Masters of Sex: Difference between revisions
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'''''Masters of Sex''''' is an American [[period drama]] television series that premiered on September 29, 2013, on [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]].<ref name="premiere">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/01/12/showtime-announces-premiere-dates-for-nurse-jackie-dexter-returning-early-ray-donovan-homeland-masters-of-sex-more/165132/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115000242/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/01/12/showtime-announces-premiere-dates-for-nurse-jackie-dexter-returning-early-ray-donovan-homeland-masters-of-sex-more/165132/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title=Showtime Announces Premiere Dates for 'Nurse Jackie,' 'Dexter' (Returning Early) 'Ray Donovan,' 'Homeland,' 'Masters of Sex' & More|last=Seidman|first=Robert|work=TV by the Numbers|date=January 12, 2013|access-date=January 12, 2013}}</ref> It was developed by [[Michelle Ashford]] and loosely based on [[Thomas Maier]]'s biography ''[[Masters of Sex (book)|Masters of Sex]]''.<ref name="lat2013"/> Set in the 1950s through the late 1960s, the series tells the story of [[Masters and Johnson]] ([[William Masters|Dr. William Masters]] and [[Virginia E. Johnson|Virginia Johnson]]) who are portrayed by [[Michael Sheen]] and [[Lizzy Caplan]]. The series has received critical acclaim. It was nominated for a [[Golden Globe Award]] for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama|Best Drama Series]] in 2013. The series was canceled by Showtime on November 30, 2016, after four seasons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2016/11/30/masters-of-sex-cancelled-showtime-season-5/ |title=Masters of Sex Is Done at Showtime |publisher=TVLine |first=Vlada |last=Gelman |date=November 30, 2016 |access-date=November 30, 2016}}</ref> |
'''''Masters of Sex''''' is an American [[period drama]] television series that premiered on September 29, 2013, on [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]].<ref name="premiere">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/01/12/showtime-announces-premiere-dates-for-nurse-jackie-dexter-returning-early-ray-donovan-homeland-masters-of-sex-more/165132/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115000242/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/01/12/showtime-announces-premiere-dates-for-nurse-jackie-dexter-returning-early-ray-donovan-homeland-masters-of-sex-more/165132/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title=Showtime Announces Premiere Dates for 'Nurse Jackie,' 'Dexter' (Returning Early) 'Ray Donovan,' 'Homeland,' 'Masters of Sex' & More|last=Seidman|first=Robert|work=TV by the Numbers|date=January 12, 2013|access-date=January 12, 2013}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115000242/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/01/12/showtime-announces-premiere-dates-for-nurse-jackie-dexter-returning-early-ray-donovan-homeland-masters-of-sex-more/165132/ |date=January 15, 2013 }}</ref> It was developed by [[Michelle Ashford]] and loosely based on [[Thomas Maier]]'s biography ''[[Masters of Sex (book)|Masters of Sex]]''.<ref name="lat2013"/> Set in the 1950s through the late 1960s, the series tells the story of [[Masters and Johnson]] ([[William Masters|Dr. William Masters]] and [[Virginia E. Johnson|Virginia Johnson]]) who are portrayed by [[Michael Sheen]] and [[Lizzy Caplan]]. The series has received critical acclaim. It was nominated for a [[Golden Globe Award]] for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama|Best Drama Series]] in 2013. The series was canceled by Showtime on November 30, 2016, after four seasons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2016/11/30/masters-of-sex-cancelled-showtime-season-5/ |title=Masters of Sex Is Done at Showtime |publisher=TVLine |first=Vlada |last=Gelman |date=November 30, 2016 |access-date=November 30, 2016 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201015318/http://tvline.com/2016/11/30/masters-of-sex-cancelled-showtime-season-5/ |date=December 1, 2016 }}</ref> |
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==Premise== |
==Premise== |
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As noted by the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' television critic, the series "hangs on bones of fact"; "it's more useful for the viewer to think of it as all made up. Because, mostly, it is, and because to the extent it tells the story of two real people, it also adorns the telling with dramatic practicalities, invented characters and narrative detours. Indeed, it's down these side streets, casting a brief light on a passing character (patients, prostitutes, a provost's wife), that the show finds many of its best moments."<ref name="lat2013"/> |
As noted by the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' television critic, the series "hangs on bones of fact"; "it's more useful for the viewer to think of it as all made up. Because, mostly, it is, and because to the extent it tells the story of two real people, it also adorns the telling with dramatic practicalities, invented characters and narrative detours. Indeed, it's down these side streets, casting a brief light on a passing character (patients, prostitutes, a provost's wife), that the show finds many of its best moments."<ref name="lat2013"/> |
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Other than principal characters, which are partly fictionalized, adults are significantly fictionalized, and children are entirely fictionalized. In real life, Masters and Johnson each have two children, but in the series they have three children each. Episodes featuring the children include a disclaimer stating that their storylines are "entirely fictitious". Series creator Michelle Ashford explained: "We are telling a non-fiction story and one where there are people who are still alive out there, and those people need to be protected. We were advised to add [the baby] to protect the people that are still alive. It wasn't a storytelling prerogative. It had to do with protecting living people."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/masters-of-sex-fake-baby/ |title=The Kids Aren't Alright: Behind Masters of Sex's Controversial Children's Stories |website=TV Guide |first=Hanh |last=Nguyen |date=August 11, 2015 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223116/https://www.tvguide.com/news/masters-of-sex-fake-baby/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Other than principal characters, which are partly fictionalized, adults are significantly fictionalized, and children are entirely fictionalized. In real life, Masters and Johnson each have two children, but in the series they have three children each. Episodes featuring the children include a disclaimer stating that their storylines are "entirely fictitious". Series creator Michelle Ashford explained: "We are telling a non-fiction story and one where there are people who are still alive out there, and those people need to be protected. We were advised to add [the baby] to protect the people that are still alive. It wasn't a storytelling prerogative. It had to do with protecting living people."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/masters-of-sex-fake-baby/ |title=The Kids Aren't Alright: Behind Masters of Sex's Controversial Children's Stories |website=TV Guide |first=Hanh |last=Nguyen |date=August 11, 2015 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223116/https://www.tvguide.com/news/masters-of-sex-fake-baby/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223116/https://www.tvguide.com/news/masters-of-sex-fake-baby/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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== Episodes == |
== Episodes == |
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* Kevin Christy as Lester Linden, the archivist of Masters and Johnson's work (seasons 1–4) |
* Kevin Christy as Lester Linden, the archivist of Masters and Johnson's work (seasons 1–4) |
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* [[Julianne Nicholson]] as Dr. Lillian DePaul, a doctor working in the Obstetrics Department of Washington University Hospital (seasons 1–2) |
* [[Julianne Nicholson]] as Dr. Lillian DePaul, a doctor working in the Obstetrics Department of Washington University Hospital (seasons 1–2) |
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* [[Ann Dowd]] as Estabrooks 'Essie' Masters, William's mother<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deadline.com/2013/02/linda-lavin-to-co-star-in-nbcs-sean-hayes-pilot-ann-dowd-recurs-on-masters-of-sex/ |title=Linda Lavin To Co-Star In NBC's Sean Hayes Pilot, Ann Dowd Recurs On 'Masters Of Sex' |publisher=Deadline.com |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=February 4, 2013 |access-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223128/https://deadline.com/2013/02/linda-lavin-to-co-star-in-nbcs-sean-hayes-pilot-ann-dowd-recurs-on-masters-of-sex-421396/ |url-status=live }}</ref> (seasons 1–2) |
* [[Ann Dowd]] as Estabrooks 'Essie' Masters, William's mother<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deadline.com/2013/02/linda-lavin-to-co-star-in-nbcs-sean-hayes-pilot-ann-dowd-recurs-on-masters-of-sex/ |title=Linda Lavin To Co-Star In NBC's Sean Hayes Pilot, Ann Dowd Recurs On 'Masters Of Sex' |publisher=Deadline.com |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=February 4, 2013 |access-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223128/https://deadline.com/2013/02/linda-lavin-to-co-star-in-nbcs-sean-hayes-pilot-ann-dowd-recurs-on-masters-of-sex-421396/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223128/https://deadline.com/2013/02/linda-lavin-to-co-star-in-nbcs-sean-hayes-pilot-ann-dowd-recurs-on-masters-of-sex-421396/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> (seasons 1–2) |
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* [[Mather Zickel]] as George Johnson, Virginia's ex-husband and father of her children (seasons 1–3) |
* [[Mather Zickel]] as George Johnson, Virginia's ex-husband and father of her children (seasons 1–3) |
