10 of the Best Shows Like ‘Sex Education’
We don’t know about you, but we’re still recovering from the bittersweet series finale of Netflix’s Sex Education.
By far one of the most insightful and progressive comedies to ever grace our screen, the series, created by Laurie Nunn, became an instant hit for its unique spin on the typical coming-of-age story. Compelling characters like Otis (Asa Butterfield), Eric (Ncuti Gatwa) and Maeve (Emma Mackey) taught us the best sex ed tips, and the series didn't shy away from topics like mental health and body image. So, now that the series is over, we find ourselves longing to fill that void.
While we definitely plan to revisit Moordale by rewatching old episodes, we're also turning our attention to some of the best shows like Sex Education. From teen dramas that tackle similar themes to comedies that deliver the same tone, here are 10 options you can start streaming on Max, Hulu, AppleTV+ and more.
1. Euphoria
Cast: Zendaya, Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, Alexa Demie
Rated: TV-MA
Compared to Sex Education, this popular HBO drama is starkly different in tone and tackles darker themes, from substance abuse to suicide. It revolves around a troubled teen named Rue as she navigates love, loss and addiction. So perhaps it's not the best choice if you're looking for a feel-good show to make you laugh. Still, Euphoria stands out because of its sex-positive message and nuanced LGBTQ+ characters.
2. Easy
Cast: Malin Åkerman, Jane Adams, Andrew Bachelor, Orlando Bloom
Rating: TV-MA
The anthology series follows different residents in Chicago as they deal with challenges relating to modern love and relationships. Sex Education fans will definitely be drawn to the variety of fascinating storylines, including a married couple that agrees to an open relationship and a novelist who takes advantage of women for his art.
3. The Sex Lives of College Girls
Cast: Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, Alyah Scott, Midori Francis
Rating: TV-MA
Mindy Kaling's brilliant comedy revolves around four college freshmen who become unlikely friends while transitioning into adulthood, exploring their sexualities and dealing with college life. In his review of the series, Joel Calfee, Associate Editor of News and Entertainment at PureWow, said, "What makes The Sex Lives of College Girls so compelling is that this perspective still feels fresh. Instead of trying to rush teens into adulthood, we're watching college students navigate their sexualities, passions and personal interests, which is true for many freshmen."
4. Elite
Cast: María Pedraza, Itzan Escamilla, Miguel Bernardeau, Arón Piper
Rating: TV-MA
The hit Spanish series follows the students of Las Encinas, a prestigious private school in Spain that's plagued by mysterious murders and intense drama. Whodunnit fans will enjoy the surprise twists and suspense, but those elements are expertly blended with romance. Expect to see intimate scenes that are steamy enough to rival even the wildest moments on Sex Education.
5. Skins
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Hannah Murray, Larissa Wilson, Joe Dempsie
Rating: TV-MA
If you're looking for another groundbreaking coming-of-age show that doesn't shy away from controversial subject matter, allow us to introduce Skins. Set in Bristol, England, the series centers on a group of high school students who deal with issues like depression, substance abuse, teen pregnancy and eating disorders as they go through adolescence and try to find their identities.
6. Atypical
Cast: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Keir Gilchrist, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Amy Okuda
Rating: TV-14
Think of it as Sex Education's more tame and quirky little brother. The comedy-drama follows the story of Sam, an 18-year-old with autism who embarks on an exciting (and equally terrifying) journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he gains more independence and learns quite a bit about love and sex.
7. The End Of The F***ing World
Cast: Alex Lawther, Jessica Barden, Naomi Ackie
Rating: TV-MA
17-year-old James—a self-proclaimed psychopath, plans to murder his rebellious classmate, Alyssa. But when they connect and embark on a road trip together, a relationship ensues, complicating James's original plan. It's not your typical coming-of-age tale, but it's got plenty of dark humor and does a great job of exploring trauma.
8. Everything Sucks!
Cast: Jahi Di'Allo Winston, Peyton Kennedy, Patch Darragh
Rating: TV-14
If you'd prefer a dose of nostalgia, you'll appreciate this comedy-drama, which follows the lives of a group of teenage misfits in '90s Oregon. Like the kids in Sex Education, they're dealing with their budding sexuality exploring new interests as they make their way through adolescence, and the characters are quite compelling. Among the standouts are Kate, who believes that she may be gay.
9. Misfits
Cast: Iwan Rheon, Robert Sheehan, Lauren Socha, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett
Rating: TV-MA
We know what. you're thinking. What in the world does a superhero series about superpowered beings have in common with Sex Education? Well, for one, the characters are very relatable, and the series explores serious topics (like drug abuse and even death) in a refreshingly comedic way. The cast also gives solid performances and the writing is nothing short of brilliant.
10. The Inbetweeners
Cast: Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison, Joe Thomas
Rating: TV-MA
The Inbetweeners follows William McKenzie and his pals as they get used to high school life and deal with a number of issues, from insecurity and family drama to bullying. The boys, unfortunately, always find themselves in embarrassing scenarios as they struggle to get with women.
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