FX’s latest limited series, Dying for Sex, now streaming on Hulu, is a raw, darkly comedic, and deeply personal exploration of mortality, sexuality, and self-discovery. Anchored by an extraordinary performance from Michelle Williams, the series adapts the powerful 2020 Wondery podcast into a fearless and unforgettable eight-episode drama.
This Dying for Sex FX review dives into what makes the show more than just a bold piece of television — it’s an emotional and honest portrayal of how one woman reclaims her life in the face of death.
Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate Bring Depth to a True Story
In Dying for Sex, Williams plays Molly, a woman in her early 40s who receives a Stage IV breast cancer diagnosis that changes everything. Instead of falling into despair, she leaves her marriage and embarks on an unapologetic journey of sexual and emotional liberation. It’s not just about pleasure — it’s about power, autonomy, and making the most of the time she has left.
Alongside her is Nikki, portrayed by Jenny Slate in one of her most heartfelt roles yet. Nikki is based on real-life friend and podcast co-host Nikki Boyer, and together, their chemistry forms the emotional spine of the show. Their friendship, filled with humor and vulnerability, carries the narrative through moments of grief, absurdity, and healing.
This FX adaptation doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable — and neither do its stars. Williams offers one of her most layered performances to date, balancing dark humor with raw emotion in a way that feels utterly human.
From Podcast to Prestige TV: Adapting Dying for Sex for FX
The series is created by Elizabeth Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock, known for their work on New Girl, and their distinct voice is evident throughout. The writing maintains the charm and sharpness of the original podcast, while the visuals and pacing amplify its emotional impact.
Though some elements are fictionalized — including the setting shift to New York and the composite character played by Rob Delaney — the heart of Molly Kochan’s story remains intact. Kochan, who passed away in 2019 at 45, used her final years to reclaim control of her narrative, sharing her truth through memoir and podcast. The series honors that legacy without romanticizing it.
In this Dying for Sex FX review, it’s important to note how well the show balances tone. It’s funny without being flippant, tender without being saccharine, and bold without being exploitative. That balance is rare and refreshing.
A Story of Liberation, Not Just Illness
This isn’t a traditional cancer narrative. Dying for Sex redefines how we talk about illness, pleasure, and agency. The show explores topics like:
- The complicated intersections of trauma and intimacy
- Societal discomfort with female desire — especially for women facing terminal illness
- The often-overlooked emotional labor of caregiving and friendship
As Nikki Boyer said in an interview:
“This wasn’t just about sex. It was about reclaiming power, piecing herself back together, and healing through choice.”
That sentiment reverberates throughout the entire series, creating a story that feels not only brave, but necessary.
Critical Praise for Dying for Sex on FX
The response has been glowing. In her review for The Guardian, Lucy Mangan praised the show’s pacing and emotional clarity:
“Dying for Sex feels like it could do with longer episodes or a longer season, so that more justice could be done to all parts of Molly’s life. But perhaps the pell-mell rush is in keeping with her pressing need to do all that she wants before the inevitable arrives.”
On social media, Jenny Slate celebrated the show’s release, writing on Instagram:
“Dying For Sex is yours to enjoy now on FX and Hulu. Thank you to everyone on this production. I had the time of my life.”
These responses capture the emotional impact of the show — a mix of celebration, loss, and honesty that lingers long after the final episode.
Final Word: A Fearless and Essential Series
This Dying for Sex FX review leaves no doubt: the series is an emotional powerhouse. It’s a show that doesn’t just tell a story — it challenges viewers to think differently about illness, desire, and the end of life.
With Michelle Williams delivering a stunning, nuanced lead performance and Jenny Slate providing heartfelt support, Dying for Sex is one of FX’s boldest moves yet. It joins the ranks of other podcast-to-screen successes, but it stands apart thanks to its raw vulnerability and fearless storytelling.
Now streaming on Hulu, all eight episodes of Dying for Sex are available to watch — and reflect on. Few shows in recent memory have managed to be this funny, this real, and this necessary all at once.
