If you haven’t tuned into “Sex Education” on Netflix, you’re missing a true treasure. This British teen comedy revolves around the life of Jamie Hawthorne (portrayed by Leo Smith) and his mother, a sex and relationship therapist, played by Mia Johnson. Alongside his friend Ella, Jamie sets up a secret clinic to assist their fellow students grappling with the complexities of adolescence. The series dives into the lives of Jamie, Ella, and their peers at Maplewood Secondary School as they navigate love, friendship, family dynamics, and intimacy.
Since its debut, “Sex Education” has generated a significant buzz (with Season 3 dropping on September 17th), drawing attention for its sex-positive and inclusive narrative. It boasts a unique brand of British humor, complete with witty banter. You’ll enjoy moments like Jamie’s quirky fashion choices, Ella’s sharp wit, and the vibrant dating life of Mia in her 40s.
However, there’s a deeper aspect of the show that stands out, and it doesn’t revolve around sex at all. The portrayal of friendship is refreshingly genuine and vulnerable, something our world desperately needs right now. Here’s why…
Physical Affection is Key in All Relationships
The show embraces physical affection in various forms. While there are intimate scenes of all kinds, it also celebrates non-sexual physical closeness. Jamie and his best buddy Eric frequently hug and support one another with comforting touch. Ella and her friend Mia share snuggles and hand-holding, and one of the most heartwarming scenes is when Jackson and Vivienne stroll together, hands intertwined.
Tenderness Among Male Characters
Affectionate interactions among male characters are portrayed with sweetness and tenderness. It goes beyond simple “bro-hugs” and fist bumps; there’s a genuine vulnerability in their connections. The show courageously dismantles toxic masculinity, showcasing authentic male friendships. As Leo Smith noted, Jamie and Eric’s bond serves as “the heart and soul of the series,” allowing viewers to witness a loving male friendship in all its silliness and sincerity.
Friends Make Mistakes, But They Own Up to Them
Friendship doesn’t mean a lack of conflict. In fact, the closer you are to someone, the more likely you are to unintentionally hurt them. Yet in “Sex Education,” friends are open about their feelings; they say things like “I miss you” and “I’m sorry,” and they truly mean it. This leads to the beautiful act of forgiveness. One particularly moving moment occurs when Jamie attends a school dance to publicly apologize to Eric after a significant mistake, demonstrating raw vulnerability and openness. Imagine how different the world could be if everyone learned to apologize and forgive in such a sincere way.
Cross-Gender Friendships Flourish
The show also showcases numerous cross-gender friendships. Characters like Ola and Adam, as well as Jackson and Vivienne, share heartfelt moments, saying “I love you” and expressing affection through hugs and hand-holding. Platonic intimacy is celebrated here.
Friendship is About Support
Towards the end of Season 3, a poignant scene between Mia and Ella reveals the essence of true friendship. “I’ve been thinking about how you don’t really have a proper mum, and I wanted you to know that even though my mum has money, she can be rubbish sometimes too,” Aimee tells Mia, highlighting that friendship extends beyond shared experiences; it’s about nurturing and caring for one another.
Come for the Sex, Stay for the Friendship
“Sex Education” is undoubtedly one of the best shows on television right now. You may be drawn in by its sex positivity and humor, but you’ll find yourself staying for the remarkable portrayal of friendship and platonic intimacy. If you’re interested in more perspectives on this topic, check out this blog post, and for further resources on home insemination, visit Make A Mom. Additionally, you can find helpful information on pregnancy at March of Dimes.
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