Dying for Sex Redefines Sensuality, Illness, and Friendship

People are into all sorts of different things.

Dying for Sex is a 2025 Hulu series based on the real-life story of Molly Kochan’s cancer journey and sexual awakening. With her best friend Nikki Boyer at her side, Molly divorces her husband and freely explores her sex life, while getting cancer treatments..

Dying for Sex is a hard series to describe when asked, but the word I use is ‘rejuvenating.’ I was enticed by the series' fascinating premise. The series combines two topics people are often hesitant to talk about: cancer and sex. We’re allowed to make our own decisions in life as long as they’re true to ourselves.

Michelle Williams has conquered several emotionally resonating roles in her career as an actress. This role was not easy, but Williams embarked with a genuine mindset and performance.

Molly is a rather interesting character who audiences may find relatable. As Molly, Williams brings a fierce and vulnerable layer to the character. Feeling controlled her whole life, Molly explores her sex life while dealing with cancer treatments.

An award for Best Friend in TV/Movies needs to be made because Jenny Slate deserves it. Slate has become popular in the supportive best friend role. I have come to love Slate more with every role I see her in. Not a reliable person, Nikki’s fierce personality and devotion are magnificently portrayed by Slate.

Although this series is about Molly, it’s also about Nikki’s growth. The friendship created by Williams and Slate is commendable. The women are always supporting each other, laughing, and embracing the situation with bold strength. I could spend the whole review talking about their dynamic because I love it so much!

A talented supporting cast joins the series. Credits include David Rasche, Esco Jouley, Kelvin Yu, Rob Delaney, Jay Duplass, Sissy Spacek, and Zach Robidas. Everyone gives a genuine portrayal, especially those who play doctors. Although she only appears in one episode, Paula Pell (Amy) is memorable for her darkly bubbly personality.

Dying for Sex is about sex. It is for mature audiences only. The series includes racy content all about the sex world. There’s also male and female nudity. An intimacy coordinator was on set at all times. I hold gratitude for this new role in media. Coordinators make scenes safer and more comfortable for the actors.

Sex is not the only trigger in this series. Dying for Sex is an upfront window into the cancer world. Filmmakers handled this topic carefully. Honestly, it was more difficult for me to watch scenes depicting doctors delivering fraught news, chemotherapy, and all the side effects.

That’s why the sex angle is needed. We need something to cheer us and make us laugh with the sad subject matter. It’s funny, surprising, and even makes you cheer on the characters.

That’s what co-creators Elizabeth Meriwether and Kim Ronsenstock aimed for: to tell a story about embracing yourself and friendship. They were moved by Kochan and Boyer’s story and felt it deserved to be told.

As they remarked, a show like Dying for Sex would never have aired fifty years ago. Someone’s sexuality or sex life is not something to be ashamed of. It’s part of who we are.

I watched the series mainly on the treadmill, which allowed for a private viewing. Dying for Sex could be a saving grace for someone fighting cancer or anyone who has never been allowed the chance to explore their sexuality. The series is not for everyone, but I found it healing. Dying for Sex is on Hulu if you’d like to watch it.