Masters of Sex (2013–2016) User Reviews (72)

Masterpiece in sex research/education based on real life pioneers

[Kicino · 9/10 · 9 December 2013]

I started to watch it out of curiosity but it turned out to be way over my expectation: it is educational and eye-opening, but also reflecting and entertaining on a subject we are all intrigued with: sex - and its relation with love, marriage, family and work in a scientific way. What makes this series fascinating is that it is based on a true story which makes me respect the real characters even more.

Set in the 50s in the US, Dr William Masters (Michael Sheen), a fertility expert at the university hospital helps couples have babies though he has his own issues. His obsession is a study on human sexuality that collects statistical data of volunteers' physiological responses during various sexual acts. A serious man who seems unpleasant to work with, he is fortunate to have hired a former singer and single mother Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) who uses her excellent communication skills and charm to recruit volunteers for the pioneer study. Their collaboration yields remarkable results and complicated consequences.

As the drama unfolds, we discover more issues of Dr Masters with his wife as well as his working relationship with Virginia, amid other hairy situation related to the project, Dr Masters' work and his colleagues. Of course the core is the hard facts of the sex research which we take for granted today but groundbreaking in the 50s. That being said, it would very well complement the lame sex education we have in school even nowadays. Sex as a subject in this drama is not treated as porn, or something dirty, or something we would feel shameful about, or even exotic. Unlocking many myths, it shows reliable and predictable data on human responses to various stimuli. Ironically though, it is also correlated with many unhappy marriages and other adjustment problems.

I especially enjoy watching the emergent feminism bits: assertive Virginia outperforming many of her male colleagues and classmates while daring to speak her mind. At the same time, I also feel the pain, frustration and agony of Dr Lilian DePaul (Julianne Nicholson) when she has to work extremely hard but receives disproportional results in a male-dominated environment.

What's gripping about this drama is that other than the core sex research and feminism, we also explore certain interesting issues such as homosexuality, research, university funding, work, affairs, pregnancy, and of course love and romance. All these issues are still valid today.

The script and writing is superb where details are dotted early in the drama which would be picked up and developed fuller later. Seems rarely a single line is wasted. Film language is well used in conveying complex emotions and situations. Even the introduction is worth watching! The cast, particularly Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan, is excellent with each of them shine in different ways. The artistic direction is authentic in portraying the 50s: the home and office deco, the cars, the fonts, even the hairstyles and fashion are eye-catching. How nostalgic!

Dr Masters and Mrs Johnson are exceptional and brave people. They might be unusual/complex and not particularly happy in their own lives but they surely help us enjoy our lives which seems to be the mission of every researcher. And for that let's give them a great applause.

A must watch.

So Far So Good

[sitanshugreat · 9/10 · 11 October 2013]

Afer finishing up with Breaking Bad, I switched to Master of Sex. Because it was something different, something that has caught my imagination. I have seen two episodes so far, and I'm impressed. The series has an interesting premise and it definitely looks great on the television.

What I found interesting about Masters of Sex is that it has managed to dignify Sex. Most of the other TV shows(Game of Thrones, for instance) throws a random sex scene just to titillate us. But here, it is all for a purpose. A purpose that Masters has safeguarded for a long time. It will be interesting for the viewers to see how the story unfolds.

I am really looking forward to this show. I hope to see some pleasant episodes in the future.

great acting and intriguing subject

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 1 January 2018]

In 1956, Dr. William Masters (Michael Sheen) meets Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan). He's a fertility specialist at Washington University in St. Louis. Barton Scully (Beau Bridges) is his mentor and Libby (Caitlin FitzGerald) is his wife. He's doing late-night sex research with the help of prostitute Betty DiMello (Annaleigh Ashford). Virginia is an ambitious twice-divorced mom former nightclub singer trying to get ahead. At first, she joins Masters as his secretary. Eventually, she joins him as his partner in groundbreaking sex research.

