Is this the end? The fourth season of Sex Education generated buzz even before its release when several cast members confirmed their departure from the show. Patricia Allison revealed in July 2022 that she would not be reprising her role as Ola in the upcoming season. Likewise, Ncuti Gatwa announced in February 2023 that he would not be returning for a possible fifth season due to his new role on Doctor Who.
The TV series "Sex Education" follows the journey of high school students, including characters like Otis, Maeve, Eric, and Ola, as they navigate the complexities of sexual relationships amidst the various challenges in their day-to-day lives. Since its premiere in 2019, the show has continued for four years, featuring young adult actors portraying teenage roles.
Meanwhile, Mackey appeared to explain the reasons why several cast members of the show were looking for a new beginning after season 4. In an interview with Total Film, she acknowledged the age disparity between the characters they portray (17-year-olds) and their actual ages (almost 30), describing it as a somewhat uncomfortable situation. While this experience has presented them with various opportunities, Mackey expressed her desire to gracefully depart from the show, appreciating its existence and aiming to preserve it. Keep reading for all the details on what lies ahead for Sex Education.
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Everything to Know About Season 4 of 'Sex Education': From Cast Departures to Upcoming Story Lines
Is this the end? Sex Education's fourth season made headlines before its premiere after several cast members confirmed their departures from the show.
Patricia Allison made it known in July 2022 that she would not be returning as Ola for the forthcoming season. Conversely, Ncuti Gatwa disclosed in February 2023 that he would not be reprising his role for a potential fifth season due to his involvement in Doctor Who.
Sex Education follows the lives of high school students, including characters like Otis, Maeve, Eric, and Ola, as they navigate the complexities of sexual intimacy amidst the challenges of their daily lives. The show's first season premiered in 2019, and now, after four years, the young characters, portrayed by actors in their 20s, are ready for a fresh start.
In an interview with Total Film, Emma Mackey, who plays Maeve, acknowledged the age disparity between the actors and their teenage characters. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunities the show has given them but also mentioned her desire to gracefully move on from it and cherish its existence.
Scroll down for everything to know about the future of Sex Education:
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When Does 'Sex Education' Season 4 Premiere?
The fourth and final season will be released on Netflix September 2.
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Is There a 'Sex Education' Season 4 Trailer?
Otis, the central character of the Sex Education series, faced a comical challenge in the official teaser trailer of season 4. Set in July 2023, Otis found himself in a situation where he amusingly struggled to introduce himself as a sex therapist to his new classmates at Cavendish Sixth Form College. Interestingly, this institution surprisingly embraces progressive views on sexuality. Additionally, amidst the students, there is even a rival sex therapist.
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Who Is Joining the Cast of 'Sex' Education in Season 4?
Dan Levy and Jodie Turner-Smith have been cast as new characters in the next season of the hit Netflix series.
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Which Stars Won't Appear in Season 4?
Prior to the premiere of season 4, Rakhee Thakrar stated that she would not be returning for future episodes. Tanya Reynolds and Allison will also be departing from their respective roles. Additionally, Ashley had previously mentioned that her portrayal of Kate Sharma in Netflix's Bridgerton series marked the conclusion of her character's story arc on Sex Education.
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Has Netflix Renewed 'Sex Education' for Season 5?
No, Sex Education will end with season 4. Netflix announced in July 2023 that the upcoming episodes would be the final season.
Laurie Nunn, the creator, realized during the writing process that this season would mark the end. In July, she expressed that the stories were reaching a satisfying conclusion, leaving the characters in a good place. According to Aimee Lou Wood, who portrays Aimee, season 4 might serve as the show's finale. In an interview with Radio Times in October 2021, she shared her mixed feelings, acknowledging the desire to continue indefinitely but also recognizing the need for the cast to pursue different projects. Wood believes that, even if not in this season, the show is approaching its conclusion, a bittersweet realization that can be seen as a positive decision. She also emphasizes the importance of leaving the audience wanting more.
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Who Is Interested in a Potential 'Sex Education' Spinoff?
Butterfield emphasized the importance of a well-thought-out and truly unique spinoff rather than simply creating one for the sake of it during an interview with Cosmopolitan UK in September 2021. While expressing his enthusiasm for a fourth season due to the immense enjoyment he derives from working on the show, he also acknowledged that after three years, bidding farewell to these characters would bring him contentment.
Meanwhile, Nunn mentioned that there is still ample room for potential; however, she emphasized the need for a rejuvenating vacation beforehand. "I am definitely taking a break and diverting my attention towards other endeavors," Nunn disclosed to Tudum in July 2023. "Nevertheless, Moordale offers an incredibly vast realm, and crafting narratives about adolescents is consistently an enjoyable experience. Hence, I firmly believe that there perpetually exists the opportunity to delve into additional facets within that realm."
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What Changes Can Fans Expect in Season 4?
"I'm uncertain of the extent to which I can playfully reveal information. However, what I can say is that we are now in a different school with fresh settings, and there have been some alterations. Additionally, we have introduced new characters," Butterfield playfully shared with Radio Times in February 2023. "The show has undoubtedly undergone some developments, but the original team remains involved, and it has been an enjoyable experience. We have all become so familiar with one another at this stage, creating a fantastic atmosphere filled with laughter."