sexual Desire Work?
- Episode 6: What Happens When We Have An Orgasm?
The episodes are structured around these questions, and they build on each other. For example, the episode on attraction ties into the episode on partner selection, which in turn relates to the episode on desire. This interconnected approach means that watching the series in order is more rewarding than jumping around.
One of the strengths of Sex, Explained is that it doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects. It addresses topics like sexual dysfunction, jealousy, and the biological differences between men and women. The show handles these subjects with care, presenting research-based explanations rather than moral judgments.
The Strengths And Weaknesses
Sex, Explained is not perfect. Like any documentary series, it has limitations, but they are minor compared to what it gets right.
The show’s biggest strength is its accessibility. It explains complicated subjects in a way that anyone can understand. The animations, the interviews, and the pacing all work together to make the material feel approachable. This is a show that rewards casual viewers and experts alike.
There are a few areas where the series could improve. The animations are sometimes too simple, and some of the analogies used to explain concepts are stretched thin. Additionally, the show relies heavily on Western research, which means some of its conclusions may not apply to cultures outside the West.
These are minor quibbles. The show’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
How The Show Stacks Up Against Other Documentaries
Sex, Explained sits comfortably alongside other popular science documentaries. It shares DNA with shows like Brain Games and Cosmos, but it focuses specifically on human sexuality. That focus is both a strength and a limitation—it covers a narrow subject well, but it doesn’t attempt to tackle broader philosophical questions about existence.
Compared to other documentaries about sex, Sex, Explained stands out for its balance. Many documentaries in this genre lean too far toward shock value or too far toward academic jargon. Sex, Explained avoids both traps. It is neither sensational nor dense, and that middle ground is what makes it effective.
The Bottom Line On Sex, Explained
Sex, Explained is a smart, funny, and informative series. It takes a subject that is often treated with shame and presents it with dignity. The show is available on Netflix, and it runs for six episodes across three hours of runtime.
If you have ever wondered why you are attracted to certain people, why you feel desire, or what happens during an orgasm, this show has answers. It is a worthwhile use of three hours, and it is likely to leave you thinking about relationships in a new way.
The show’s approach to its subject is refreshingly straightforward. It doesn’t pretend that sex is mysterious or sacred, but it also doesn’t treat it as crude. It simply looks at the facts, and the facts are often surprising.
Sex, Explained is a model of how to make nonfiction television. It is well-researched, well-produced, and well-executed. It deserves its reputation as one of the best documentaries on Netflix.
Key Facts
- Title: Sex, Explained
- Release Year: 2020
- Platform: Netflix
- Episodes: 6
- Runtime: 3 hours
- Format: Documentary with animation
- Critical Score: 10 of 10
What The Show Gets Right
- Clear, accessible explanations of complex concepts
- Well-chosen experts who speak with authority
- Engaging animations that enhance the content
- A balanced approach that avoids sensationalism
What The Show Could Improve
- Some animations are too simple and rely on stretched analogies
- Reliance on Western research limits applicability to other cultures
Sex, Explained is a triumph of documentary filmmaking. It is a show that respects its audience, respects its subject, and delivers on its promise. If you want to learn about sex—and who doesn’t?—this is the place to start.
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