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* [[Cole Sand]] (seasons 1–2) and [[Noah Robbins]] (season 3) as Henry Johnson, Virginia's son |
* [[Cole Sand]] (seasons 1–2) and [[Noah Robbins]] (season 3) as Henry Johnson, Virginia's son |
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* Kayla Madison (seasons 1–2) and [[Isabelle Fuhrman]] (seasons 3–4) as Tessa Johnson, Virginia's daughter |
* Kayla Madison (seasons 1–2) and [[Isabelle Fuhrman]] (seasons 3–4) as Tessa Johnson, Virginia's daughter |
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* [[Greg Grunberg]] as Gene Moretti, Betty's husband (seasons 1–2) |
* [[Greg Grunberg]] as Gene Moretti, Betty's husband (seasons 1–2) |
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* [[Finn Wittrock]] as Dale, a male [[Male prostitution|prostitute]] whom Barton Scully patronizes (season 1)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebacklot.com/masters-of-sex-gay-story/11/2013/ |title=The Compelling Gay Story in "Masters Of Sex" |publisher=The Backlot |date=November 19, 2013 |access-date=November 19, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223123/http://www.newnownext.com/franchise/the-backlot/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
* [[Finn Wittrock]] as Dale, a male [[Male prostitution|prostitute]] whom Barton Scully patronizes (season 1)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebacklot.com/masters-of-sex-gay-story/11/2013/ |title=The Compelling Gay Story in "Masters Of Sex" |publisher=The Backlot |date=November 19, 2013 |access-date=November 19, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223123/http://www.newnownext.com/franchise/the-backlot/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201042321/http://www.thebacklot.com/masters-of-sex-gay-story/11/2013/ |date=December 1, 2013 }}</ref> |
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* [[Garrett M. Brown]] as Chancellor Doug Fitzhugh, the head of a Washington University (seasons 1, 3) |
* [[Garrett M. Brown]] as Chancellor Doug Fitzhugh, the head of a Washington University (seasons 1, 3) |
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* [[Brian Howe (actor)|Brian Howe]] as Sam Duncan, chief of police (seasons 1–3) |
* [[Brian Howe (actor)|Brian Howe]] as Sam Duncan, chief of police (seasons 1–3) |
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* [[Elizabeth Bogush]] as Elise Langham, Austin's wife (seasons 1–2) |
* [[Elizabeth Bogush]] as Elise Langham, Austin's wife (seasons 1–2) |
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* [[Betsy Brandt]] as Barbara Sanderson, Masters' new secretary, and later a patient of his clinic (season 2)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/breaking-bads-betsy-brandt-joins-689335 |title=Breaking Bad's' Betsy Brandt Joins Showtime's 'Masters of Sex' |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Lesley |last=Goldberg |date=March 18, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223118/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/breaking-bads-betsy-brandt-joins-689335 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
* [[Betsy Brandt]] as Barbara Sanderson, Masters' new secretary, and later a patient of his clinic (season 2)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/breaking-bads-betsy-brandt-joins-689335 |title=Breaking Bad's' Betsy Brandt Joins Showtime's 'Masters of Sex' |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Lesley |last=Goldberg |date=March 18, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223118/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/breaking-bads-betsy-brandt-joins-689335 |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223118/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/breaking-bads-betsy-brandt-joins-689335 |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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* [[Artemis Pebdani]] as Flo Packer, the owner of a diet pill company (season 2) |
* [[Artemis Pebdani]] as Flo Packer, the owner of a diet pill company (season 2) |
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* [[Keke Palmer]] as Coral, the Masters' African-American nanny (season 2)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/keke-palmer-joins-showtimes-masters-of-sex-1201130050/# |title=Keke Palmer Joins Showtime's 'Masters of Sex' |work=Variety |first=Francesca |last=Bacardi |date=March 12, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223129/https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/keke-palmer-joins-showtimes-masters-of-sex-1201130050/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
* [[Keke Palmer]] as Coral, the Masters' African-American nanny (season 2)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/keke-palmer-joins-showtimes-masters-of-sex-1201130050/# |title=Keke Palmer Joins Showtime's 'Masters of Sex' |work=Variety |first=Francesca |last=Bacardi |date=March 12, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223129/https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/keke-palmer-joins-showtimes-masters-of-sex-1201130050/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223129/https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/keke-palmer-joins-showtimes-masters-of-sex-1201130050/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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* [[Jocko Sims]] as Robert Franklin, Coral's brother and a civil rights activist (season 2) |
* [[Jocko Sims]] as Robert Franklin, Coral's brother and a civil rights activist (season 2) |
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* [[Sarah Silverman]] as Helen Schiff, Betty's lover (seasons 2–4)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/sarah-silverman-masters-of-sex-1201165873/ |title=Sarah Silverman Joins 'Masters of Sex' Cast |work=Variety |first=Whitney |last=Friedlander |date=April 28, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223118/https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/sarah-silverman-masters-of-sex-1201165873/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
* [[Sarah Silverman]] as Helen Schiff, Betty's lover (seasons 2–4)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/sarah-silverman-masters-of-sex-1201165873/ |title=Sarah Silverman Joins 'Masters of Sex' Cast |work=Variety |first=Whitney |last=Friedlander |date=April 28, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223118/https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/sarah-silverman-masters-of-sex-1201165873/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223118/https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/sarah-silverman-masters-of-sex-1201165873/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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* [[Christian Borle]] as Francis 'Frank' Masters, Jr., the younger brother of William Masters (season 2)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.ca/ustv/news/a573109/masters-of-sex-casts-smash-actor-christian-borle.html#~oFzDp7PqIGbiu8 |title=Masters of Sex casts Smash actor Christian Borle |publisher=Digital Spy |first=Tom |last=Eames |date=May 23, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223123/https://www.digitalspy.com/#~oFzDp7PqIGbiu8 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
* [[Christian Borle]] as Francis 'Frank' Masters, Jr., the younger brother of William Masters (season 2)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.ca/ustv/news/a573109/masters-of-sex-casts-smash-actor-christian-borle.html#~oFzDp7PqIGbiu8 |title=Masters of Sex casts Smash actor Christian Borle |publisher=Digital Spy |first=Tom |last=Eames |date=May 23, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223123/https://www.digitalspy.com/#~oFzDp7PqIGbiu8 |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223123/https://www.digitalspy.com/#~oFzDp7PqIGbiu8 |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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* [[Marin Ireland]] as Pauline Masters, Frank's wife (season 2) |
* [[Marin Ireland]] as Pauline Masters, Frank's wife (season 2) |
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* [[Danny Huston]] as Dr. Douglas Greathouse, the head of a hospital's Obstetrics Department (season 2) |
* [[Danny Huston]] as Dr. Douglas Greathouse, the head of a hospital's Obstetrics Department (season 2) |
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* [[Courtney B. Vance]] as Dr. Charles Hendricks, the head of an African-American St. Louis hospital who seeks integration (season 2)<ref name="Auberjonois and Vance">{{cite web |url=https://www.deadline.com/2014/05/courtney-b-vance-rene-auberjonois-set-for-season-2-of-masters-of-sex/ |title=Courtney B. Vance & Rene Auberjonois Set For Season 2 Of 'Masters Of Sex' |publisher=Deadline.com |first=Erik |last=Pedersen |date=May 19, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014}}</ref> |
* [[Courtney B. Vance]] as Dr. Charles Hendricks, the head of an African-American St. Louis hospital who seeks integration (season 2)<ref name="Auberjonois and Vance">{{cite web |url=https://www.deadline.com/2014/05/courtney-b-vance-rene-auberjonois-set-for-season-2-of-masters-of-sex/ |title=Courtney B. Vance & Rene Auberjonois Set For Season 2 Of 'Masters Of Sex' |publisher=Deadline.com |first=Erik |last=Pedersen |date=May 19, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527054206/http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/courtney-b-vance-rene-auberjonois-set-for-season-2-of-masters-of-sex/ |date=May 27, 2014 }}</ref> |
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* [[Adam Arkin]] as Shep Tally, a [[Public relations|PR]] expert hired by Masters and Johnson to help them present their work (season 2) |
* [[Adam Arkin]] as Shep Tally, a [[Public relations|PR]] expert hired by Masters and Johnson to help them present their work (season 2) |
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* Jack Laufer as Herb Spleeb, a lawyer (seasons 2–4) |
* Jack Laufer as Herb Spleeb, a lawyer (seasons 2–4) |
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==Development and production== |
==Development and production== |