The subject matter is titillating and intriguing. It's also a history that many think they know but few know every detail. It's perfect for a little bit of fictionalization. Sheen and Caplan are magnificent. The supporting cast is terrific. There is compelling drama for a couple of seasons. I do like the kids in the third season although the new doctors in the fourth are troublesome. It would have been interesting to see how the show switches with conversion therapy. The characters got darker and darker with each season. It's a show with a ticking time clock built into it.

Great

[andi_cristian · 26 September 2013]

While Masters of Sex might not be a great show as yet, viewed strictly in terms of giving consumers something worth paying it's the equivalent of a master class in pay-TV development :) There's a lot of humor here, but it's more innocent than leering. And there's also a great deal of understandable awkwardness that seems as pertinent to 2013 to the '50s. It's an absorbing, beautifully acted story about science, emerging feminism and American culture. But it's also a gamble on the idea that great TV drama can involve stakes that are not sharpened to pointy tips. It was comforting to see that Masters of Sex has depth of vision and plenty of dramatic material to delve into without taking the easy way out with a nipple and a romp every 10 minutes :)

Sheen takes it to a whole new level

[kumar-pratik · 8/10 · 17 October 2013]

Masters of Sex is unique in the way it begins to grow on you even though you never thought it would. And, it is typified by none other than the lead character, Masters.

Michael Sheen plays the doctor obsessed with physiological interpretations of sex, who would go to almost any length to pursue his longtime dream. He is complemented by the beautiful Lizzy Caplan in the role of Virginia, Masters' street-smart secretary, who is not afraid to stand up to him, or to take matters in her own hand. The two are joined by the rest of the cast, which does an alright job, though it is hard to look past the performances of these two.

Back to Masters, Sheen shows his versatility as an actor again here. William Masters is condescending, arrogant and a cold character. Yet, Sheen plays him with such finesse, with so many layers, that you cannot help but get intrigued by Masters' haughty mannerisms. Sheen is brilliant here, and plays a diametrically opposite character to his Brian Clough from the Damned United, proving his incredible range as an actor. Take a bow, Mr. Sheen.

So, while you are caught up in the conflict whether to like William Masters or to hate him, Lizzy Caplan as Virginia is a welcome distraction. And, she too plays her character with great finesse. I haven't seen Caplan's past performances, but here, she is doing a terrific job.

The story is not too intriguing to begin with, but I believe the premise will grow on the public, especially because of the purely intellectual way Masters treats it. Not too sure how long they can rivet a story around the concept, but for the moment, the actors, well Sheen essentially, is what the show is worth watching for.

What a treat!

[idjet_humon · 9/10 · 7 October 2013]

This is the first review I have ever done of a series, or movie, so please bear with me.

I have limited time and rarely add new content to my TV viewing, however, after reading about the series, I decided to take a look at this new one. I am totally intrigued and think it conveys the sexual culture in that time period while fleshing out the personal dynamics of researchers Masters and Johnson. The two leading the cast are Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan. They are riveting to watch.

The tone, the clothes, the music... so well done. I have only seen two episodes, yet I became aware of how far our sexual culture has changed, and despite those changes, both good and bad, we still label people even now who are sexually active or adventurous.

8 over 10

[emmanuel-mg-87 · 8/10 · 27 September 2013]

There's not much to review to this series, the background story its not new but very interesting, kind of unknown and accurate about the research of sexology by the gynecologist William Howell Masters, i have the chance to read 1 of his books long time ago in the school "Human Sexual Response" its good to learn about his work in this very different and entertaining way.

It is not a series for everyone as you already know the whole plot is about sex, and there's is a good quantity of nudity on the show.

In the start you can see that is really well made in all the technical and artistic aspect, and performed in the best way by all the actors, starting with the 2 best: Michael Sheen & Lizzy Caplan.

And thats it, is just the beginning of this promising series, as usual (here on IMDb) its not easy for me just put a number at the quality and effort of the peoples work specially with this one, cause perhaps it is too early to make a review, but i will rate it with 8 over 10.

If you have the time and age, you definitely should watch it.

