The popular British comedy Sex Education is coming back for a third season on Netflix. The series features an extensive ensemble cast made up of well-known actors including Gillian Anderson and Asa Butterfield, as well as a considerable amount of newcomers, like Emma Mackey and Connor Swindells.
Each episode is typically framed by the progression of one of Otis's clients. Often, these are side characters, but they're treated like main characters in that they have well-thought-out arcs. Some of these side characters are so intriguing and enjoyable to watch that we'd like to see more of them in season 3.
Vivienne "Viv" Odesanya
Viv is Moordale's resident genius. She's an integral member of the Moordale Quiz Heads and knows an unbelievable amount of statistics about pretty much anything; she even knows the exact amount of times she's spoken to Dex, including the number of words he's used.
Otherwise, Viv is a very caring friend and walks into Jackson's life at exactly the right time. She helps him through his struggle with anxiety and tells his parents just how severely he's been affected by the pressure to succeed in swimming. She's also quite funny, and considering how important she is in season 2, we're hoping she will be a recurring or even main character in season 3.
Sean Wiley
Though he isn't in town for season 2, his abrupt disappearance in season 1 suggests that he'll be back at some point - hopefully in season 3. He adds a unique sense of humour and charm to the series and makes Maeve smile in a way that few others can.
Maeve is left extremely lonely after her mother leaves at the end of season 2, so if Sean makes a return in season 3 he could keep her company and take care of her - hopefully for good this time.
Erin Wiley
Maeve's mother seemed to be making real progress when Isaac and Joe discover the drugs in the caravan. Her raw emotion suggests that she truly only did slip up once. It was a shame to see her go after her and Maeve finally seem to have begun mending their relationship.
The two seem to get along really well, despite their differences. The heartrending decision Maeve makes will undoubtedly result in further trauma and other mental health effects for all members of the Wiley family. Erin is such an important part of season 2 that the next season will feel strange without her.
Maureen Groff
Maureen's story takes a pleasantly surprising turn in season 2. She asserts herself and claims autonomy of her own life in one of the most empowering arcs of the series.
She also finds a friend in Jean, which is definitely a duo that fans would like to see more of. Of course, Maureen is also Adam's mother and she's one of the few people who inspire him and truly care about him. Their relationship could develop in interesting ways now that Michael is out of the house.
Rahim
Rahim was almost a main character in season 2, so it would be strange to see him leave. He's also enigmatic enough that viewers would love to learn more about him.
As of the end of season 2, not much is known about Rahim or his background, except that he's clever and likes to read. Seeing him make some friends in season 3 would be great since he mostly just seems to hang out with Eric or stride about with great purpose like he owns the place.
Colin Hendricks
Mr. Hendricks has to be one of the most enthusiastic teachers at Moordale High. He's always full of energy and lame jokes that fans can't help but laugh at.
He adds a pleasant comedic touch to every scene he appears in, but he does have a personality beyond serving comic relief. Exploring an emotional connection with Miss Sands would be interesting, but viewers would also just love to see more of him dancing around with his baton.
Olivia Hanan
Olivia seems like any other mean girl at the beginning of season 1, but this is quickly proven to be just a façade. Even in the first season, she plays a significant role in the plot's progression, but also to the growth of characters around her, like Ruby.
Season 2 reveals an even more vulnerable side to her character with an exploration of her insecurities as well as experiences with assault. She seems layered enough for even more growth in season 3, and she has matured since the beginning of the series enough that she could even become friends with some of the main characters, as seen at the end of season 2.
Cynthia (And Jeffrey ... And Jonathan)
The caravan park just wouldn't be the same without Cynthia, and she wouldn't be the same without Jeffrey or Jonathan. Her sensitive indignation lightens the mood of any scene she appears in.
She's also something like a friend to Maeve, even a little like a maternal figure, having watched the girl grow up. She often expresses concern for Maeve, who often steals Cynthia's gas tanks behind her back. Still, their relationship is fun to watch, and it would be great to see more of it season 3, especially after Maeve is left in such an isolated state at the end of season 2.
"Courgette" Connor
Connor is a character who pops up at the most unexpected of times, like thirty minutes before Otis's party starts or speaking up in the middle of an assembly. He has an unhealthy addiction to a few things, the least of which is his obsession with Jean - or "Courgette Lady", as he calls her ... repeatedly.
Connor is rarely referred to by name, but fans couldn't possibly misplace him. He is portrayed with a precise degree of comic timing, and his character is so different to any other in the series that it would be great to see more of his strange humor in season 3.
Ruthie
Finally, Ruthie is one iconic character whose appearance in season 2 is unexpected but welcome. She appears in some of the funniest and most touching scenes of the series and is played with an impeccable balance of seriousness and impatience by Lily Newmark.
Newmark has recently starred in Netflix's Cursed as Pym, so the actress may not be able to commit to the third season of Sex Education, but her character is one of the few who guides Otis with her surprising depth of wisdom.