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Showtime ordered the pilot for ''Masters of Sex'' in August 2011,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deadline.com/2011/08/showtime-picks-up-pilots-from-andrew-gurland-michelle-ashford-ann-biderman/ |title=Showtime Picks Up Pilots From Andrew Gurland, Michelle Ashford & Ann Biderman |publisher=Deadline.com |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=August 21, 2011 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223120/https://deadline.com/2011/08/showtime-picks-up-pilots-from-andrew-gurland-michelle-ashford-ann-biderman-160925/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and greenlit it for series in June 2012, with the first season consisting of twelve episodes.<ref name="variety">{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2012/tv/news/showtime-gives-series-orders-to-donovan-sex-1118055335/ |title=Showtime gives series orders to 'Donovan,' 'Sex' |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=June 11, 2012 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=July 15, 2012 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223121/https://variety.com/2012/tv/news/showtime-gives-series-orders-to-donovan-sex-1118055335/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Paul Bettany]] was originally cast as [[William Masters]] and had a say in the casting of the female lead which had reportedly stalled the process.<ref name="Bettany">{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=Paul Bettany Exits Showtime Pilot 'Masters Of Sex' |url=https://deadline.com/2012/01/paul-bettany-exits-showtime-pilot-masters-of-sex-212675/#more-212675 |website=Deadline |access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> After his exit, [[Michael Sheen]] replaced him and [[Lizzy Caplan]] was cast as [[Virginia E. Johnson|Virginia Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=UPDATE: Michael Sheen & Lizzy Caplan To Star In Showtime Pilot 'Masters Of Sex'|url=https://deadline.com/2012/02/michael-sheen-to-star-in-showtime-pilot-masters-of-sex-224907/ |website=Deadline |access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> |
Showtime ordered the pilot for ''Masters of Sex'' in August 2011,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deadline.com/2011/08/showtime-picks-up-pilots-from-andrew-gurland-michelle-ashford-ann-biderman/ |title=Showtime Picks Up Pilots From Andrew Gurland, Michelle Ashford & Ann Biderman |publisher=Deadline.com |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=August 21, 2011 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223120/https://deadline.com/2011/08/showtime-picks-up-pilots-from-andrew-gurland-michelle-ashford-ann-biderman-160925/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223120/https://deadline.com/2011/08/showtime-picks-up-pilots-from-andrew-gurland-michelle-ashford-ann-biderman-160925/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> and greenlit it for series in June 2012, with the first season consisting of twelve episodes.<ref name="variety">{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2012/tv/news/showtime-gives-series-orders-to-donovan-sex-1118055335/ |title=Showtime gives series orders to 'Donovan,' 'Sex' |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=June 11, 2012 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=July 15, 2012 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223121/https://variety.com/2012/tv/news/showtime-gives-series-orders-to-donovan-sex-1118055335/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Paul Bettany]] was originally cast as [[William Masters]] and had a say in the casting of the female lead which had reportedly stalled the process.<ref name="Bettany">{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=Paul Bettany Exits Showtime Pilot 'Masters Of Sex' |url=https://deadline.com/2012/01/paul-bettany-exits-showtime-pilot-masters-of-sex-212675/#more-212675 |website=Deadline |access-date=6 January 2023 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106163228/https://deadline.com/2012/01/paul-bettany-exits-showtime-pilot-masters-of-sex-212675/#more-212675 |date=6 January 2023 }}</ref> After his exit, [[Michael Sheen]] replaced him and [[Lizzy Caplan]] was cast as [[Virginia E. Johnson|Virginia Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=UPDATE: Michael Sheen & Lizzy Caplan To Star In Showtime Pilot 'Masters Of Sex' |url=https://deadline.com/2012/02/michael-sheen-to-star-in-showtime-pilot-masters-of-sex-224907/ |website=Deadline |access-date=6 January 2023 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106163226/https://deadline.com/2012/02/michael-sheen-to-star-in-showtime-pilot-masters-of-sex-224907/ |date=6 January 2023 }}</ref> |
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Writer/producer [[Michelle Ashford]] serves as [[showrunner]] for ''Masters of Sex''. She assembled a majority-female writing staff, although she says this was unintentional.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nymag.com/thecut/2013/09/dirty-talk-with-the-woman-behind-masters-of-sex.html |title=Q&A: Dirty Talk With the Woman Behind ''Masters of Sex'' |work=New York Magazine |first=Allison P. |last=Davis |date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223123/https://www.thecut.com/2013/09/dirty-talk-with-the-woman-behind-masters-of-sex.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Writer/producer [[Michelle Ashford]] serves as [[showrunner]] for ''Masters of Sex''. She assembled a majority-female writing staff, although she says this was unintentional.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nymag.com/thecut/2013/09/dirty-talk-with-the-woman-behind-masters-of-sex.html |title=Q&A: Dirty Talk With the Woman Behind ''Masters of Sex'' |work=New York Magazine |first=Allison P. |last=Davis |date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223123/https://www.thecut.com/2013/09/dirty-talk-with-the-woman-behind-masters-of-sex.html |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223123/https://www.thecut.com/2013/09/dirty-talk-with-the-woman-behind-masters-of-sex.html |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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Ashford created the character of Barton Scully out of a combination of several men whom Masters knew. One of them was gay, but was not the man serving as provost during Masters' initial study.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebacklot.com/masters-of-sex-creator-on-the-shows-gay-storyline/11/2013/ |title="Masters Of Sex" Creator On The Show's "Exciting" Gay Storyline |publisher=The Backlot |first=Jim |last=Halterman |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=November 25, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223122/http://www.newnownext.com/franchise/the-backlot/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Ashford created the character of Barton Scully out of a combination of several men whom Masters knew. One of them was gay, but was not the man serving as provost during Masters' initial study.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebacklot.com/masters-of-sex-creator-on-the-shows-gay-storyline/11/2013/ |title="Masters Of Sex" Creator On The Show's "Exciting" Gay Storyline |publisher=The Backlot |first=Jim |last=Halterman |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=November 25, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223122/http://www.newnownext.com/franchise/the-backlot/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223122/http://www.newnownext.com/franchise/the-backlot/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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Prop master Jeffrey Johnson noted the difficulty of obtaining accurate information about [[sex toy|sexual devices]] from the time period. "They were so taboo it was hard to find research drawings. People didn’t even put them in writing." He obtained some vintage vibrators and [[dildo]]s for use in the series along with acquiring [[condom]]s manufactured in the era (which did not have the reservoir tips of modern condoms). He designed "Ulysses", a transparent dildo with attached camera first seen in the pilot episode, from scratch, along with a diaphragm sizing kit seen in later episodes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/09/masters-of-sex-prop-master-glass-dildos.html |title=Talking to ''Masters of Sex''{{'}}s Prop Master About Glass Dildos and Old Condoms |work=Vulture |first=Molly |last=Langmuir |date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223132/https://www.vulture.com/2013/09/masters-of-sex-prop-master-glass-dildos.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Prop master Jeffrey Johnson noted the difficulty of obtaining accurate information about [[sex toy|sexual devices]] from the time period. "They were so taboo it was hard to find research drawings. People didn’t even put them in writing." He obtained some vintage vibrators and [[dildo]]s for use in the series along with acquiring [[condom]]s manufactured in the era (which did not have the reservoir tips of modern condoms). He designed "Ulysses", a transparent dildo with attached camera first seen in the pilot episode, from scratch, along with a diaphragm sizing kit seen in later episodes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/09/masters-of-sex-prop-master-glass-dildos.html |title=Talking to ''Masters of Sex''{{'}}s Prop Master About Glass Dildos and Old Condoms |work=Vulture |first=Molly |last=Langmuir |date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223132/https://www.vulture.com/2013/09/masters-of-sex-prop-master-glass-dildos.html |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223132/https://www.vulture.com/2013/09/masters-of-sex-prop-master-glass-dildos.html |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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[[Annaleigh Ashford]], who has a recurring role in the first season as Betty Dimello, was promoted to series regular in season two.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deadline.com/2013/12/annaleigh-ashford-regular-on-masters-of-sex-departs-kinky-boots/ |title=Annaleigh Ashford Upped To Regular On 'Masters Of Sex', Will Depart 'Kinky Boots' |publisher=Deadline.com |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=December 8, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223125/https://deadline.com/2013/12/annaleigh-ashford-regular-on-masters-of-sex-departs-kinky-boots-646551/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
