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Cornballer · Sep 24, 2013

Masters of Sex is an American television drama series at Showtime that premieres on Sunday, September 29th at 10pm. It was created by Michelle Ashford and based on Thomas Maier's biography Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson. The series tells the story of Dr. William Masters (Michael Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) and was picked up for a first season consisting of 12 episodes.

The full pilot is available on Showtime's youtube account if you'd like to watch it there. It is also available via On Demand platforms and on Showtime's website.

Showtime said:
MASTERS OF SEX stars Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan as real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality, William Masters and Virginia Johnson. Their research touched off the sexual revolution and took them from a midwestern teaching hospital to the cover of Time magazine and multiple appearances on Johnny Carson's couch. He is a brilliant scientist out of touch with his own feelings, and she is a single working mother ahead of her time. The series chronicles their unusual lives, romance, and unlikely pop culture trajectory.

Videos

- Full pilot is available on youtube
- Full pilot of Master of Sex can also be streamed on the Showtime site
- Official Trailer
- Virginia Johnson Profile
- William Masters Profile
- Masters of Sex Season 1: Behind the Scenes
- Episode 1 clip #1
- Episode 2 clip #2

Cast:

Michael Sheen as William Masters
Lizzy Caplan as Virginia Johnson
Caitlin FitzGerald as Libby Johnson
Nicholas D'Agosto as Ethan Haas

Teddy Sears as Dr. Austin Langham
Beau Bridges as Barton Scully
Allison Janney as Margaret Scully
Julianne Nicholson as Dr. Lillian DePaul

Links:

- Showtime website
- IMDB
- Wikipedia

Reviews:

- Tim Goodman @ THR: Masters of Sex: TV Review

Perhaps the best story of all is that Masters of Sex manages, with lightning speed, to shed any preconceived notions about what type of show it will be and, in so doing, tilts the camera up from the breast to the brain.

The Bottom Line: Masters of Sex has depth of vision and plenty of dramatic material to delve into.

- Washington Post: Masters of Sex on Showtime

Masters of Sex masters the restrained narrative equivalent of seduction and foreplay, building its story in a controlled and stylish (and, yes, frankly adult-oriented) manner. This TV season has failed to arouse me, but if theres one show that might hit the right spot on the Sunday DVR queue, its this one. Grade: B+

- Chicago Sun Times: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Masters of Sex

It makes the most of its pay-TV platform by showing plenty of skin, but the sex scenes service a bigger story made all the more compelling by a couple of strong leads in Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon) and Lizzy Caplan (Party Down). 3.5 out of 4 stars

Poster:

pa22word · Sep 24, 2013

Is the YT version censored?

SolsticeZero · Sep 24, 2013

Pictures look like Mad Men promo shots. But I do like some of Showtime's stuff, so I'll check it out.

Cornballer · Sep 24, 2013

pa22word said:
Is the YT version censored?

Nope

WhereAreMahDragonz · Sep 24, 2013

I lol'd when I saw the E. Very clever.

The show sounds interesting. I might give it a try. Not really sure at this point.

Vulcano's assistant · Sep 24, 2013

Solstice said:
Pictures look like Mad Men promo shots. But I do like some of Showtime's stuff, so I'll check it out.

One could probably photoshop the faces of Mad Men's cast on this, and it would take a while for some to figure out there;s something phony about it

Hot Coldman · Sep 24, 2013

Caplan is fantastic. I was initially frustrated that her character from the Avengers DVD short "Item 47" wasn't going to be part of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but honestly this looks like a much better use of her time and talent. Love Michael Sheen too, feels too long since I've seen him in anything major.

Now to pray Showtime doesn't drag this on for 8 seasons.

Lactose_Intolerant · Sep 24, 2013

I've enjoyed the first 2 episodes. All the guys are big prudes compared to the women.

Wiktor · Sep 24, 2013

The pilot was very good. Hopefully it won't got for 8 seasons

Cornballer · Sep 24, 2013

Lactose_Intolerant said:
I've enjoyed the first 2 episodes. All the guys are big prudes compared to the women.

Is the second episode out now, too?

Lactose_Intolerant · Sep 24, 2013

Cornballer said:
Is the second episode out now, too?

in the wild

Cornballer · Sep 24, 2013

Lactose_Intolerant said:
in the wild

Ah, I suppose that's unsurprising given how often Showtime 'accidentally' leaks stuff.

Regarding spoilers, feel free to speak in general terms about the first couple episodes if you've seen them, but please throw some tags on it if anyone wants to discuss specific plot points. Thanks.

omgkitty · Sep 24, 2013

I must say if you don't want to be spoiled on the show, don't look up information about the original doctors on wikipedia like I did :\

Kano on the Phone · Sep 24, 2013

Lost me at "on Showtime."

I'm never falling for that one again.

AgentChris · Sep 24, 2013

Lizzy Caplan looks just like Sean Young from Blade Runner.