Masters Of Sex, everyone Should watch THIS

[rasultnt2008 · 8/10 · 7 November 2013]

My Friends told me about this show and I said i would give it a try and I did and now I think This show is absolutely one of the best shows of the year.

really well written with great acting, Michael Sheen is doing a wonderful job. This show is good not because of sex scenes, it has a really good drama and i think it's full of information especially for Men, who don't know anything about sex, anything about Women.

this show is teaching me so many things, it's not boring and relationships are interesting. another great thing about Masters of sex is that the story is in the past. it makes it more interesting, So Far So good and i think it's gonna be even so much better than now.

Too Many Unnecessary Distractions

[realtvhrdbfq-1 · 7/10 · 17 January 2017]

Masters of Sex was one of rare TV shows that had a refreshing approach towards human sexuality. I can even argue that it was somewhat educational even if we assume that it merely pushed people to read the books of Masters & Johnson. It did more than that but gradually the refreshing approach was bogged down by so many irrelevant, uninteresting, outright abysmal side characters and their awful story arcs.

First two seasons were great. But then something happened and they shifted the focus from study to the relationships. I'm not talking about Bill and Virginia because they were already intertwined with the study obviously. Honestly I couldn't care less about Barton's ex-wife's open relationship or Virginia's annoying daughter and her weird rapey relationship with her disgusting boyfriend. I understand they wanted to show many "deviant" sexual orientations and relationships but they failed at that big time. Only exception that comes to mind is Betty's story which was excellent from start to finish, but they didn't even bother to give her a closure. This is unbelievably stupid. They wasted so many time with Barton in 3rd season and Libby in 4th season (all those hippy sequences, all those "romance" with that womanizer guy, ugh), but they couldn't give a minute to Betty of all characters in the last episode.

Sad thing is, the patients of Bill and Virgina were more interesting than almost all characters except Bill and Virgina: The shoe guy, the husband lost it in the session because his wife wanted some rough stuff, the woman who wanted to be treated solo for sexual dysfunction and so on. What I mean is they were already into many sexual orientations. They were about to get into infamous homosexual conversion therapy too before it eventually got canceled. I am kind of sad that it ended abruptly but I'm not surprised. For example, the gridlock scene (which again doesn't contribute to anything and is painfully dull) must have cost a lot, I'm definitely not an expert on these things but it's not so hard to guess.

Episodes should have been shorter, main focus should have been on the study, all time. They did good cutting almost all of the kids in the fourth season, but still it wasn't enough.

Makes TV Worth Watching Again

[iamyuno2 · 9/10 · 3 January 2014]

I wanted to hate this show - initially. I thought it would glorify Masters and Johnson and the prurient.

But I was happily surprised to find that this is in fact one of the finest productions ever brought to the little screen. Fine acting, a story worth telling (and it's told with all of its warts), great cinematography, creative in its own way...it just adds up to great viewing.

...And the sex is done tastefully. It has to be shown and yet it's not done for titillation (in fact, I doubt you'll ever get turned on; this is clinical stuff, mostly).

And what's nice, too, is that this story has many levels - there's the historical recreation of events, but there's also a burgeoning romance here, between Masters, a married doctor, and Johnson, a divorced single mother; there's also a fight for women's equality side to the story here - as Johnson attempts to earn more respect; there's the courageous battle that Masters and Johnson fought, to bring science to an essential human subject; and there's a story about human imperfections and intolerance.

Better acting you'll not see today on TV. This has the feel of a fine movie and it never fails to satisfy and deliver and impress. Kudos!!!

And before you reject this series for being too quaint or of a more "naive" time where sex was impossible to talk about, let me suggest that things have not changed very much since William Masters got fired for showing his colleagues films from his sexual studies. Why, I just - shortly after writing my first posted review for this TV series - read a first-page article in the New Haven Register about a modern mainstream sexologist (James Moore, author of On Loving Women) whose Yale University book event (at Barnes & Noble) was CANCELLED recently for apparently being too sexy and controversial!

So have times really changed that much? I don't think so! (Try talking about sex to most people, even today - you'll see!)

All the which makes Masters all the more heroic for taking on such a risky subject to his established career - as this series represents.