[[Annaleigh Ashford]], who has a recurring role in the first season as Betty Dimello, was promoted to series regular in season two.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deadline.com/2013/12/annaleigh-ashford-regular-on-masters-of-sex-departs-kinky-boots/ |title=Annaleigh Ashford Upped To Regular On 'Masters Of Sex', Will Depart 'Kinky Boots' |publisher=Deadline.com |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=December 8, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223125/https://deadline.com/2013/12/annaleigh-ashford-regular-on-masters-of-sex-departs-kinky-boots-646551/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223125/https://deadline.com/2013/12/annaleigh-ashford-regular-on-masters-of-sex-departs-kinky-boots-646551/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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The [[opening credits]] sequence was created by design studio Elastic. The sequence, which includes suggestive, tongue-in-cheek sex metaphors and symbols, received a mixed response from critics; it placed on both best and worst lists for opening credit sequences. It was also nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/2980158/masters-of-sex-season-2-premier-opening-credits/ |title=Behind the Unusual Opening Credits to Masters of Sex |magazine=Time |first=Feeney |last=Nolan |date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=February 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223126/https://time.com/2980158/masters-of-sex-season-2-premier-opening-credits/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The [[opening credits]] sequence was created by design studio Elastic. The sequence, which includes suggestive, tongue-in-cheek sex metaphors and symbols, received a mixed response from critics; it placed on both best and worst lists for opening credit sequences. It was also nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/2980158/masters-of-sex-season-2-premier-opening-credits/ |title=Behind the Unusual Opening Credits to Masters of Sex |magazine=Time |first=Feeney |last=Nolan |date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=February 6, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223126/https://time.com/2980158/masters-of-sex-season-2-premier-opening-credits/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223126/https://time.com/2980158/masters-of-sex-season-2-premier-opening-credits/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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==International broadcast== |
==International broadcast== |
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In Canada, the series debuted on September 29, 2013, on [[The Movie Network]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.themovienetwork.ca/series/mastersofsex/ |title=Masters of Sex |publisher=The Movie Network |access-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002132110/http://www.themovienetwork.ca/series/mastersofsex/ |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In Australia, the series premiered on [[SBS One]] on October 3, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=TV Picks: It's a Date, Masters of Sex and Upper Middle Bogan|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/tv-picks-it8217s-a-date-masters-of-sex-and-upper-middle-bogan/story-e6frfmyi-1226732378805|publisher=News.com.au|first=Dianne|last=Butler|date=October 3, 2013|access-date=October 7, 2013|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223138/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/tv-picks-it8217s-a-date-masters-of-sex-and-upper-middle-bogan/news-story/31a5447623534e6b5c6f019e9e071819|url-status=live}}</ref> In Ireland, the series premiered on October 4, 2013, on [[RTÉ2|RTÉ Two]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.ie/tv-highlight/Masters-of-Sex/217603.htm|title=Masters of Sex RTE2: 11.20pm|publisher=entertainment.ie|access-date=October 10, 2013|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223127/https://entertainment.ie/tv-highlights/masters-of-sex-305548/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the UK, it debuted on [[Channel 4]] on October 8, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2013/09/channel-4-sets-uk-premiere-date-for-masters-of-sex/ |title=Channel 4 Sets UK Premiere Date For 'Masters Of Sex' |publisher=TVWise |first=Patrick |last=Munn |date=September 25, 2013 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223135/https://www.tvwise.co.uk/2013/09/channel-4-sets-uk-premiere-date-for-masters-of-sex/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In New Zealand, it debuted on [[SoHo (TV channel)|SoHo]] on October 23, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/blogs/on-the-box/9320727/Masters-Of-Sex-masters-sex-on-TV|title=Masters Of Sex masters sex on TV|publisher=Stuff.co.nz|first=Chris|last=Philpott|date=October 24, 2013|access-date=November 7, 2013|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223129/http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/blogs/on-the-box/9320727/Masters-Of-Sex-masters-sex-on-TV|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Virgin Media]] acquired the UK rights for ''Masters of Sex'' and it started airing on September 21, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvwise.co.uk/2018/09/virgin-media-to-launch-dedicated-4k-channel-picks-up-uk-rights-to-shut-eye-masters-of-sex-more/ |title=Virgin Media To Launch Dedicated 4K Channel; Picks Up UK Rights To 'Shut Eye', 'Masters Of Sex' & More |website=TVWise |first=Patrick |last=Munn |date=September 12, 2018 |access-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223123/https://www.tvwise.co.uk/2018/09/virgin-media-to-launch-dedicated-4k-channel-picks-up-uk-rights-to-shut-eye-masters-of-sex-more/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the UK, the series is available on [[STV Player]] until February 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://player.stv.tv/summary/sony-mastersofsex/ |title=Masters of Sex |website=STV Player |access-date=April 2, 2022}}</ref> |
In Canada, the series debuted on September 29, 2013, on [[The Movie Network]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.themovienetwork.ca/series/mastersofsex/ |title=Masters of Sex |publisher=The Movie Network |access-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002132110/http://www.themovienetwork.ca/series/mastersofsex/ |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |url-status=dead }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002132110/http://www.themovienetwork.ca/series/mastersofsex/ |date=October 2, 2013 }}</ref> In Australia, the series premiered on [[SBS One]] on October 3, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=TV Picks: It's a Date, Masters of Sex and Upper Middle Bogan|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/tv-picks-it8217s-a-date-masters-of-sex-and-upper-middle-bogan/story-e6frfmyi-1226732378805|publisher=News.com.au|first=Dianne|last=Butler|date=October 3, 2013|access-date=October 7, 2013|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223138/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/tv-picks-it8217s-a-date-masters-of-sex-and-upper-middle-bogan/news-story/31a5447623534e6b5c6f019e9e071819|url-status=live}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223138/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/tv-picks-it8217s-a-date-masters-of-sex-and-upper-middle-bogan/news-story/31a5447623534e6b5c6f019e9e071819 |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> In Ireland, the series premiered on October 4, 2013, on [[RTÉ2|RTÉ Two]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.ie/tv-highlight/Masters-of-Sex/217603.htm|title=Masters of Sex RTE2: 11.20pm|publisher=entertainment.ie|access-date=October 10, 2013|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223127/https://entertainment.ie/tv-highlights/masters-of-sex-305548/|url-status=live}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223127/https://entertainment.ie/tv-highlights/masters-of-sex-305548/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> In the UK, it debuted on [[Channel 4]] on October 8, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2013/09/channel-4-sets-uk-premiere-date-for-masters-of-sex/ |title=Channel 4 Sets UK Premiere Date For 'Masters Of Sex' |publisher=TVWise |first=Patrick |last=Munn |date=September 25, 2013 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223135/https://www.tvwise.co.uk/2013/09/channel-4-sets-uk-premiere-date-for-masters-of-sex/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223135/https://www.tvwise.co.uk/2013/09/channel-4-sets-uk-premiere-date-for-masters-of-sex/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> In New Zealand, it debuted on [[SoHo (TV channel)|SoHo]] on October 23, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/blogs/on-the-box/9320727/Masters-Of-Sex-masters-sex-on-TV|title=Masters Of Sex masters sex on TV|publisher=Stuff.co.nz|first=Chris|last=Philpott|date=October 24, 2013|access-date=November 7, 2013|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223129/http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/blogs/on-the-box/9320727/Masters-Of-Sex-masters-sex-on-TV|url-status=live}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223129/http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/blogs/on-the-box/9320727/Masters-Of-Sex-masters-sex-on-TV |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> [[Virgin Media]] acquired the UK rights for ''Masters of Sex'' and it started airing on September 21, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvwise.co.uk/2018/09/virgin-media-to-launch-dedicated-4k-channel-picks-up-uk-rights-to-shut-eye-masters-of-sex-more/ |title=Virgin Media To Launch Dedicated 4K Channel; Picks Up UK Rights To 'Shut Eye', 'Masters Of Sex' & More |website=TVWise |first=Patrick |last=Munn |date=September 12, 2018 |access-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223123/https://www.tvwise.co.uk/2018/09/virgin-media-to-launch-dedicated-4k-channel-picks-up-uk-rights-to-shut-eye-masters-of-sex-more/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223123/https://www.tvwise.co.uk/2018/09/virgin-media-to-launch-dedicated-4k-channel-picks-up-uk-rights-to-shut-eye-masters-of-sex-more/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> In the UK, the series is available on [[STV Player]] until February 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://player.stv.tv/summary/sony-mastersofsex/ |title=Masters of Sex |website=STV Player |access-date=April 2, 2022 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408011052/https://player.stv.tv/summary/sony-mastersofsex/ |date=April 8, 2022 }}</ref> |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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The first season of ''Masters of Sex'' received critical acclaim. Based on 58 reviews collected by [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the first season received a 90% approval rating from critics, with a rating average of 8.26 out of 10. The site's consensus states: "Seductive and nuanced, ''Masters of Sex'' features smart performances, deft direction, and impeccable period decor."