Blader · Sep 24, 2013

Kano On The Phone said:
Lost me at "on Showtime."

I'm never falling for that one again.

I'm sure it'll be a good first season and that's all.

NotTheGuyYouKill · Sep 24, 2013

Kano On The Phone said:
Lost me at "on Showtime."

I'm never falling for that one again.

I know how you feel.

I'm considering just watching this for scenes of Lizzy Caplan getting nude and fast-forwarding everything else.

Decisions, decisions.

vikki · Sep 24, 2013

Wesley Snipes and Janis Ian? I'll check it out.

mrklaw · Sep 24, 2013

pa22word said:
Is the YT version censored?

it is restricted by country though (assume it is US only)

120v · Sep 24, 2013

good to see beau bridges get work that isn't free willy 4

Busty · Sep 24, 2013

I've heard good things about this but it's not really ringing my bell at the moment despite being a big fan of period dramas and the actors involved.

I sort of want to find a classy way of asking if

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

without actually asking if

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

.

Sooooo....., does

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

?????

AgentChris said:
Lizzy Caplan looks just like Sean Young from Blade Runner.

Except with 90% less crazy.

Hari Seldon · Sep 24, 2013

Will definitely be watching this. Dropping HBO until GoT season. Rocking the Homeland + Lizzy Caplan combo for the fall.

Brian Griffin · Sep 24, 2013

Busty said:
I've heard good things about this but it's not really ringing my bell at the moment despite being a big fan of period dramas and the actors involved.

I sort of want to find a classy way of asking if

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

without actually asking if

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

.

Sooooo....., does

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

?????

Except with 90% less crazy.

yes

Hari Seldon · Sep 24, 2013

Busty said:
I've heard good things about this but it's not really ringing my bell at the moment despite being a big fan of period dramas and the actors involved.

I sort of want to find a classy way of asking if

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

without actually asking if

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

.

Sooooo....., does

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

?????

Except with 90% less crazy.

She had some excellent scenes with Jason Stackhouse in True Blood the season she was in it.

Conciliator · Sep 24, 2013

does this have butts and/or boobies in it

if so, how many of each

Clevinger · Sep 24, 2013

Busty said:
I've heard good things about this but it's not really ringing my bell at the moment despite being a big fan of period dramas and the actors involved.

I sort of want to find a classy way of asking if

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

without actually asking if

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

.

Sooooo....., does

Lizzy Caplan gets ploughed in it

?????

Except with 90% less crazy.

Lizzy Caplan rides a lot of farm equipment in this show, yes.

Bladenic · Sep 24, 2013

Interested, will watch the pilot.

Cornballer · Sep 24, 2013

- Denver Post: Showtime dramatizes researchers Masters & Johnson

Michael Sheen turns in a breathtaking performance as steely, tightly-wound Masters; Caplan is credible and stunning in period wardrobe as adventuresome Johnson. It's about sex, and there's plenty of R-rated on-camera evidence (sometimes in the name of "research"). But the drama is more subtly about all sorts of awakenings.

3N16MA · Sep 24, 2013

NotTheGuyYouKill said:
I know how you feel.

I'm considering just watching this for scenes of Lizzy Caplan getting nude and fast-forwarding everything else.

Decisions, decisions.

Just watch her highlights from True Blood.

Miles Quaritch · Sep 24, 2013

Channel 4 have the rights for those in the UK. Airing in October, no firm date yet, but should air in HD.

UrbanRats · Sep 24, 2013

So how's the writing in this? I like slow burners, but only if they're excellently written.
Is this on the level of something like Rectify? And how's the tone? I'm not really in the mood for a comedy.

Clevinger · Sep 24, 2013

UrbanRats said:
So how's the writing in this? I like slow burners, but only if they're excellently written.
Is this on the level of something like Rectify? And how's the tone? I'm not really in the mood for a comedy.

Well written. Tone is mostly serious. I dunno if it's as good as Rectify, but it's good. So far. I wouldn't really say it's that slow either.

Busty · Sep 24, 2013

Brian Griffin said:
yes

Hari Seldon said:
She had some excellent scenes with Jason Stackhouse in True Blood the season she was in it.

Clevinger said:
Lizzy Caplan rides a lot of farm equipment in this show, yes.

Much appreciated gents.

Now if you'll excuse me I have some...., rented VHS videos I need to return.

*cough*

RatskyWatsky · Sep 24, 2013

I'm very much looking forward to this. I'll probably watch the pilot sometime before Sunday. Good to know the YouTube version isn't censored.

I'm interested to see how the show handles homosexuality since it was considered to be a "psychological disorder" at the time, and considering the fact that Masters and Johnson ran a gay-to-straight conversion center later in their careers.

Lactose_Intolerant said:
All the guys are big prudes compared to the women.

