At the start of last semester, I talked about The Office, a show I proclaimed to be the perfect pick me up for an existentially struggling college kid.
This semester, now a full week in, I found another show. Only this show isn’t merely a comedy to brighten your day, though it can do that. It’s also not particularly as long as a binge, because I’ve already finished it in its entirety. As opposed to the nine seasons of The Office available on Netflix, this show comprised only of the eight episodes in its freshman season. It’s a show that has a lot to say and certainly isn’t afraid to shout in your face. I am of course referencing the latest hit to drop on Netflix, Sex Education.
Sex Education is a show that’s hard to define. It’s a raunchy, uncensored story that’d make anyone blush. The opening scene of the entire series makes Game of Thrones look like children’s programming. Its raw, realistic depictions of high schoolers at its finest, dealing with many hard hitting topics swirling in our chaotic cauldron of a society today such as sexuality, abortion and finding yourself.
One of the best ways I can describe the show is that it’s a mash up of Big Mouth and The End of the F***ing World. It takes the humorous approach to adolescent topics, and the dry, witty comedy that’s laced into serious situations and churns out an utter masterpiece. Comedy is the core of Sex Education but the real essence of the show is its drama, messages, and ultimately, its heart. Each episode tackles something different while still maintaining the ongoing plot thread. It’s one of those shows that mid-laugh, a line, beat or even look from a character will suddenly hit you hard, and really make you stop to think. It’s a roller coaster I never wanted to get off of.
This was, in part, due to the perfectly executed characters in the show, and the actors and actresses that portrayed them. The actors perform their roles immaculately, finding that perfect comedy/drama balance that many shows fail to really get right. Furthermore, the best aspect about each of the characters themselves is that they’re all real, in that none of them are perfect. Even the Mean Girl-esque “perfects” have their own issues within the show. You end up not hating anyone, but more so hating the phases some of them go through. They grow, learn and act like people you know in reality, and it makes all the storylines, all the jokes, and all the messages spurred forth that much more impactful.
While it’s not a light comedy to better your mood instantly, it’s a show I define as an escape. It’s going to make you laugh but it’s also going to make you cry, learn and contemplate. It’s a pick-me-up in the sense that it takes you away from reality. I can’t even begin to describe the level of stress I felt after syllabus week, and I’m sure many can relate. And even those not in college need this show, because, let’s face it, life is stressful. But this escape served as yet another savior to my crazed mind. This program enthralled me from the start so much I often had to remind myself where I was after an episode was over because I got that invested in the screen.
Shows don’t always have to be funny to cheer you up. Sometimes a good show can simply make you feel emotions, and forget all the crappy ones you’re going through for real. And in the case of Sex Education, it hits all the marks. It’ll make you ride that emotional roller coaster, fall in love with so many unique characters and live in blissful ignorance of all your troubles. It’s a true escape from reality.
So be sure to check out this latest hit. Skyrocket those viewing numbers so Netflix will have no choice but to renew this absolute gem of a television show. So yeah, don’t skip out on Sex Education.
Jackson Horvat is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Jackson by tweeting him at @horvatjackson.