Not That Great

[AngelHonesty · 6/10 · 5 January 2020]

The show started out really good, but by the second season it lost its allure. If the show would have continued to focus on the research of sex it would have been good, but instead the focus of the show shifted to the personal lives of the main characters making the show exhausting to watch.

Best show of 2013

[nish-h-reddy · 9/10 · 17 December 2013]

The title "Masters of Sex" works on many levels and the creators of the show are well aware of the attention that this title will draw. This show is about the first scientific research in the area of sex based on the Masters and Johnson studies, who are the protagonists of the story set to the backdrop of the late 1950's at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. The set design is just about right and it very accurately represents the theme and ideology of the time. The characters are sketched out perfectly and there is no dearth of good acting performances with Michael Sheen stealing the show for his portrayal of the incredibly complex William Masters. The main part of the show is of course the study of human sexual response which implies a lot of mature content. These scenes, however tastefully done, may be a little too strong for the average viewer but if one can get over the explicit content, one can see their relevance to the plot. The story still seems a little empty at certain times but can be expected to fill up as it progresses with the introduction of new characters. All in all, a very well presented and unique show.

Promising 1st season, Poorer 2nd, Disastrous 3rd... Ouch, ground zero!

[maria-ricci-1983 · 6/10 · 29 September 2015]

Everything interesting was shown and said in the first season, which was quite innovative, rich and well-paced. The gist of the series was the ground-breaking research of Masters and Johnson, how both characters met, started their collaboration, and the vast array of difficulties which frayed their work in an evoking and well-recreated American social setting.

In the second season, the core of the show shifted to the romantic complications between the two, which made the show look more like a soap-opera, while the actual research was sent to the background. We were also distracted with too many secondary situations and characters, much as a deceptive main course with no meat and lots of little side dishes.

The third season was a complete mishap and a waste of time, going from bad to worse, from a disappointing first episode to an embarrassing finale which broke every rule of decent script-writing and left too many untied threads. A whole army of secondary characters was introduced all along so as to add spice and interest, but this only served to highlight how void of substance the main line had become. Not even wonderful Josh Charles, resembling Will Gardner too much, could save the show, while every secondary role was pushed into unbelievable situations and attitudes.

Quite disappointed, I will not see next season, if there is one.

Douglas Sirk's shadow

[ferdinand1932 · 5/10 · 1 August 2016]

The first season has a solid trajectory and the combination of characters, the circumstances and the recreations of 1950s are all intriguing with that added element of truth. Apparently. Sure, there are compromises to tell a story but even Primo Levi did that with his memoir of Auschwitz. The curious relationship of Masters and Johnson and their quest, her maverick confidence as much as anything, are quite attractive.

Then into the second season it becomes obvious that truth and historical accuracy are being defined by what the producers believe will be sufficient. The fact that Sheen isn't bald, as was the real Masters, indicates that this is pick and choose biographical history. This manipulation of the audience might be acceptable with just Masters and Johnson, the real nature of their affair, what they said and the reason behind it, but it's a strain and disturbing when the other parties: Masters's wife in particular, are portrayed in a way for which Maier's biography does not source and there is no record. This is not about a hairstyle or a political affiliation, this is an event in a persons' life, which has been invented.

The progress from historically sourced facts, with some enhancement to raise dramatic interest, is presented in the opening of the third season. At the close the producers make it clear that Masters and Johnson is presented for their important work, meanwhile the children as presented in the TV episode are fictional. The real Masters and Johnson had children and no doubt this was done to close any possible dispute.

Even the most charitable of viewers realizes they have now been swindled. What won the trust – and in the days of Ed Sullivan, the thanks for coming into your home – is in reality just a disingenuous fraud. Yes, there are truthful parts but the overall arc, the element the dramatic pitch, the nature of the lives shown, is not related to the two real persons, nor to their families and associates.

In its place is a reworking of a Douglas Sirk picture of the 1950s: the enterprising single woman finding her way in the world.

It's a good story and in this version Lizzy Caplan is photogenic and convincing although she cleaves to the junior high school teacher way of talking, to impress upon her interlocutor the reason to her argument,in very evenly pronounced syllables much too often.

