Watch Sex Actually with Alice Levine

Sex Actually is a thought-provoking and nuanced exploration of sex and sexuality from the perspective of modern day individuals, presented by Alice Levine. The show grapples with the myriad complexities and paradoxes of sex, including how sex is portrayed in popular culture, the ebb and flow of sexual desire, and the changing dynamics of relationships.

In each episode, Levine engages in intimate conversations with a range of guests, including sex educators, writers, academics, activists, and individuals from all walks of life. Through these conversations, Sex Actually provides a window into the diverse ways people experience sex and sexuality, while also challenging dominant narratives and stereotypical representations of sex.

One of the key strengths of Sex Actually is how it avoids a one-size-fits-all approach to sex and sexuality. Rather than presenting any particular perspective as universally true, the show welcomes a variety of viewpoints and experiences, acknowledging that what works for one person may not work for another. This approach creates a rich and diverse tapestry of ideas and experiences, and ultimately, a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of sex and sexuality.

Throughout the series, Levine confronts a range of topics that are often considered taboo or difficult to discuss in public. These include issues like sexual trauma, sexual dysfunction, minority sexual identities, and religious attitudes towards sex. By tackling these subjects head-on, Sex Actually not only facilitates important conversations but also helps to destigmatize and normalize topics that are too often relegated to the shadows.

While the show is undoubtedly focused on sex and sexuality, it's important to note that it's not simply titillating or exploitative. Rather, Levine -- who is a skilled interviewer -- creates an environment in which guests feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences, while also providing valuable insights and perspectives of her own. With her trademark wit and empathy, Levine never shies away from difficult conversations, but she also knows when to lighten the mood and inject some humor into the proceedings.

Of course, one of the challenges of a show about sex and sexuality is how to portray sex on screen without becoming gratuitous or fetishistic. Sex Actually handles this challenge deftly, never shying away from sexual content when it's relevant to the conversation at hand, but also never using sex solely for shock value or to grab attention. This balance is crucial, as it allows the show to grapple with sexual topics in an honest and open way, while also making sure that its content is accessible and inclusive to all viewers.

Finally, it's worth noting that while Sex Actually is undoubtedly a show about sex, it's also about much more than that. This is a show about human connection, intimacy, vulnerability, and all the messy and beautiful things that make us who we are. Whether you're a sexual novice or a seasoned pro, whether you identify as straight or queer, whether you're in a relationship or flying solo, this show has something to offer. At its best, Sex Actually reminds us that we're all sexual beings, and that our experiences and desires are as unique and complex as we are.

Sex Actually with Alice Levine is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between September 21, 2021 and on BBC Select