sex education story so far

Sex Education: the story so far…

The Netflix show returns this week for a brand new series!

Senior Features Writer
Updated: September 16, 2021

If you're a Netflix subscriber, chances are you've either binged or at least heard of the hugely popular show, Sex Education.

The comedy-drama, which has picked up many awards and nominations during award season, boasts a stellar cast and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments – although the racy scenes make the show certainly not one for the faint hearted.

MORE: Sex Education season 3: everything we know so far

Luckily for fans, after much waiting, season three is finally upon us and will be landing on the streaming giant on Friday!  It's been over a year since series two's release, so to refresh your memory, here's the story of Sex Education so far…

WATCH: Netflix announce return of Sex Education in the best way

The beginning of Sex Education immediately introduced us to Otis Milburn, an insecure and awkward teenager perpetually embarrassed by his mum, Jean, a sex and relationships therapist. Despite Jean being very open about all aspects of sexuality and trying to get her son to open up about his personal issues, Otis is reluctant – but soon uses his mother's knowledge in expertise in other ways.

After a dramatic showdown in the Moordale high school toilet involving school bully Adam Groff (involving certain, ahem, medication), social pariah Maeve Wiley observes Otis helping Adam with his medical condition and instantly sees a business opportunity.

Soon, she proposes to him that he starts offering other students sex and relationship advice, thanks to his learnt expertise from his mum, in exchange for money. Throughout series one, the clinic becomes one of the main focuses.

However, the first eight episodes don't come without their own drama and more serious moments. Early on in season one, Maeve finds out she's pregnant by school jock, Jackson, and has an abortion all the while going through difficulties in her home life. Maeve then starts to develop feelings for Otis, but by this point he is now dating Ola, the daughter of Jean's handyman-turned-boyfriend, Jakob.

MORE: Aimee Lou Wood reveals reason for split from Sex Education co-star Connor Swindells

MORE: See the stars of Sex Education at start of their careers

© Photo: Netflix

Are you a fan of Sex Education?

Meanwhile, Eric, Otis' gay best friend who is consistently bullied by Adam, ends up getting assaulted in a homophobic attack after being stood up by Otis. Towards the end of season one, Adam and Eric serve detention together and end up having a fight that turns into sex – but the situation is made tricky when Adam is sent off to military school by his headteacher father, who disapproves of his rebel behaviour.

Season two's focus is once again on the clinic but, this time, with other difficulties thrown into the mix. Otis and Ola's relationship continues while Maeve's home life grows more complicated with the sudden appearance of her estranged and former addict mum, Erin, who wants to make amends.

Adam's journey at military school shows the many complications in his life and he ends up getting framed for drug possession and is expelled – which does nothing for his rocky relationship with his dad.

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© Photo: Netflix

The show has been a big hit with viewers and critics alike

The episodes also offer a look at serious issues as well as the lighter side of teenage love and angst. Aimee, Maeve's best friend, gets assaulted on a bus and reports it to the police, and Maeve's reprobate younger brother turns up and gets in trouble for selling drugs but, to protect him, Maeve takes the wrap.

Meanwhile, Eric is now dating school new boy Rahim but his involvement with Adam is far from over. Otis and Ola then break up after Ola realises she has feelings for Lily, and Jackson's struggle with his mum forcing him to swim competitively prompts him to injure himself, sabotaging his abilities in the process.

MORE: Lucifer's Rachael Harris talks teary goodbyes and why the success of the Netflix show is really down to fans

© Photo: Netflix

The third season is due out this year

Towards the end of season two, Jackson then stars in the school musical, much to his parents' surprise, and Adam jumps up on stage declaring his love for Eric.

Speaking of declaring of love, Otis leaves Maeve a voicemail expressing his true feelings, but Isaac, Maeve's neighbours, deletes the message and sends him away – setting up perfectly for season three. We cannot wait!  

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