Opposite her is a block of wood in a bow tie. Playing Bill Masters would be very hard and Sheen does something with this difficult material, although he lacks physical presence and command.

Like Sirk's movies, this is middle-brow melodrama. It looks good, it's photographed well, the scripts were better in season one than later, but its connection to history and biography are only tenuous at best.

Brilliance Abounds

[annstuckey · 10/10 · 10 November 2013]

What a relief! A breath of fresh air, such a welcome televisual event after the utter toot that generally circulates at the moment. The five episodes skittered by, delivering substance, great acting, and characters who tugged at the brain chords. Meaning that you think about the program long after the credits. I missed the 'live' screenings and so opted for 4OD, and watched all episodes back to back. The final scene of episode five when Dr Masters finally gives way to emotion and cracks whilst holding Ginnie's hand... well, I'd swap you that for all five million trashy episodes of X Factor that's for sure!

A series with a grounding true story that blends heartache and jealousy, live with death, and everything in between.

Roll on Series Two!!

No Shortcomings to this Series

[halhcb808 · 10/10 · 22 March 2014]

I don't see what can be found wrong with this series, which is why I gave it a 10. I have to admit when I really like a show, I do fall in love with it. As far as I can see, the acting is great, the writing is great, the characters are great, and the time period is very realistically portrayed. This is the 1950's. It is a very conservative America. Not as much in the political sense as in the cultural sense. This was before all hell broke loose in 1964-65. The Civil Rights Movement was taking place and gaining ground in the South, but this is white upper class America we are seeing. A white hospital with white doctors and white secretaries. Because that is the way it was then.

Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan are terrific as Masters and Johnson. There is a dual consideration to their relationship. They do have a professional relationship as Virginia Johnson is Dr. Bill Masters' Research Assistant. She is a woman with talents. Instinct, ambition, innovative with ideas and very good with people. Dr. Masters is the most talented Doctor in this teaching hospital, but he is a reserved, even repressed man. The two are exact opposites, and yet compliment one another professionally. They also compliment one another personally, as they take part themselves in the Sex Studies that Dr. Masters has begun in his study.

Lizzy Caplan is fabulous as she is sexy, intelligent, and complex. She is an ambitious woman, like a supremely interested and involved student, and is persistent in her goal of uncovering truths for the study and keeping the study and the office working and intact. She is unafraid, and knows she wants more out of her life. She has had a somewhat shady, unsteady life up until, apparently, taking this job, which changes her life. Lizzy Caplan has been said to have a "quirky sexiness" and that she has. She is also a terrific and "different" actress.

Michael Sheen as Dr. Bill Masters is also a driven person. Restrained personally, but unafraid to be a revolutionary, and even an outcast, in his prime love affair, the scientific study of human sexuality. BUT he also has a personal side that is calculating in getting what he wants, when he knows what he wants. In Season One, he does discover what he wants, both personally and professionally. I will say that without giving too much away.

So once again, Cable TV has trumped Network TV in originality, acting talent, subject matter, and writing. Of course Cable has the freedom to be more creative.Perhaps this is what draws so many movie actors to the small screen The writers need not worry about language and are not so compelled to limit nudity to, uhhhh, the 1950's? Where Network TV seems to be stuck.

So, check out this series. The only competition to the pay channels are AMC, and the BBC, and recently, Netflix. And there will be more. Listen, networks, enough writing to the lowest common denominator. I know you are trying, Network TV, but you are still falling way short. Cable TV and others are getting the better actors, and the better writers! Masters of Sex is yet another example! I can't wait for Season Two!!

Informative, entertaining, and deep

[ashleybmed · 9/10 · 3 April 2021]

The show focuses on sex researchers Dr. William "Bill" Masters and Virginia "Gini" Johnson. While much of it is fictionalized, it does have some facts about their lives and the research. The show tries to remain true to the time it takes place. There are some episodes and storylines that are counterproductive to what is at the heart of the show, but it doesn't change how great it truly ends. Additionally, the show stays true to its mission by the fourth (and, sadly, final) season. To the end, it remains to be about the study of sex and the psychology of sex and relationships. Definitely an amazing show!

