The anticipation from fans for Sex Education Season 4 has reached new heights, yet it is becoming increasingly evident that Netflix has not released any new information to date. Following the global TUDUM event, the promotion for Sex Education Season 4 remains quite under wraps, especially with many media outlets speculating that this could be the final season. According to Screen Rant, Sex Education is likely to conclude in this fourth season for several reasons, and the narrative surrounding Moordale has become increasingly limited; no one wants to see Sex Education continue struggling when it has reached the point of “running out of steam” as mentioned.
Screen Rant has outlined 8 reasons why Sex Education will likely have to conclude after the upcoming fourth season. Firstly, as previously mentioned, the dynamics of the Moordale student group have been thoroughly explored. The closure of Moordale symbolizes the inevitable ending of the show. Netflix should embrace and mark the end of Sex Education right from Season 4, rather than continuing to “drag it out” and create a product that feels far removed from its original tone.
Another significant point is that Sex Education should not dodge the “final bow” anymore. Season 4 needs to close with a cohesive ending for all characters, with every subplot resolved. A quiet and beautiful closure would be preferable rather than an “open ending” that leaves viewers wondering what the future holds.
Thirdly, the departure of several main stars from the show has created challenges for the crew. Notably, the confirmed exits of Emma Mackey (Maeve) and Ncuti Gatwa (Eric) after Season 4 mark the beginning of the end for Sex Education. It is evident that Maeve and Eric are “integral parts” of the show, so the series would undoubtedly struggle to continue without these two characters.
So what about casting new actors? This is also one of the reasons Screen Rant pointed out: Sex Education shouldn’t continue after Season 4 with a new cast. This is quite a natural and reasonable consideration for any series, as the viewer’s connection to the characters is crucial; however, it doesn’t guarantee chemistry. Shows like Glee or Scrubs serve as examples of how not every time “new blood” is introduced is beneficial.
The sixth reason relates to the fact that Moordale is “about to close its doors”. Sex Education serves as a guide for sexual education in schools, helping students find their true selves. Hence, exploring this narrative outside the confines of Moordale School feels inappropriate and less effective.
The seventh reason is quite simple: the cast is aging. In Sex Education, the students are still supposed to be in their teenage years, while the actors outside the screen are approaching their 30s. Even Emma Mackey has acknowledged that she can no longer convincingly portray Maeve as a high school student, which has led to a decision to move on, and the main actor Asa Butterfield also no longer fits the character of the shy, awkward Otis as he did previously.
Finally, it must be acknowledged that Sex Education has lost its “essence” after Season 1. Gone are the days of the “will-they-won’t-they” journey of Otis and Maeve; the series has now increasingly focused on a wider range of relationships among the main characters. Screen Rant lists four key elements that help Sex Education remain one of Netflix’s top shows, including “touching hearts, humor, educational value, and being relatable.” However, the series has gradually lost its grip since Season 2, and Season 3 is expected to lead into the final Season 4 slated to premiere at the end of 2023.
Source: Screen Rant
