Sony Pictures Television drama Masters of Sex will debut on the U.K. broadcaster soon after its September premiere on Showtime, says the Hollywood Reporter.
Britain’s Channel 4 has acquires the U.K. premiere of the show about the lives of sex experts Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson. Michael Sheen (“Frost/Nixon”, “The Queen”) and Lizzy Caplan (True Blood, Party Down, “Mean Girls”) star in the series.
Showtime picked up the show for its first season of twelve hour-long episodes. Creator Michelle Ashford explains that the series is based on Thomas Maier’s biography “Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson”.
Set on the eve of the sexual revolution, the show focuses on Masters and Johnson, the two sex experts, as they face disapproval of their unconventional methods. “The two embark upon a study to unlock the mysteries of desire and intimacy – whilst behind closed doors they struggle with their own clash of success, betrayal and jealousy,” the show description says.
“Masters of Sex is an incredibly classy period drama, which provides a fascinating insight into scientific study of human sexuality,” said Channel 4 chief creative officer Jay Hunt. “With compelling performances from Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan as Masters and Johnson, it’s an unmissable treat.”
“When it comes to drama, SPT is synonymous with brave, bold story-telling that captivates audiences and challenges boundaries. The adventurous and inquisitive spirit of Channel 4 makes it the perfect U.K. partner for Masters of Sex,” says Kylie Munnich, senior vice president, distribution for UK, Africa and Ireland at Sony Pictures Television.
The Showtime premiere is set for September 29.