Masters of Sex Season Three Review

[dcholtwriter · 8/10 · 28 September 2015]

I have reserved any review of Masters of Sex (M.O.S) season three until the final episode of the season had aired. To give any opinions prior would be premature and unfair, like judging a book chapter by chapter. Full disclosure, I am a writer, of fiction and poetry mostly and my approach to the show has always been from a writing perspective first and a viewer second.

My draw to the show was threefold, Thomas Maier's book on which the show is based, Michael Sheen, and Lizzy Caplan, two of the finest actors to bring characters, both real-life and fictional, to life. It is nothing short of extraordinary, the bravery and honesty with which Sheen and Caplan bring forth Masters and Johnson. From the first episode of the show, I was hooked. Few shows can brag this caliber of acting and writing.

There is not one episode in seasons one or two I did not like. All episodes seemed to move the story forward and reveal more about the characters, even the more fictionalized episodes that were necessary to fill the gaps beyond what the facts revealed. I do have one question about the Lillian DePaul character played by the amazing Julianne Nicholson. I have not found this character to be based on any real person. And while I loved the relationship between DePaul and Johnson, I am wondering why the writers chose to put Johnson through such grief? Did DePaul have to die? Why write her cancer as so advanced? Some lesser shows have used tragedy and trauma of female characters as a cheap ploy to make such characters seem more sympathetic, vulnerable, or build them up stronger. I don't think that is the case with M.O.S.

Season three began strong. The first three episodes were incredible, even as I understand the writers were left scrambling due to a legal issue. I am convinced there is nothing Amy Lippman cannot write and no scene Michael Apted cannot direct. In fact, dare I say these two should be the only ones on the show working their respective craft? However, I do look forward to the day when under "Directed by" is Michael Sheen, and Lizzy Caplan.

However, season three has disappointed for a number of reasons, none of which have to do with Josh Charles's character Dan Logan. Anyone who has read the book Masters of Sex knows the real Virginia Johnson had a relationship with a man named Hank on which the character Dan Logan is based.

Season three is when Johnson also begins a major sea change. In real life she was a very confident woman, in her faculties and abilities as a researcher, in her sexuality and as a woman. She was also very hopeful, exuberant and socially adept. Though after many setbacks, lost loves, and most of all failing to acquire her college degree and fearing people would not take her seriously as a result, she became very disillusioned and cold. The beginning of Johnson's slide is not so much disappointing, as again I've read the book, as it is sad to watch such an incredible woman of such poise and confidence lose her nerve and joy.

There's also the conspicuous fact that, aside from Henry Johnson, Virginia Johnson's children seem to vanish mid-season. Is Tessa watching baby Lisa? Is George watching them both? What's happening here?

The real disappointments I'm afraid may have more to do with the show runner, Michelle Ashford and her decisions regarding the shows directions. One the most upsetting and frankly utterly ridiculous episodes was "Monkey Business," the one in which Johnson exposes herself to a gorilla to entice him to mate. This not only came out of left field, but I'd like to know what the hell kind of field Ashford was sitting in when she wrote this episode, poppies perhaps? This was the antithesis of a show largely about a woman (Virginia Johnson) who is ahead of her time and is a feminist role model. And, even in a fictive world, what a degrading scene for Caplan. The story line made no sense and neither furthered the story nor revealed more about any of the characters.

Finally, the last two episodes, "Party of Four," and "Full Ten Count," were so far off the mark, in particular, the latter. The former was a fantastic demonstration of people not saying the truth and engaging in an awkward dance of words at the dinner. I love those scenes. The scenes at the Masters' house, particularly the detective's line of questioning, perhaps the writers' efforts to create a suspenseful ending, was unnecessary and cheap, a hasty and substandard way to create a finale.

Then the finale, "Ten Full Count," or a better title would be the "Unfulfilling Hour of Circling Back." Nothing happens. Literally, nothing happens. Last year's finally? We got a book, a press conference, and found out that Virginia was pregnant thanks to Lizzy Caplan's remarkable ability to convey an idea or emotion with a single look or a subtle nod.

