As fans of the hit Netflix series “Sex Education” eagerly tuned in to the fourth season, they were met with a bittersweet revelation: the show was coming to an end.
While the news of no Season 5 left many fans disappointed, there are several reasons to put on a brave face and reflect on the memorable journey that the show has provided. Let’s delve into the details and explore the reasons behind this decision.
The Natural Conclusion of a Coming-of-Age Tale
“Sex Education” has been on our screens since 2019, captivating audiences with its unique blend of humor, drama, and, of course, sex education. Over four seasons and 32 episodes, viewers followed the students of Moordale on their tumultuous journey through adolescence.
The fifth and final season takes a significant leap as Moordale Secondary transitions into Cavendish Sixth Form College. This shift comes with a roster of familiar faces, albeit slightly changed, as some characters have moved on to other endeavors. The main reason behind ending the show is the organic culmination of the story.
Why the Show Has Come to an End
While there’s no official reason provided for ending “Sex Education,” several factors likely contributed to this decision. First and foremost, the show’s narrative was approaching a natural conclusion. As the characters aged out of high school and entered sixth form (which lasts only two years in the UK), the storylines were shifting towards A-levels, university, and the working world.
In a heartfelt note to fans, the show’s creators explained, “Writing this feels bittersweet, as we’ve decided the fourth season will also be the final installment of our show. This was not an easy decision to make, but as the themes and stories of the new season crystallized, it became clear that this was the right time to graduate.”
Laurie Nunn, the series creator, further elaborated on this decision, stating, “It was a very difficult decision. In my mind, I always felt like I could just write these characters forever and ever. I absolutely love them. It’s a very strange experience when you write characters for that long. They live in my head, and I feel very attached to them. So, yeah, letting them go has been painful, and I think I’m still processing that.”
British Shows: A Tradition of Quitting on a High Note
One hallmark of British television is the ability to conclude a show gracefully before it loses its charm or jumps the shark. “Sex Education” follows in the footsteps of other British series known for making the tough but prudent decision to end while still at their peak.
Another significant factor contributing to the show’s conclusion is the cast members’ burgeoning careers. Season 4 already omitted some key characters, such as Lily and Ola, as several of the show’s stars found exciting new projects outside of “Sex Education.”
What’s Next After “Sex Education”?
Now that we’ve addressed the sadness surrounding the show’s conclusion, let’s focus on the silver lining.
Everything Now: A Spiritual Successor
Netflix often strategizes to keep its viewers engaged by introducing new series that appeal to the same audience. “Everything Now,” set to release on Netflix on October 5th, seems to be a spiritual successor to “Sex Education.” The series may share some thematic elements with its predecessor while embarking on a distinct journey.
The Cast’s New Ventures
The good news is that several members of the “Sex Education” cast have already lined up exciting new projects.
- Gillian Anderson: After her role as Jean Milburn, Anderson has continued her association with Netflix, portraying Margaret Thatcher in “The Crown” and starring alongside Christian Bale in “The Pale Blue Eye.” She’s also lent her voice to the Aardman animated short, “Robin Robin.” Anderson has two upcoming Netflix projects in the pipeline: “Scoop,” where she’ll play journalist Emily Maitlis, and “The Abandons,” where she’ll star alongside Lena Headey.
- Asa Butterfield: The actor who portrayed Otis in “Sex Education” appeared in the 2022 horror movie “Choose or Die” and is set to lend his voice to the upcoming animated movie “Stitch Head,” which was previously associated with Netflix.
- Ncuti Gatwa: Gatwa, who played Eric, has scored a prominent role as the Doctor in the BBC’s long-running series “Doctor Who.” Additionally, he’s rumored to be involved in Netflix’s upcoming “Tomb Raider” anime series.
- Aimee Lou Wood: Wood, who portrayed Aimee Gibbs, is currently filming her next project, “Toxic Town,” set to debut exclusively on Netflix. She’ll star alongside Jodie Whittaker and Rory Kinnear.
In conclusion, while “Sex Education” has bid farewell after a remarkable four-season journey, fans can find solace in the fact that the show has concluded on its own terms, preserving the integrity of its narrative. Moreover, with the cast members embarking on exciting new ventures, there’s plenty to look forward to in the world of entertainment. So, as Moordale closes its doors, a new chapter unfolds for the talented individuals who brought this beloved series to life.