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s01/ |title=Masters of Sex: Season 1 (2013) |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=October 27, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223127/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s01 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Metacritic]] gave the first season a score of 86 out of 100, based on 32 reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-1 |title=Masters of Sex – Season 1 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223130/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[American Film Institute]] listed it as one of the top ten television series of 2013.<ref name="afi">{{cite web | url=https://variety.com/2013/film/awards/afi-names-best-movies-and-tv-shows-of-2013-1200937298/ | title=AFI Names Best Movies and TV Shows of 2013 | work=Variety | date=December 9, 2013 | access-date=December 9, 2013 | first=Tim | last=Gray | archive-date=December 11, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211020752/http://variety.com/2013/film/awards/afi-names-best-movies-and-tv-shows-of-2013-1200937298/ | url-status=live }}</ref> |
The first season of ''Masters of Sex'' received critical acclaim. Based on 58 reviews collected by [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the first season received a 90% approval rating from critics, with a rating average of 8.26 out of 10. The site's consensus states: "Seductive and nuanced, ''Masters of Sex'' features smart performances, deft direction, and impeccable period decor."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s01/ |title=Masters of Sex: Season 1 (2013) |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=October 27, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223127/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s01 |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223127/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s01 |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> [[Metacritic]] gave the first season a score of 86 out of 100, based on 32 reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-1 |title=Masters of Sex – Season 1 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223130/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-1 |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223130/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-1 |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> The [[American Film Institute]] listed it as one of the top ten television series of 2013.<ref name="afi">{{cite web | url=https://variety.com/2013/film/awards/afi-names-best-movies-and-tv-shows-of-2013-1200937298/ | title=AFI Names Best Movies and TV Shows of 2013 | work=Variety | date=December 9, 2013 | access-date=December 9, 2013 | first=Tim | last=Gray | archive-date=December 11, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211020752/http://variety.com/2013/film/awards/afi-names-best-movies-and-tv-shows-of-2013-1200937298/ | url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410232517/https://variety.com/2013/film/awards/afi-names-best-movies-and-tv-shows-of-2013-1200937298/ |date=April 10, 2019 }}</ref> |
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Matt Roush of ''[[TV Guide]]'' wrote that "There is no more fascinating, or entertaining, new series this fall season."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Weekend-Playlist-Masters-1071377.aspx |title=Weekend Playlist: ''Masters of Sex'' and ''Homeland'', ''Breaking Bad'' Finale on Jam-Packed Sunday |work=TV Guide |first=Matt |last=Roush |date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223129/https://www.tvguide.com/news/weekend-playlist-masters-1071377/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Diane Werts of ''[[Newsday]]'' gave it an "A" grade, complimenting the series on its use of humor, stating "its deft balance of epic scope and whimsical humanity", as well as the strong performances of the actors and creator [[Michelle Ashford]]'s "scene-setting scripts".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/masters-of-sex-review-showtime-scores-1.6139803 |title='Masters of Sex' review: Showtime scores |work=Newsday |first=Diane |last=Werts |date=September 25, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223146/https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/masters-of-sex-review-showtime-scores-1.6139803 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[David Wiegand]] of the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' particularly praised the performances, calling them "extraordinary" and "stunning", and noting the series' A-list directors, among them [[Michael Apted]] and [[John Madden (director)|John Madden]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/tv/article/Masters-of-Sex-review-Satisfying-look-at-sex-4847308.php |title='Masters of Sex' review: Satisfying look at sex |work=San Francisco Chronicle |first=David |last=Wiegand |date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223135/https://www.sfgate.com/tv/article/Masters-of-Sex-review-Satisfying-look-at-sex-4847308.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Hank Stuever of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' wrote that after the first two episodes, "the characters get better and more complex, the story builds, strange things start to happen and now I can't wait to see how its interweaving plots unfold."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/showtimes-masters-of-sex-starts-off-slow-and-deliberate-and-then-finds-the-right-spot/2013/09/26/19a08e06-263d-11e3-b3e9-d97fb087acd6_story.html |title=Showtime's 'Masters of Sex' gets better as it goes along |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Hank |last=Stuever |date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223146/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/showtimes-masters-of-sex-starts-off-slow-and-deliberate-and-then-finds-the-right-spot/2013/09/26/19a08e06-263d-11e3-b3e9-d97fb087acd6_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Alan Sepinwall of [[HitFix]] praised lead actors [[Michael Sheen]] and [[Lizzy Caplan]], calling them "terrific", and saying that "''Masters of Sex'' is the best new show of the fall by a very long stretch. It's also a refreshing anomaly: a prestige cable drama that doesn't feel like a recombination of elements from 15 shows that came before it."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/review-michael-sheen-lizzy-caplan-shine-in-showtimes-masters-of-sex |title=Review: Michael Sheen & Lizzy Caplan shine in Showtime's 'Masters of Sex' |publisher=HitFix |first=Alan |last=Sepinwall |date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223147/https://uproxx.com/entertainment/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Robert Lloyd, the ''Los Angeles Times'' television critic, the show is a "handsome thing, another well-dressed romp through the American mid-century, when things (we imagine) were simpler and (so we like to think) less sophisticated, but also more exciting. And it's true that sexual naiveté of that age can seem incredible in a day when pornography is just another thing on your platform of choice. But even in an age when ''Masters of Sex'' is a TV show, the subject remains stubbornly powerful, private and confounding. We have come far, and we are still cavemen.<ref name="lat2013">{{cite web |url=https://articles.latimes.com/2013/sep/28/entertainment/la-et-st-masters-of-sex-review |title=Review: 'Masters of Sex' explores the science of sex |date=September 28, 2013 |first=Robert |last=Lloyd |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=December 1, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223146/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-xpm-2013-sep-28-la-et-st-masters-of-sex-review-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Matt Roush of ''[[TV Guide]]'' wrote that "There is no more fascinating, or entertaining, new series this fall season."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Weekend-Playlist-Masters-1071377.aspx |title=Weekend Playlist: ''Masters of Sex'' and ''Homeland'', ''Breaking Bad'' Finale on Jam-Packed Sunday |work=TV Guide |first=Matt |last=Roush |date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223129/https://www.tvguide.com/news/weekend-playlist-masters-1071377/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223129/https://www.tvguide.com/news/weekend-playlist-masters-1071377/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> Diane Werts of ''[[Newsday]]'' gave it an "A" grade, complimenting the series on its use of humor, stating "its deft balance of epic scope and whimsical humanity", as well as the strong performances of the actors and creator [[Michelle Ashford]]'s "scene-setting scripts".