I am so pleased Showtime has renewed Masters of Sex for a fourth season and I hope they will continue to renew it for many years to come. I'm excited for the show to get back on track to the glory of its first two seasons, to the foundation of the book, and to revealing the real lives of Masters and Johnson, two people who were so innovative and courageous, they really don't need any ploys or stunts with which to tell their incredible story. To Michael Sheen, Lizzy Caplan, Amy Lippman, Sarah Timberman and Michael Apted, cheers!

Losing me in the second season

[zoocar · 6/10 · 1 October 2014]

I enjoyed the first season and Lizzy Caplan still remains captive while I find myself fast forwarding through much of the second season. On par with the first season in many ways, I now find the characters so deeply preformatted that only when there is an unsuspecting turn do I take the time to really indulge my focus.

Most of my dismay with the second season revolves around the now almost unwatchable Michael Sheen's character and how selfish, self-serving and downright creepy he has become. The fact that Lizzy Caplan's character is still capable of letting him to now increasing levels makes me want to barf.

I don't see how I can continue to consider this entertainment. Best to pass this one by for all the other great drama available.

Best TV series

[Ashisolo · 10/10 · 14 November 2013]

I suggest all seen the television series because it is very informative and well

Doubtful at first, Bridges slowly warms to the idea when he is invited into the laboratory to observe a blond secretary masturbating with a giant glass vibrator containing a television camera.

By 1956 sex expert Alfred Kinsey had already generated front page headlines and huge book sales with "The Kinsey Report", so Cloughie was far from the first scientific sex pioneer. But he will always be admired for the sheer scale and breadth of his research on sexual activity, and for leading Nottingham Forest to European Cup success in both 1979 and 1980.

There are 12 episodes of Master of Sex. Difficult to see how Channel 4 are going to spin it out for as long as that, and one can't help wondering whether this commission is not more about cheap, soft-core titillation than it is about the history of sexual research.

Clough went on to marry his research assistant Virginia Johnson in 1971. He was, without doubt, one of the greatest scientific researchers of his generation, and also, in my opinion, the best manager England never had.

Unbelievable!

[screenidol · 6/10 · 15 March 2016]

This is a work of fiction based on a book about a real couple. The suggestion is that there must be some truths to what's shown about the groundbreaking work Masters and Johnson did, and you would think there must be something real about the relationships, not only between Masters and Johnson but between many of the other key couples as well. But it seems that little, if anything, is real. It's pure soap opera. When I read the disclaimer after one of the episodes that all the children were fictitious, I knew I had been the subject of a bait-and-switch scheme. If the series had been sold as soap opera drama, based only on the imagination of the writers/directors, I may have enjoyed it a lot more. As is, it practically dishonors the Masters-Johnson name (hence, their work). The characters are not just flawed, they are wooden and emotionally stunted (with the exception of Betty, the most real person). I must admit, however, that I am approaching this series from a different perspective: I spent four years at Washington University and was privileged to be able to hear Masters and Johnson speak. They were smart, savvy, humorous and entertaining. Nothing like the way they're being portrayed (or should I say, "betrayed"?). I watched the series to gain some insight, to learn something, to be taken back to that time period, and to reminisce about the old "Wash U." None of that happened. With all the on-screen sex, Masters of Sex is a show about biology, with no chemistry.

Riveting

[Carson-Penhall · 9/10 · 19 February 2015]

Though it tries your patience at times, this series is still worth a viewing. A fascinating character study that finds new ways to deal with sex, longing, jealousies, and all the subtleties of love. Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan are riveting. Dealing with sex from such a clinical perspective is like a new toy for the writers, and they've found places to bring these characters I have never seen before. Nuanced and seductive, it captures details of the era seldom seen on television. For someone born thirty years after the era, it is the closest thing to being there, at first portraying the era as a more innocent time, then gently plumbing the depths of the characters to show that all is not what it seems. This is not the Wonder Years. Highly recommended.

