Season Four Of Sex Education Will Be The Last

Culture / 2 days ago

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Ever since a fourth season was announced, Sex Education fans have been waiting with bated breath for the juicy details. We’ve been drip-fed snippets of information over the past year – and now, finally, we have a trailer. But this has also come with some sad news: that season four will be the final instalment of the much-loved Netflix show. 

In a letter to fans, show creator Laurie Nunn explained her decision to bring the series to a close, saying: ‘We wanted to make a show that would answer some of the questions we all used to have about love, sex, friendship, and our bodies. Something that would have helped our inner teenagers feel a little less alone. It’s been overwhelming seeing how the show has connected with people around the world, and we hope it’s made some of you feel a little less alone too.

‘Writing this feels bittersweet, as we’ve decided the fourth season will also be the final instalment of our show. This was not an easy decision to make, but as the themes and stories of the new season crystallised, it became clear that this was the right time to graduate.’

Read on for everything we know so far about the final season of the TV series, including the trailer, release date, cast and plot.

Sex Education Season Four: What Do We Know So Far?

The Plot

Sex Education centres around Otis, whose mum Jean (Gillian Anderson) is a sex therapist. At his school, Moorfield, Otis joins forces with Maeve to set up a sex therapy clinic – which many of their fellow classmates visit for advice. But, when Otis and Maeve develop feelings for one another, things get complicated. 

Series three was filled with all sorts of drama. The arrival of new headteacher Hope, played by Girls star Jemima Kirke, shook things up at Moordale, causing a revolt from the students. This led to the school’s investors pulling out, meaning the school must be sold to developers – and the pupils have to find new schools to complete their last year. 

The season also ended with a cliffhanger for Otis and Maeve. Just when we thought they were finally going to be together, Maeve decides to move to America to study, telling Otis: ‘we’ll have to see where we’re at when I’m back’. 

There’s also a lot going on for Jean. At the end of series three she suffers from a haemorrhage while giving birth to her baby girl. She recovers from surgery, only to be presented with the results from a paternity test – and though we don’t actually see the results, her reaction suggests the dad is not Jakob.

So, what will season four hold? Netflix has offered some details on the plot. ‘Following the closure of Moordale Secondary, Otis and Eric now face a new frontier – their first day at Cavendish Sixth Form College. Otis is nervous about setting up his new clinic, while Eric is praying they won’t be losers again. But Cavendish is a culture shock for all the Moordale students – they thought they were progressive but this new college is another level. There’s daily yoga in the communal garden, a strong sustainability vibe and a group of kids who are popular for being … kind?! 

‘Viv is totally thrown by the college’s student-led, non-competitive approach, while Jackson is still struggling to get over Cal. Aimee tries something new by taking an Art A Level and Adam grapples with whether mainstream education is for him. Over in the U.S., Maeve is living her dream at prestigious Wallace University, being taught by cult author Thomas Molloy. Otis is pining after her, while adjusting to not being an only child at home, or the only therapist on campus.’

The Cast

Names returning for season four include: Asa Butterfield as Otis, Emma Mackey as Maeve, Ncuti Gatwa as Eric, Gillian Anderson as Jean, Aimee-Lou Wood as Aimee, Connor Swindells as Adam, Mimi Keene as Ruby, Chinenye Ezeudu as Viv, Kedar Williams-Stirling as Jackson and George Robinson as Isaac.

A slew of characters, however, have sadly announced they are departing from the show. That includes Bridgerton star Simone Ashley as Olivia, Tanya Reynolds as Lily, Patricia Allison as Ola, and Rakhee Thakrar as teacher Emily Sands. 

New faces, meanwhile, will include Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy as Thomas, Maeve’s new college tutor, plus newcomers Felix Mufti, Anthony Lexa, Alexandra James and Imani Yahshua. Characters like Marie Reuther, Reda Elazouar and Imani Yahshua, previously small parts, will also be getting more screen time in season four.

The Trailer

Release Date

Season four will arrive on Netflix on 21 September 2023.