FX’s Dying for Sex is a daring and emotional miniseries that chronicles one woman’s transformative quest to reclaim her sexuality while confronting terminal illness. Inspired by the hit podcast of the same name, the series intertwines humor, heartbreak, and unfiltered honesty as it delves into the nexus of sex, friendship, and mortality.
Drawing from the real-life narrative shared in the Dying for Sex podcast, the show features Michelle Williams as Molly Kochan, a woman diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Confronted with the stark reality of her limited time, Molly makes a pivotal choice: she leaves her spouse, Steve (Jay Duplass), and embarks on a journey to experience sexual pleasure and intimacy like never before. Her closest friend Nikki (Jenny Slate) takes on the roles of caregiver and confidante, aiding her through a whirlwind of self-exploration.
The series begins with Molly and Steve in couples therapy, where the strain in their relationship is evident. After overcoming a previous bout with breast cancer and undergoing a double mastectomy, Molly craves intimacy. However, Steve, consumed by pity and sorrow, distances himself. Upon receiving her terminal diagnosis, Molly realizes she wants more than survival—she yearns to truly feel alive. This desire leads her to explore her sexuality on her own terms.
With Nikki supporting her and encouragement from her sex-positive palliative care social worker Sonya (Esco Jouléy), Molly plunges eagerly into a realm of sexual exploration. From encounters via dating apps and sexting to BDSM and sex parties, Molly wholeheartedly embraces her desires with a revitalized sense of freedom. The series confronts the awkward, chaotic, and often humorous aspects of sex, while also addressing Molly’s experiences with care and compassion.
Dying for Sex does not pathologize Molly’s decisions, even as those around her—like Steve and her mother, Gail (Sissy Spacek)—struggle to grasp them. Although the series touches on how past trauma may have influenced Molly’s adult relationships, it ultimately honors her quest for pleasure without judgment.
The show’s sex scenes are candid and occasionally risqué, yet they are also profoundly human. Molly’s vulnerability shines through as she navigates her evolving body and the emotional intricacies of intimacy. She conceals her mastectomy scars and keeps her diagnosis from partners, eager to be perceived as something beyond a cancer patient. Her initial encounters may often be awkward or letdowns, but as she grows more adept at expressing her wishes, she gradually reclaims her identity.
At its core, Dying for Sex is also a love story—though it defies traditional norms. The most significant relationship in the series is between Molly and Nikki. As Molly explores her sexuality, Nikki assumes the demanding role of caregiver, handling everything from medical visits to emotional crises. Their connection deepens through shared laughter, tears, and moments of raw honesty. The chemistry between Williams and Slate is palpable, capturing the essence of a friendship that feels both eternal and painfully transient.
The series does not shy away from the harsh realities of terminal illness. It can be a heart-wrenching experience, particularly for those who’ve battled cancer or supported someone through it. Nevertheless, it bursts with life—humorous, tender, and defiantly joyous. Dying for Sex strikes a balance between dark humor and poignant insights, never losing touch with the humanity at its core.
In one of the most impactful moments of the show, Molly tells Nikki, “I told [Steve] I don’t want to die with him. I want to die with you.” This simple yet devastating line encapsulates the emotional heft of the series. It emphasizes the importance of choosing who you want beside you at the end, and what experiences you wish to have before departing.
Dying for Sex is a bold exploration of what it means to live fully, even as time ticks away. It celebrates friendship, pleasure, and the intricate, beautiful journey of being human.
All episodes of Dying for Sex will debut on April 4 on Hulu.