Dying for Sex FX Series: Michelle Williams Goes Full Sexual Liberation Mode

Alright, horror freaks, we’re taking a detour from our usual blood-soaked nightmare fuel.

Sometimes you stumble across something that hits different, and Dying for Sex on Hulu is exactly that kind of curveball. Don’t worry, I’ll be back to reviewing possessed dolls and demon clowns soon enough, but this eight-episode miniseries deserves some love.

TMJ Rating: 🍿🍿🍿🍿/5

What You Need to Know

Dying for Sex FX series follows Molly, who gets slapped with a Stage IV breast cancer diagnosis and decides to leave her husband to explore her sexuality for the first time. We’re talking full-blown sexual liberation with a ticking clock attached. It’s like Sex and the City met Breaking Bad and had a baby that listens to way too many self-help podcasts (I couldn’t help myself, okay?).

The show is adapted from Molly’s real-life podcast and memoir, created with her best friend Nikki. The real Molly died in 2019 at 45, which adds this heavy layer of reality to everything you’re watching. This woman literally documented her journey from repressed housewife to sexual explorer while dying, and somehow made it into compelling television.

Michelle Williams plays Molly with this defiant energy that’s part “fuck cancer” and part “fuck societal expectations.”

Her best friend Nikki, played by Jenny Slate, becomes her partner in crime for this wild ride through dating apps, sex toys, and discovering what she wants from life.

Michelle Williams Is a Goddamn Force

Williams is operating on another level entirely. She makes Molly simultaneously infuriating and sympathetic, selfish and brave, funny and heartbreaking. Williams plays this character like she’s flipping off death itself while figuring out how to use a vibrator.

The chemistry between Williams and Jenny Slate carries this whole show. Slate brings this chaotic energy that perfectly complements Williams’ more focused intensity. Their friendship feels lived-in and real, even when they’re having conversations that would make most people blush.

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Rob Delaney shows up as the soon-to-be-ex-husband, and he manages to make you understand his perspective without making him the villain. That takes skill when your character is basically the obstacle to sexual freedom.

Visually, Dying for Sex FX Series Pops

The cinematography captures New York in this vibrant, intimate way that makes you feel like you’re right there with these characters.

The color palette shifts between warm, golden flashbacks and the harsh fluorescents of hospital scenes. It’s gorgeous without being showy.

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The sex scenes are shot with this matter-of-fact approach that feels refreshing. There’s full-frontal male nudity, masturbation, kink exploration—the works. But it never feels exploitative. Everything serves Molly’s journey toward agency and control over her own body.

The Story Goes Deep (And Gets Messy)

Here’s what I love—this show refuses to be neat and tidy. Molly makes selfish decisions. She hurts people. She’s not some perfect dying saint finding peace. She’s a messy human being trying to cram a lifetime of sexual exploration into whatever time she has left.

The tonal balance between comedy and drama works most of the time.

One minute you’re laughing at Molly’s awkward Tinder dates, the next you’re watching her deal with the reality of her prognosis. It’s fearless in how it tackles controversial topics without sliding into Hallmark sentimentality.

Some episodes feel slightly long, and there are moments where the show gets a bit too cute with its messaging. But when it hits, it hits hard.

My Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re looking for something that’ll challenge you while entertaining the hell out of you, absolutely. This show will make you laugh, cry, and probably call your friends to have deep conversations afterward.

Fair warning: this gets explicit fast. We’re talking vibrators, dating apps, and a full exploration of kinks and desires. If that makes you uncomfortable, maybe skip this one. But if you can handle mature themes handled maturely, you’re in for something special.

Dying for Sex proves that sometimes the most profound stories come from the messiest places. It’s a show that respects both life and death, pleasure and pain, friendship and solitude.

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Michelle Williams gives a career-defining performance, and the whole thing feels like a middle finger to anyone who thinks dying people should go quietly into that good night.

Eight episodes might feel like two too many, but the journey is worth it. This is bold television that refuses to play it safe, and we need more of that.

Have you watched this emotional rollercoaster? Did Michelle Williams destroy you emotionally? Let me know in the comments!