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/masters-of-sex-review-showtime-scores-1.6139803 |title='Masters of Sex' review: Showtime scores |work=Newsday |first=Diane |last=Werts |date=September 25, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223146/https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/masters-of-sex-review-showtime-scores-1.6139803 |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223146/https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/masters-of-sex-review-showtime-scores-1.6139803 |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> [[David Wiegand]] of the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' particularly praised the performances, calling them "extraordinary" and "stunning", and noting the series' A-list directors, among them [[Michael Apted]] and [[John Madden (director)|John Madden]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/tv/article/Masters-of-Sex-review-Satisfying-look-at-sex-4847308.php |title='Masters of Sex' review: Satisfying look at sex |work=San Francisco Chronicle |first=David |last=Wiegand |date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223135/https://www.sfgate.com/tv/article/Masters-of-Sex-review-Satisfying-look-at-sex-4847308.php |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223135/https://www.sfgate.com/tv/article/Masters-of-Sex-review-Satisfying-look-at-sex-4847308.php |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> Hank Stuever of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' wrote that after the first two episodes, "the characters get better and more complex, the story builds, strange things start to happen and now I can't wait to see how its interweaving plots unfold."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/showtimes-masters-of-sex-starts-off-slow-and-deliberate-and-then-finds-the-right-spot/2013/09/26/19a08e06-263d-11e3-b3e9-d97fb087acd6_story.html |title=Showtime's 'Masters of Sex' gets better as it goes along |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Hank |last=Stuever |date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223146/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/showtimes-masters-of-sex-starts-off-slow-and-deliberate-and-then-finds-the-right-spot/2013/09/26/19a08e06-263d-11e3-b3e9-d97fb087acd6_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Alan Sepinwall of [[HitFix]] praised lead actors [[Michael Sheen]] and [[Lizzy Caplan]], calling them "terrific", and saying that "''Masters of Sex'' is the best new show of the fall by a very long stretch. It's also a refreshing anomaly: a prestige cable drama that doesn't feel like a recombination of elements from 15 shows that came before it."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/review-michael-sheen-lizzy-caplan-shine-in-showtimes-masters-of-sex |title=Review: Michael Sheen & Lizzy Caplan shine in Showtime's 'Masters of Sex' |publisher=HitFix |first=Alan |last=Sepinwall |date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223147/https://uproxx.com/entertainment/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223147/https://uproxx.com/entertainment/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> According to Robert Lloyd, the ''Los Angeles Times'' television critic, the show is a "handsome thing, another well-dressed romp through the American mid-century, when things (we imagine) were simpler and (so we like to think) less sophisticated, but also more exciting. And it's true that sexual naiveté of that age can seem incredible in a day when pornography is just another thing on your platform of choice. But even in an age when ''Masters of Sex'' is a TV show, the subject remains stubbornly powerful, private and confounding. We have come far, and we are still cavemen.<ref name="lat2013">{{cite web |url=https://articles.latimes.com/2013/sep/28/entertainment/la-et-st-masters-of-sex-review |title=Review: 'Masters of Sex' explores the science of sex |date=September 28, 2013 |first=Robert |last=Lloyd |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=December 1, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223146/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-xpm-2013-sep-28-la-et-st-masters-of-sex-review-story.html |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223146/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-xpm-2013-sep-28-la-et-st-masters-of-sex-review-story.html |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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The second season also received critical acclaim equal to if not greater than the first season. It received a score of 89 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 17 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-2 |title=Masters of Sex – Season 2 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=July 12, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223135/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 98% approval rating among critics based on 43 reviews, with a rating average of 8.52 out of 10. The consensus reads: "Boasting an expanded storyline and broader focus, ''Masters of Sex''{{'}}s second season improves on its already outstanding predecessor."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s02/|title=Masters of Sex: Season 2|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=September 7, 2014|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223133/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s02|url-status=live}}</ref> |
The second season also received critical acclaim equal to if not greater than the first season. It received a score of 89 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 17 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-2 |title=Masters of Sex – Season 2 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=July 12, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223135/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-2 |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223135/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-2 |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 98% approval rating among critics based on 43 reviews, with a rating average of 8.52 out of 10. The consensus reads: "Boasting an expanded storyline and broader focus, ''Masters of Sex''{{'}}s second season improves on its already outstanding predecessor."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s02/|title=Masters of Sex: Season 2|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=September 7, 2014|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223133/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s02|url-status=live}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223133/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s02 |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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The third season received generally positive reviews from critics, although received more mixed reviews than the previous seasons. It has a Metacritic score of 72 out of 100 based on 15 reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-3 |title=Masters of Sex – Season 3 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=July 12, 2015 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223140/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 69% approval rating among critics based on 32 reviews, with a rating average of 7.61 out of 10. The consensus reads, "With a six-year leap forward in the timeline, ''Masters of Sex'' takes an intriguing dramatic turn, but may leave a few viewers feeling frustrated."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s03/|title=Masters of Sex: Season 3|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=July 14, 2015|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223137/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s03|url-status=live}}</ref> |
The third season received generally positive reviews from critics, although received more mixed reviews than the previous seasons. It has a Metacritic score of 72 out of 100 based on 15 reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-3 |title=Masters of Sex – Season 3 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=July 12, 2015 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223140/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-3 |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223140/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-3 |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 69% approval rating among critics based on 32 reviews, with a rating average of 7.61 out of 10. The consensus reads, "With a six-year leap forward in the timeline, ''Masters of Sex'' takes an intriguing dramatic turn, but may leave a few viewers feeling frustrated."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s03/|title=Masters of Sex: Season 3|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=July 14, 2015|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223137/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s03|url-status=live}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223137/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/masters-of-sex/s03 |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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The fourth season received generally positive reviews from critics. It has a Metacritic score of 70 out of 100 based on 5 reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-4 |title=Masters of Sex – Season 4 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=September 12, 2016 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223147/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-4 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The fourth season received generally positive reviews from critics. It has a Metacritic score of 70 out of 100 based on 5 reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-4 |title=Masters of Sex – Season 4 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=September 12, 2016 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223147/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-4 |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223147/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/masters-of-sex/season-4 |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
