Masters of Sex

Masters of Sex is an American dramatic television series that premiered on Showtime from 2013 to 2016. It is a captivating and provocative depiction of a historical chapter that catapulted society's understanding of human sexuality. The show is based on Thomas Maier's biographical book "Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, The Couple Who Taught America How to Love."

The enthralling narrative revolves around real-life figures and groundbreaking sex researchers, Dr William Masters and Virginia Johnson, portrayed by Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan, respectively. The series delves into their complicated personal and professional relationship. Masters, being a skilled obstetrician-gynecologist at Washington University in St. Louis, begins to conduct a secret study of human sexuality, which Virginia, a twice-divorced single mother, becomes involved in.

The ensuing seasons chronicle their pioneering work on human sexuality, alongside their relationship's upheaval that navigates the societal boundaries of the 1950s and 1960s. The series expertly blends historical fact with engaging drama to shine a light on a taboo subject of the era and the pioneers who helped to push societal perception forward.

The series is enriched with a star-studded ensemble, including Caitlin Fitzgerald, Nicholas D'Agosto, and Teddy Sears, with standout performances from Beau Bridges, Julianne Nicholson, and Allison Janney. The characters are complex, with interweaving personal histories and motivations, including influential figures, hospital staffers, and the subjects of Masters and Johnson's studies.

While the show centres around Masters and Johnson, it also provides context by showcasing the prevailing sentiments of the time, the pushback they received from different quarters, the personal sacrifices they made, and the societal change their work precipitated. The way it presents the topic of human sexuality is surprisingly refreshing and smart, going beyond the prurient to explore the deeply entrenched societal norms and the challenges of combating them.

Masters of Sex steadily alternates between seriousness and humor, insight and melodrama, presenting a multifaceted picture of its subject matter. The acting is consistently top-notch, with Sheen and Caplan displaying particularly strong chemistry. The show is also remarkable for its production values, effectively recreating the mid-20th-century setting with period-appropriate costumes, sets, and cinematography.

Showrunner Michelle Ashford maintains a remarkable balance between maintaining historical accuracy and infusing a necessary fiction for the sake of storytelling. The supporting cast, including Emily Kinney, Barry Bostwick, and Anne Dudek, bring an array of supporting characters to life, all of whom add depth and complexity to the show.

The series Master of Sex is a strong blend of science, history, and human drama. It's a uniquely honest and absorbing exploration of the intimate aspect of human life—sexuality, presented with realism, dignity, and a respectful lack of sensationalism. Whether you're a fan of period dramas or interested in the history of human sexuality, the series provides a compelling watch.

In sum, Masters of Sex serves as a window into a prevalent societal construct and the complex relational dynamics of the two individuals who dared to change it. Its exploration of the revolutionary and controversial human sexuality study paired with the captivating personal relationships of its characters creates a watching experience that is as intellectually satisfying as it is emotionally resonant. The brilliant cast's performances push this drama to the conversation-starting series that Netflix promised. The series is as much about societal changes as the private triumphs and tragedies of Masters and Johnson.