Netflix's hit series, Sex Education, captivated audiences when it first aired in 2019. As the streaming service prepares for the highly anticipated debut of season 4, it's time to bid farewell to beloved characters like Otis Millburn, Eric Effiong, Maeve Wiley, and the rest of the students from Moordale. This British show, featuring talented actors such as Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, and Emma Mackey, delves into the lives of teenagers navigating the complicated world of sex education in secondary school. With its groundbreaking representation and fearless exploration of taboo subjects, it's no wonder Sex Education has enjoyed a successful four-season run.
However, every story has its end, and Sex Education has reached its conclusion. The world of Moordale (and now, Cavendish Sixth Form College) can only offer a limited number of narratives, and it would be unwise to prolong the show beyond its natural lifespan. In addition, various other factors make a strong case for Netflix to cancel Sex Education after season 4 premieres, which is slated for late 2023.
8 Sex Education's Story Is Reaching A Natural Conclusion
In the season 3 finale of Sex Education, Moordale faced closure due to the withdrawal of funding by investors. Consequently, the students had no choice but to seek education elsewhere. According to the season 4 synopsis, Otis and Eric will enroll at Cavendish Sixth Form College, although it remains uncertain if any of their former classmates will join them. Meanwhile, Maeve will pursue her education program in the United States. With everyone going their separate ways, it appears that the popular Netflix series is approaching its conclusion.
Considering the characters' departure from one another, it would be logical for the actors to also graduate from their roles in Sex Education. There is a limit to how far the story can progress before it deviates significantly from the enchanting essence of the first season. Sex Education has the opportunity to come full circle and naturally conclude in its fourth season, and Netflix should seize this chance.
7 Sex Education Has Lost Too Many Stars
A handful of cast members will not be returning for Season 4 of Sex Education. This includes Patricia Allison (Ola Nyman), Tanya Reynolds (Lily Iglehart), Simone Ashley (Olivia Hanan), and Rakhee Thakra (Emily Sands). Additionally, Emma Mackey (Maeve) and Ncuti Gatwa (Eric) have confirmed that they will not be returning if the show is renewed for a fifth season. Losing Ola and Lily for Season 4 was already difficult to accept, but the news that Maeve and Eric will be saying goodbye at the end of the upcoming season is truly heartbreaking. When a television show reaches a point where most of the original cast is no longer present, it may be time to consider ending it. While the story is important, the characters are what truly make a series great. With the departure of many of Sex Education's beloved and iconic characters, it seems like the show should come to a close.
6 Sex Education Without Maeve Or Eric Doesn't Work
As previously mentioned, the absence of Maeve and Eric would have a devastating impact on Sex Education. While Otis may be the central character of the Netflix series, it is Maeve and Eric who have captivated the audience and become fan favorites. Without a doubt, they are the most intriguing characters, and the essence of Sex Education would be significantly altered without their presence. Although the streaming service could attempt to continue the series without them, it would undoubtedly be a grave mistake that could potentially lead to a disastrous outcome.
5 Bringing In A New Cast Would Taint The Series
Given the immense popularity of Sex Education on Netflix, it's only natural to assume that the streaming service would want to capitalize on its success. With the departure of several cast members, the logical step would be to introduce a fresh ensemble but maintain the same premise (similar to Scrubs season 9). While new cast members can inject new energy into a TV show, it might not bode well for Sex Education, considering its captivating premise and outstanding ensemble cast.
4 Sex Education Wouldn't Make Sense Outside A School Setting
The focus of Sex Education is not limited to the curriculum of a school-mandated class; it aims to provide teenagers with comprehensive knowledge about sexual health. As the characters of the Netflix series, Otis, Eric, and Maeve, graduate and become well-informed about sex, it would seem odd for the show to continue outside of a school setting. Once they outgrow their role of educating their peers in a rundown bathroom, it is time for Sex Education to come to an end.
3 Sex Education Must End On Its Own Terms
Given the immense popularity of Sex Education and the strong connection fans have with its characters, it is crucial that the show concludes on its own terms. This entails tying up everyone's storylines in a satisfying manner, leaving no unanswered questions for the audience. It is particularly important to address the unresolved cliffhanger from the end of season 2 and provide closure on whether Otis and Maeve end up together. Considering that Sex Education seems to be approaching a natural ending point, it would have been logical for the writers to approach season 4 with the understanding that it could potentially be the final season.
2 The Actors Are Getting Too Old To Play Teenagers
Unfortunately, most of the actors playing teenagers in Sex Education are nearing or are already in their 30s. There is only so long that they can convincingly portray teens, and unless Netflix plans to introduce a significant time jump, their ages will become increasingly unbelievable after season 4. However, as previously mentioned, the show is heavily reliant on its school setting, which makes a time jump unrealistic. Therefore, Sex Education will need to conclude before the actors become too old to realistically portray characters much younger than themselves.
1 Sex Education Has Failed To Recreate The Magic Of Season 1
While seasons 2 and 3 were enjoyable and had their own significance, they pale in comparison to the brilliance of Sex Education season 1. The first season was the catalyst for the series' immense popularity, and Netflix owes its success to it. It was a revelation, blending heartfelt moments, hilarious situations, educational content, and bold storytelling seamlessly. Regrettably, subsequent seasons have struggled to recapture this magic. Although the show didn't decline, it also didn't improve. Perhaps it's time for Netflix to recognize its accomplishments and conclude Sex Education after season 4.