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===Awards and nominations=== |
===Awards and nominations=== |
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{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Masters of Sex}} |
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Masters of Sex}} |
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{{Anchor|Awards|Accolades}} |
{{Anchor|Awards|Accolades}} |
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In June 2013, the series was honored, along with five others, with the [[Critics' Choice Television Award for Most Exciting New Series]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.criticschoice.com/television-awards/the-btja-announces-icon-award-recipient-and-most-exciting-new-series-honorees/ |title=The BTJA Announces Icon Award Recipient and Most Exciting New Series Honorees |publisher=The Broadcast Television Journalists Association |date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2013 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006235240/http://www.criticschoice.com/television-awards/the-btja-announces-icon-award-recipient-and-most-exciting-new-series-honorees/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The series received two nominations for the 2014 [[Writers Guild of America Award]]s, for Best New Series and Best Episodic Drama for "Pilot".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2013/12/05/writers-guild-award-nominations-2014-list-wga/ |title=''Breaking Bad'', ''Orange Is the New Black'', ''House of Cards'' Lead 2014 WGA Nominations |publisher=TVLine |first=Michael |last=Ausiello |date=December 5, 2013 |access-date=December 5, 2013 |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206071420/http://tvline.com/2013/12/05/writers-guild-award-nominations-2014-list-wga/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For the [[71st Golden Globe Awards]], the series was nominated for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama|Best Drama Series]], and [[Michael Sheen]] was nominated [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama|Best Drama Actor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2013/12/12/golden-globe-nominations-2014-globes-awards-nominees/ |title=Golden Globes: ''House of Cards'', ''The Good Wife'', ''Candelabra'' and ''Breaking Bad'' Lead Noms; ''Parks & Rec'', ''Brooklyn'', Spader and Maslany Score Nods |publisher=TVLine |first=Matt Webb |last=Mitovich |date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=December 12, 2013 |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212154341/http://tvline.com/2013/12/12/golden-globe-nominations-2014-globes-awards-nominees/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For the [[66th Primetime Emmy Awards]], [[Lizzy Caplan]] received a nomination for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series|Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series]], [[Beau Bridges]] received a nomination for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series|Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series]], and [[Allison Janney]] won for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series|Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/emmy-nominations-2014-list-emmys-nominees-1201260236/ |title=2014 Emmy Awards: 'Game of Thrones,' 'Fargo' Lead Nominations |work=Variety |first=Brian |last=Lowry |date=July 10, 2014 |access-date=July 10, 2014 |archive-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713033753/http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/emmy-nominations-2014-list-emmys-nominees-1201260236 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2014/08/16/emmys-2014-creative-arts-winners-list/ |title=Emmys 2014: ''Scandal'', ''OITNB'' and ''Masters of Sex'' Stars, ''True Detective'', ''Bob's Burgers'' Among Early Winners |publisher=TVLine |first=Michael |last=Ausiello |date=August 16, 2014 |access-date=August 17, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223140/https://tvline.com/2014/08/16/emmys-2014-creative-arts-winners-list/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
In June 2013, the series was honored, along with five others, with the [[Critics' Choice Television Award for Most Exciting New Series]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.criticschoice.com/television-awards/the-btja-announces-icon-award-recipient-and-most-exciting-new-series-honorees/ |title=The BTJA Announces Icon Award Recipient and Most Exciting New Series Honorees |publisher=The Broadcast Television Journalists Association |date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2013 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006235240/http://www.criticschoice.com/television-awards/the-btja-announces-icon-award-recipient-and-most-exciting-new-series-honorees/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006235240/http://www.criticschoice.com/television-awards/the-btja-announces-icon-award-recipient-and-most-exciting-new-series-honorees/ |date=October 6, 2014 }}</ref> The series received two nominations for the 2014 [[Writers Guild of America Award]]s, for Best New Series and Best Episodic Drama for "Pilot".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2013/12/05/writers-guild-award-nominations-2014-list-wga/ |title=''Breaking Bad'', ''Orange Is the New Black'', ''House of Cards'' Lead 2014 WGA Nominations |publisher=TVLine |first=Michael |last=Ausiello |date=December 5, 2013 |access-date=December 5, 2013 |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206071420/http://tvline.com/2013/12/05/writers-guild-award-nominations-2014-list-wga/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206071420/http://tvline.com/2013/12/05/writers-guild-award-nominations-2014-list-wga/ |date=December 6, 2013 }}</ref> For the [[71st Golden Globe Awards]], the series was nominated for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama|Best Drama Series]], and [[Michael Sheen]] was nominated [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama|Best Drama Actor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2013/12/12/golden-globe-nominations-2014-globes-awards-nominees/ |title=Golden Globes: ''House of Cards'', ''The Good Wife'', ''Candelabra'' and ''Breaking Bad'' Lead Noms; ''Parks & Rec'', ''Brooklyn'', Spader and Maslany Score Nods |publisher=TVLine |first=Matt Webb |last=Mitovich |date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=December 12, 2013 |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212154341/http://tvline.com/2013/12/12/golden-globe-nominations-2014-globes-awards-nominees/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212154341/http://tvline.com/2013/12/12/golden-globe-nominations-2014-globes-awards-nominees/ |date=December 12, 2013 }}</ref> For the [[66th Primetime Emmy Awards]], [[Lizzy Caplan]] received a nomination for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series|Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series]], [[Beau Bridges]] received a nomination for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series|Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series]], and [[Allison Janney]] won for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series|Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/emmy-nominations-2014-list-emmys-nominees-1201260236/ |title=2014 Emmy Awards: 'Game of Thrones,' 'Fargo' Lead Nominations |work=Variety |first=Brian |last=Lowry |date=July 10, 2014 |access-date=July 10, 2014 |archive-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713033753/http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/emmy-nominations-2014-list-emmys-nominees-1201260236 |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713033753/http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/emmy-nominations-2014-list-emmys-nominees-1201260236 |date=July 13, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2014/08/16/emmys-2014-creative-arts-winners-list/ |title=Emmys 2014: ''Scandal'', ''OITNB'' and ''Masters of Sex'' Stars, ''True Detective'', ''Bob's Burgers'' Among Early Winners |publisher=TVLine |first=Michael |last=Ausiello |date=August 16, 2014 |access-date=August 17, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223140/https://tvline.com/2014/08/16/emmys-2014-creative-arts-winners-list/ |url-status=live }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116223140/https://tvline.com/2014/08/16/emmys-2014-creative-arts-winners-list/ |date=November 16, 2020 }}</ref> |
||
==References== |
==References== |
Revision as of 15:39, 9 March 2023
Masters of Sex | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Genre | |
Based on | Masters of Sex by Thomas Maier |
Developed by | Michelle Ashford |
Starring | |
Composer | Michael Penn |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 4 |
No. of episodes | 46 (list of episodes) |
Production | |
Executive producers |
|
Producers | Michael Sheen Lizzy Caplan Thomas Maier |
Production locations | |
Cinematography | Ben Davis |
Running time | 55–60 minutes |
Production companies |
|
Original release | |
Network | Showtime |
Release | September 29, 2013 November 13, 2016 | –
Masters of Sex is an American period drama television series that premiered on September 29, 2013, on Showtime.[1] It was developed by Michelle Ashford and loosely based on Thomas Maier's biography Masters of Sex.[2] Set in the 1950s through the late 1960s, the series tells the story of Masters and Johnson (Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson) who are portrayed by Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan. The series has received critical acclaim. It was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Series in 2013. The series was canceled by Showtime on November 30, 2016, after four seasons.[3]
Premise
The series explores the research and the relationship between William Masters (Michael Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan), two pioneering researchers of human sexuality at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.[4] The series begins in October 1956 and ends in August 1969 with the fourth season.
