The latest cast and story update for Sex Education season 4 is a relief after a series of actor departures. Netflix's British coming-of-age series debuted in 2019 and quickly became an instant hit for the streamer. Since then, a brand new season has released every year, but when Sex Education season 4 debuts, it will look very different as it features a significantly smaller cast of characters.
Over the last few weeks, several notable actors from the show have announced that they are not returning for its upcoming year. That includes Simone Ashley as Olivia, Patricia Allison as Ola, Tanya Reynolds as Lily, as well as, Rakhee Thakkar, as Moordale Secondary School's English teacher, Emily Sands. This has understandably become a cause for concern as while these characters aren't the primary players in the Netflix project, they have been integral to its overall narrative and what makes Sex Education such a great show.
Thankfully, a series of new updates regarding Sex Education season 4 hints that despite these cast departures, it will still stay true to its storytelling identity. For starters, despite being cast as the new Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa will be back as Eric in the new season. This hints that the focus will remain on its main characters like him, Otis (Asa Butterfield) and Maeve (Emma Mackey). There were some doubts about his involvement after he landed the iconic British role, but even if his role in Sex Education season 4 would be somehow reduced, the fact that he will still be on it is still great news. Secondly, Sex Education season 4 story details reveal that it will “see a mixture of old and new exciting faces.” It is also confirmed to address Sex Education season 3's cliffhanger ending with the remaining characters finding alternate schooling arrangements after Moordale's sale to developers.
Sex Education Season 4 Is Still Exciting, Despite So Many Cast Exits
Between these updates, it sounds like Netflix isn't really shaking things up for the series despite Sex Education season 4 having a smaller cast. The show seems to continue focusing on its ongoing plotlines and not introduce new ones this late in its run. If anything, a smaller cast can be a great thing for the series as it allows to focus on the main narratives that were previously being juggled with sub-plots. This is especially true with Otis and Maeve's romance which hasn't been fully explored yet. Sex Education season 3 brought the pair together only to eventually pull them apart again after she pursues her study abroad opportunity in the United States. With season 4 potentially taking place over the school break, it means that Otis has the chance to possibly follow her in America where they finally deal with their relationship. Additionally, season 4 can also tackle the repercussions of Eric’s actions in Sex Education season 3 and reveal whether or not there's a chance for him and Adam (Connor Swindells) to healthily rekindle their romance.
Regardless of what exactly goes down in Sex Education season 4, these cast and story updates give Netflix the opportunity to craft a proper send-off to these characters. Despite the show's popularity, its story has a natural ending and it would be best to end it properly than stretch it out with subpar storylines. With Otis, Maeve, and Eric returning, it can wrap things up the way the show started — with the three of them.