Despite its critical and commercial success, Sex Education should end with season 4. The Netflix teen comedy-drama Sex Education, which debuted in 2019, had an impressive run. As the show sought to explore the lives of Moordale Secondary’s students, teachers, and parents, it focused on their personal dilemmas, often related to sexual intimacy, relationships, and gender identity. Consequently, the series instantly gained a cult following because of its artful writing and production. Its ensemble cast, led by Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, and Emma Mackey, also gained recognition for their performances.
Sex Education proved there is more to it than just a group of hormonal teenagers (and adults) talking about sex, however. As the story unfolded, issues common in young adults — going through puberty, exploring their sexuality, getting into relationships, discovering their identity, navigating friendships, and struggling with family bonds — were accurately, and at times, bluntly discussed. Sex Education, throughout its three seasons, did not hold back in educating its audience about safe sex, abortion, sexual assault, trauma, and gender representation and empowerment.
However, while the show had been a refreshing experience, Sex Education season 4 should be its last. Primarily, the series should end while it is still capable of telling fresh and compelling accounts. Moordale Secondary’s students are now approaching the end of Sixth Form, prompting them to go on different paths afterwards — and for the story to reach a natural stopping point. What makes Sex Education remarkable is its focus on bringing depth to typical events in high school, which makes it all the more relatable. The Netflix hit has successfully crafted Moordale as this haven for teenage adventures, highlighting this specific time of their lives filled with first times and awkward encounters. The writers of Sex Education can choose to inject new conflicts, but they will risk dragging out the narrative they have carefully executed in the first three seasons.
Furthermore, if the story follows these characters as they go off to university, take a gap year, or start working, it would not be the same. While that angle is totally possible, life beyond high school poses a different setting, as their priorities and relationship dynamics will inevitably change. Additionally, it would not be as effective if a new set of characters is introduced to Moordale just for the sake of continuity. The existing cast has an already established chemistry, and removing that from the equation might generate mixed reception.
Instead, the potential season 4 of Sex Education should simply tie its loose ends. Perhaps, the series can finally bring resolutions to the main storylines, including Otis and Maeve resuming their relationship, Jean dealing with her new family, the Groff family reconciling, Eric exploring his freedom, and Moordale closing down. As audiences witnessed the growth and development of the show’s teenage characters, sending them off to the next chapter of their lives would be a truly fitting ending to Sex Education.