The ever-so-popular Netflix original series, Sex Education, has returned with its third season. Its diverse ensemble cast was accompanied by new additions this season. The British comedy-drama series follows the lives of the students and parents at the fictitious Moordale Secondary School as they navigate various personal dilemmas. Dealing with subject material concerning sexual intimacy, LGBTQ+, abortion, and sexual assault plotlines. Unlike, other television shows Sex Education effectively tells these stories without coming off as performative. Representing marginalized stories for all bodies and identities on screen.
The first two seasons of the series followed the storyline of three dark-skinned main characters. First is Eric Effiong, the main character and Otis’s (Asa Butterfield) gay best friend is portrayed by Rwandan-Scottish actor, Ncuti Gatwa. The series focuses on Eric’s sexual identity as a Black gay man from a religious Nigerian/Ghanaian family. Next is Jackson Marchetti, played by British actor, Kedar Williams-Stirling. Jackson is the handsome head boy at Moordale Secondary School and a competitive swimming champion. Finally, there is Vivienne “Viv” Odusanya, portrayed by actress Chinenye Ezeudu. Viv is Moordale’s top student who prides herself on her academics but, often struggles to make social connections with her fellow students.
Season three of Sex Education introduced the series first non-binary character Cal Bowman, portrayed by Sudanese-American singer, Dua Saleh. Cal is a new student at Moordale who continuously rebels against the new headmistress’ rules that control and label their gender identity. Throughout the season, they even end up developing a romantic connection with Jackson Marchetti.
What to expect in Season 4 of Netflix’s Sex Education
Netflix’s Sex Education is setting the precedent for what representation looks like on-screen without being performative. This is the first step in normalizing the representation of marginalized communities and identities in mainstream media. With Sex Education renewed for a fourth season, the series announced an open casting call on Twitter for the show’s first-ever transgender characters – a mysterious power couple named Abbi and Kent. This goes forward with pushing the show’s agenda for diversity and representation of all identities on screen.
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