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Masters of Sex

Masters of Sex

20137
Dráma
Vydané
29. 9. 2013
Krajina
Spojené štáty
Produkcie
Sony Pictures TelevisionRound Two ProductionsTimberman/Beverly Productions
William Masters a Virginia Johnson sú skutočnými priekopníkmi vedy o ľudskej sexualite. Ich výskum odštartoval sexuálnu revolúciu a zaviedol ich z učebnej nemocnice na stredozápade až na titulku časopisu Time a viackrát sa objavili na pohovke Johnnyho Carsona. Je brilantný vedec, ktorý je odtrhnutý od vlastných pocitov, a ona je slobodná pracujúca matka pred svojou dobou. Seriál sleduje ich nezvyčajné životy, romantiku a nepravdepodobnú cestu popkultúry.

About

Masters of Sex follows pioneers William Masters and Virginia Johnson as they study human sexuality in 1950s America.

Set in the 1950s and ’60s, the series follows William Masters, a brilliant but emotionally detached scientist, and Virginia Johnson, a single mother who becomes his research partner. Their work at a small Midwest teaching hospital uncovers new insights into human sexual behavior, sparking the beginnings of the sexual revolution. The show blends professional discovery with personal drama, depicting a complex love triangle, evolving friendships, and the duo’s rise to national fame, including a cover on Time magazine and an appearance on Johnny Carson’s show.

What to know

  • The series spans four seasons, airing from 2013 to 2016.
  • Each episode runs about 45–50 minutes.
  • It is based on Thomas Maier’s biography of the same name.
  • The show blends historical events with fictionalized personal storylines.
  • Male and female characters portray real figures with some creative liberties.
  • The tone is mature, featuring explicit sexual content and strong language.
  • It covers social, scientific, and political issues of the era.

Watch if

If you enjoy character‑driven dramas that explore social change, are intrigued by science history, and appreciate nuanced romance, this series offers a thoughtful look at the early days of sex research.

Skip if

If you prefer light, fast‑paced shows or dislike mature sexual themes and strong language, you may find this series too slow and intense.

dialogue heavypolitical themesmature themespsychological elementsromance elementsdark toneslow burnlanguage stronglanguage somesuspenseful
Historical Foundations
The series is anchored in real research conducted by William Masters and Virginia Johnson at a modest Midwestern hospital. Their studies, funded by the National Institutes of Health, were groundbreaking in mapping human sexual response. The show illustrates the academic challenges they faced, including funding obstacles and ethical debates about consent and data privacy.
The Love Triangle
At the core lies a complicated relationship: Masters, his wife Libby, and Johnson. The dynamics shift as professional respect turns into intimacy, creating tension between marriage, friendship, and career ambition. The series depicts how each character’s choices affect their personal and public lives, offering a nuanced look at love, fidelity, and ambition.
Scientific Innovation
The duo’s experimental techniques—such as measuring pelvic muscle contractions—are dramatized with accuracy. The show also portrays the skepticism of the broader scientific community and the eventual acceptance of their findings. It highlights how their work laid the groundwork for modern sex therapy and education.
Social and Political Context
Set against the backdrop of the 1950s and ’60s, the show touches on prevailing social norms, the early civil rights movement, and the evolving role of women in the workforce. It also reflects the political climate, such as government regulation of scientific research and the influence of media on public perception.
Character Development
Each main character evolves across seasons. William Masters grows from a brilliant but detached scientist to a man confronting personal guilt. Virginia Johnson matures from a single mother balancing work to an assertive researcher who challenges gender expectations. Libby Masters’ arc reflects the costs of supporting a partner’s unconventional career.
Production Choices
Showrunner Michelle Ashford and director(s) craft a period aesthetic that balances authenticity with dramatic storytelling. The use of period-appropriate music, costumes, and sets grounds the narrative while the dialogue remains contemporary and accessible to modern viewers.

FAQ

When did Masters of Sex first air?
The series premiered on September 29, 2013, on Showtime.
How many seasons are there?
Four seasons were produced, running from 2013 to 2016.
How many episodes does the show have?
A total of 46 episodes across the four seasons.
Is the series historically accurate?
It follows the real work of Masters and Johnson, but some personal details are dramatized for storytelling.
Who wrote the book the show is based on?
The biography Thomas Maier wrote the source material for the series.
Which actors play the main roles?
Michael Sheen portrays William Masters, Lizzy Caplan plays Virginia Johnson, and Caitlin FitzGerald portrays Libby Masters.
Does the show contain explicit sexual content?
Yes, it includes realistic portrayals of sexual activity as part of the research context.
Are there graphic scenes that might be uncomfortable?
Some scenes depict explicit sexual content, but they are typically clinical or educational in nature.
What tone does the show have?
It combines drama, romance, and intellectual inquiry with a mature and sometimes dark tone.
Does the series focus on romance?
Romance is central, especially the evolving relationship between Masters, Johnson, and Libby.
What is the runtime of each episode?
Episodes run roughly between 45 and 50 minutes, typical for Showtime dramas.
What recurring themes appear throughout the series?
Themes include scientific ethics, gender roles, social stigma, and the tension between personal ambition and relationships.
Does the show address gender issues?
Yes, it highlights the challenges women faced in academia and the broader societal expectations of the era.
What is the target audience rating?
The show is rated TV‑MA, indicating mature content with strong language and sexual material.
Is the series available on streaming services?
It can be streamed on Showtime’s platform, as well as other services like Amazon Prime or Netflix in certain regions.
Does Masters of Sex have a season finale?
Each season concludes with a finale that resolves major plotlines and sets up the next arc.
How does the show portray the 1950s?
It uses authentic period details—clothing, set design, and social attitudes—to ground the narrative in its time.
Who is the executive producer?
Michelle Ashford and Sarah Timberman served as executive producers.
Are the characters based on real people?
Yes, William Masters and Virginia Johnson were real researchers; other characters are fictional composites.
Does the series tackle scientific ethics?
It examines consent, confidentiality, and the moral responsibilities of researchers.
Is the show suitable for teens?
The mature content and explicit scenes make it unsuitable for viewers under 18.
How does the show handle politics of the era?
It touches on the era’s political climate, including government oversight of research and the emerging sexual liberation movement.
Are there notable guest stars?
The series features guest appearances by actors portraying real figures like Dr. Richard A. Allen and other scientific colleagues.
Does the series cover the entire career of the duo?
It focuses mainly on their early career and the pivotal years of their research, not their later life.
What are the main character arcs?
Masters evolves from a detached scientist to a man facing personal consequences, Johnson becomes an assertive professional who defies gender norms, and Libby transforms from supportive wife to independent figure.

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