BOOOOOOOO

omgkitty said:
I must say if you don't want to be spoiled on the show, don't look up information about the original doctors on wikipedia like I did :\

What is there to spoil, really?

Cornballer · Sep 24, 2013

- Variety: Showtimes Masters of Sex

In cable TV terms, Masters of Sex feels like a triumph of concept and casting even before you get to the perfectly entertaining series birthed out of those two well-devised elements. Revisiting 1950s sexual mores through the pioneering research of Masters & Johnson, the show (derived from a book by Thomas Maier) features Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan in the central roles, while providing legitimate cover for lots of explicit a-big-reason-we-pay-for-Showtime sex and nudity.

Clevinger · Sep 24, 2013

RatskyWatsky said:
What is there to spoil, really?

Eh, I think you might realize after watching the pilot. It's a pretty important part of Sheen's character and his motivation for the research.

Most people

would probably guess it will happen on their own

, but I can see why people wouldn't want to know.

RatskyWatsky · Sep 24, 2013

Clevinger said:
Eh, I think you might realize after watching the pilot. It's a pretty important part of Sheen's character and his motivation for the research.

Most people

would probably guess it will happen on their own

, but I can see why people wouldn't want to know.

I've read through their wiki pages before, and I'm still not quite sure what you're talking about. Is it

the fact that he has Parkinsons?

Are they building that up as a big reveal later on or something? lol

Jenga · Sep 24, 2013

I don't think I can see this surviving past maybe a Season 2.

LordCanti · Sep 24, 2013

Lizzy Caplan in a show filled with nudity? I'm in.

RatskyWatsky · Sep 24, 2013

Jenga said:
I don't think I can see this surviving past maybe a Season 2.

Why not? It's, by all accounts, a good show with a great cast and smart writing. And it's got tons and tons of sex.

Reeks · Sep 24, 2013

hmmm Interesting premise, but shitstains, it looks like every one in those promo shots needs a good lay.

Clevinger · Sep 24, 2013

RatskyWatsky said:
I've read through their wiki pages before, and I'm still not quite sure what you're talking about. Is it

the fact that he has Parkinsons?

Are they building that up as a big reveal later on or something? lol

Huh. I didn't even know about that.

SPOILERS

In the pilot Masters' wife's infertility is a big part of the story, and she becomes friends with Virginia. I'm talking about the fact that he eventually divorces his wife and marries Virginia.

Tim the Wiz · Sep 25, 2013

UrbanRats said:
So how's the writing in this? I like slow burners, but only if they're excellently written.
Is this on the level of something like Rectify? And how's the tone? I'm not really in the mood for a comedy.

Rectify is in a class above. I'm a bit worried for Sheen and Caplan. I hope they don't get stuck in a declining Showtime series for 5+ seasons like Michael C Hall. But yeah, the first two episodes are pretty good.

GQman2121 · Sep 25, 2013

I've seen the first two episodes and Caplan is the pacesetter when it comes to the sexuality on the show. It also doesn't hurt that it's very entertaining. I hope people here get into it.

RatskyWatsky · Sep 25, 2013

Clevinger said:
Huh. I didn't even know about that.

Oops, hopefully I didn't spoil anything for you. :x Sorry!

SPOILERS

In the pilot Masters' wife's infertility is a big part of the story, and she becomes friends with Virginia. I'm talking about the fact that he eventually divorces his wife and marries Virginia.

Ah, okay. I could see how that might be a spoiler. Thanks for the clarification.

Clevinger · Sep 25, 2013

Tim the Wiz said:
I'm a bit worried for Sheen and Caplan. I hope they don't get stuck in a declining Showtime series for 5+ seasons like Michael C Hall. But yeah, the first two episodes are pretty good.

Yeah, I could see this show becoming soap opera garbage after a couple seasons. Hopefully Sheen ditches it if that happens.

RatskyWatsky said:
Oops, hopefully I didn't spoil anything for you. :x Sorry!

YOU RAT BASTARD!

Nah. I don't care about spoilers in historical shows. Fist thing I did after I finished the pilot was hit up their wikis.

Jeels · Sep 25, 2013

This show seems to have none of the subtlety of a Mad Men, but I'm only 15 minutes in. Does it get better?

Clevinger · Sep 25, 2013

Jeels said:
This show seems to have none of the subtlety of a Mad Men, but I'm only 15 minutes in. Does it get better?

If you really stopped it 15 minutes in to ask people on the internet if it gets better, I'm going to go ahead and guess you're not going to like it.

RangersFan · Sep 25, 2013

Did anyone see the space they setup for this show on the corner of Bowery and Delancey in NYC? Passed by them setting up the other day, no idea what they were doing there.

Cornballer · Sep 25, 2013

- Onion A|V Club review *some minor spoilers*

By episode three, Masters Of Sex has shaken off the biopic haze to become the best new show of the fall season, hands down.

Grade: A-

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