Original, Sexy & True

[nikashvili · 6/10 · 23 September 2013]

Masters of Sex is Showtimes's new TV series about the scientist who actually made a sexual revolution to happen in United States. Being based on true events and true people, show tells most revolutionary story of recent history

Dr. Williams Masters (Michael Sheen) is a research scientist - a very curious one who tries to explore human sexuality. For this reason he is observing people while they have sex. And he starts to discover things he never though about, and not only he. For instance that most of women just fake orgasm, the screams and shouts during acts are mostly for partner's more pleasure. Despite great importance, his experiments are not welcomed much, however he Masters still finds courage to fight for ideas with his co-workers. He confronts with everybody, including his previous believes, wife and friends.

The idea of show is quite original, since it gives a look at very interesting era of American life. I found the pilot episode very well written, with quite smart dialogs. The acting is great, especially Michael Sheen, who plays very challenging and strange character. Masters is quite complex person, with lots of layers and I guess this makes Sheen's work impressive. He studies sex, but is not any good at it, having significant problems with spouse.

Also, Lizzy Caplan looks impressive as an assistant scientist to Dr. Williams. Generally, I think this show has massive cast, who do act quite good, but there is something that did not work in the first episode. I found it a little long and somehow boring. The problem is that, story does not go quickly at all. Despite writing being acceptably good, this all good things don't work well. The same time, I think critics can love the show, since it's done with great taste.

I make a recommendation to have a look at this original idea. It might capture your attention. But I am sure, it won't become my one of favorites.

Not up to par

[brian_dines · 4/10 · 6 January 2014]

I'm not sure where the train went off the tracks with this show. The cast is potentially great and there's certainly enough material there to work with, but Masters falls short of what it could and should have been.

The problem, I think, is that this show is satisfied picking only the lowest hanging fruit in terms of acting, character and story development. Exception for the nudity and situation, this plays no better than a poor, made-for-TV movie from the '90s when it could have given viewers the ride they get from Boardwalk Empire, the Wire, etc.

All the characters are basically one-dimensional straw men, written and acted with the minimal effort.

Lizzy Caplan, whom I've loved in everything else I've seen her in, is among the most wooden, predictable characters imaginable despite the fact that, on paper, she's playing a frisky, single mother trying to break the social mold ('50s America) she's stuck in. Lizzy's playing the role with less intent than June Clever.

I really wanted to like this show, but it's not worth the effort in my view, and I'm guessing the fault lies with Michael Sheen, the producer and main character in this. Where's the effort, Mike?

Masters of Sex is a BRILLIANTLY written series

[karleto · 9/10 · 1 December 2013]

After the fallout of my favourite TV series ending (Breaking Bad), I think I may have just found something that MAY be able to fill that void (but not completely… I don't think anything could..).

Masters of Sex is a BRILLIANTLY written series about two scientists, William Masters (Michael Sheen), Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan), studying Human Sexuality that changes the world of sex as we know it today. Note this is set in the 1950's, a time where sex was still quite a mystery, let alone even spoken about in public.

So as you may have guest, this is based on a true story, just HOW accurate is it? I'm not sure. All I know is that the main characters are real.

Now, let's get to the reasons why I love this show so much.

I Absolutely LOVE Lizzy Caplan (Party Down, Cloverfield), and Michael Sheen just makes it THAT much better. And their performances are… I'm lost for words, they are brilliant. The writing and character development is great. And Masters character is so mysterious that he hides his emotions and always acts professional, in such a way that you sometimes forget he's even human, until he finally shows some real emotion (last scene from episode 5, anyone???).

Virginia's character is less mysterious, as is every other character in the show, but that doesn't make her any less interesting, at the start of the series you think "this match is no good, they're going to fight and drift away", but then there's your other side that says "but then again… Opposites attract… right?". In which of course they do. Which you start to slowly see, but Masters hides his emotions and always acts so 'professional', and to be honest, a straight up dick (sorry for the language) that he tends to push anyone who tries to get close to him away (mother included). EVEN his WIFE. That's right, his wife. He gets caught up in his work as if it's the only thing that matters. Like a robot. ANYWAY, if I continue I'm only going to talk about how much of an arse he can be but then show a side of himself that you love and continue to love.

(It's also 2:30 and I'm quite tired. So sorry for the poor review..)