As noted by the Los Angeles Times television critic, the series "hangs on bones of fact"; "it's more useful for the viewer to think of it as all made up. Because, mostly, it is, and because to the extent it tells the story of two real people, it also adorns the telling with dramatic practicalities, invented characters and narrative detours. Indeed, it's down these side streets, casting a brief light on a passing character (patients, prostitutes, a provost's wife), that the show finds many of its best moments."[2]
Other than principal characters, which are partly fictionalized, adults are significantly fictionalized, and children are entirely fictionalized. In real life, Masters and Johnson each have two children, but in the series they have three children each. Episodes featuring the children include a disclaimer stating that their storylines are "entirely fictitious". Series creator Michelle Ashford explained: "We are telling a non-fiction story and one where there are people who are still alive out there, and those people need to be protected. We were advised to add [the baby] to protect the people that are still alive. It wasn't a storytelling prerogative. It had to do with protecting living people."[5]
Episodes
Season | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
First aired | Last aired | |||
1 | 12 | September 29, 2013 | December 15, 2013 | |
2 | 12 | July 13, 2014 | September 28, 2014 | |
3 | 12 | July 12, 2015 | September 27, 2015 | |
4 | 10 | September 11, 2016 | November 13, 2016 |
Cast and characters
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Cast_of_Masters_of_Sex_at_PaleyFest_2014.jpg/220px-Cast_of_Masters_of_Sex_at_PaleyFest_2014.jpg)
Main
- Michael Sheen as Dr. William Masters
- Lizzy Caplan as Virginia Johnson
- Caitlin FitzGerald as Libby Masters
- Teddy Sears as Dr. Austin Langham (seasons 1–2, recurring seasons 3–4)
- Nicholas D'Agosto as Dr. Ethan Haas (season 1, guest season 2)
- Annaleigh Ashford as Betty Dimello (seasons 2–4, recurring season 1)
Recurring
- Beau Bridges as Barton Scully, medical school provost and longtime friend of William Masters (seasons 1–4)
- Allison Janney as Margaret Scully, Barton's wife (seasons 1–3)
- Rose McIver as Vivian Scully, Barton and Margaret's daughter[6] (seasons 1–2)
- Heléne Yorke as Jane Martin, a hospital secretary and participant in the sex study (seasons 1–3)
- Kevin Christy as Lester Linden, the archivist of Masters and Johnson's work (seasons 1–4)
- Julianne Nicholson as Dr. Lillian DePaul, a doctor working in the Obstetrics Department of Washington University Hospital (seasons 1–2)
- Ann Dowd as Estabrooks 'Essie' Masters, William's mother[7] (seasons 1–2)
- Mather Zickel as George Johnson, Virginia's ex-husband and father of her children (seasons 1–3)
- Cole Sand (seasons 1–2) and Noah Robbins (season 3) as Henry Johnson, Virginia's son
- Kayla Madison (seasons 1–2) and Isabelle Fuhrman (seasons 3–4) as Tessa Johnson, Virginia's daughter
- Greg Grunberg as Gene Moretti, Betty's husband (seasons 1–2)
- Finn Wittrock as Dale, a male prostitute whom Barton Scully patronizes (season 1)[8]
- Garrett M. Brown as Chancellor Doug Fitzhugh, the head of a Washington University (seasons 1, 3)
- Brian Howe as Sam Duncan, chief of police (seasons 1–3)
- Elizabeth Bogush as Elise Langham, Austin's wife (seasons 1–2)
- Betsy Brandt as Barbara Sanderson, Masters' new secretary, and later a patient of his clinic (season 2)[9]
- Artemis Pebdani as Flo Packer, the owner of a diet pill company (season 2)
- Keke Palmer as Coral, the Masters' African-American nanny (season 2)[10]
- Jocko Sims as Robert Franklin, Coral's brother and a civil rights activist (season 2)
- Sarah Silverman as Helen Schiff, Betty's lover (seasons 2–4)[11]
- Christian Borle as Francis 'Frank' Masters, Jr., the younger brother of William Masters (season 2)[12]
- Marin Ireland as Pauline Masters, Frank's wife (season 2)
- Danny Huston as Dr. Douglas Greathouse, the head of a hospital's Obstetrics Department (season 2)
- Courtney B. Vance as Dr. Charles Hendricks, the head of an African-American St. Louis hospital who seeks integration (season 2)[13]
- Adam Arkin as Shep Tally, a PR expert hired by Masters and Johnson to help them present their work (season 2)
- Jack Laufer as Herb Spleeb, a lawyer (seasons 2–4)
- Josh Charles as Dan Logan (season 3)
- Jaeden Martell as Johnny Masters, Bill and Libby's son (seasons 3–4)
- Alyvia Alyn Lind as Jenny Masters, Bill and Libby's daughter (seasons 3–4)
- Ben Koldyke as Paul Edley, Master's neighbour (season 3)
- Susan May Pratt as Joy Edley, Master's neighbour (season 3)
- Colin Woodell as Ronald Sturgis (season 3)
- Emily Kinney as Nora Everett, a woman fascinated with Bill and Virginia's work who later becomes part of Bill's surrogacy program (season 3)
- Michael O'Keefe as Harry Eshelman, Virginia's father (seasons 3–4)
- Frances Fisher as Edna Eshelman, Virginia's mother (seasons 3–4)
- John G. Connolly as Hugh Hefner, editor-in-chief of Playboy (seasons 3–4)
- Danny Jacobs as Bob Drag, a publisher (seasons 3–4)
- Jeremy Strong as Dr. Art Dreesen, a psychologist who is brought in to help lessen Bill and Virginia's workload (season 4)
- Betty Gilpin as Dr. Nancy Leveau, Art's wife and a doctor who is brought in to help lessen Bill and Virginia's workload (season 4)
- Niecy Nash as Louise Bell, the head of Alcoholics Anonymous (season 4)
- David Walton as Bram Keller, Bill's lawyer (season 4)
- Nick Clifford as Guy (season 4)
- Kelli O'Hara as Dody Oliver, Bill's first love who did not answer his marriage proposal (season 4)
Development and production
Showtime ordered the pilot for Masters of Sex in August 2011,[14] and greenlit it for series in June 2012, with the first season consisting of twelve episodes.[15] Paul Bettany was originally cast as William Masters and had a say in the casting of the female lead which had reportedly stalled the process.[16] After his exit, Michael Sheen replaced him and Lizzy Caplan was cast as Virginia Johnson.[17]
Writer/producer Michelle Ashford serves as showrunner for Masters of Sex. She assembled a majority-female writing staff, although she says this was unintentional.[18]
Ashford created the character of Barton Scully out of a combination of several men whom Masters knew. One of them was gay, but was not the man serving as provost during Masters' initial study.[19]
Prop master Jeffrey Johnson noted the difficulty of obtaining accurate information about sexual devices from the time period. "They were so taboo it was hard to find research drawings. People didn’t even put them in writing." He obtained some vintage vibrators and dildos for use in the series along with acquiring condoms manufactured in the era (which did not have the reservoir tips of modern condoms). He designed "Ulysses", a transparent dildo with attached camera first seen in the pilot episode, from scratch, along with a diaphragm sizing kit seen in later episodes.[20]
Annaleigh Ashford, who has a recurring role in the first season as Betty Dimello, was promoted to series regular in season two.[21]
The opening credits sequence was created by design studio Elastic. The sequence, which includes suggestive, tongue-in-cheek sex metaphors and symbols, received a mixed response from critics; it placed on both best and worst lists for opening credit sequences. It was also nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design.[22]
International broadcast
In Canada, the series debuted on September 29, 2013, on The Movie Network.[23] In Australia, the series premiered on SBS One on October 3, 2013.[24] In Ireland, the series premiered on October 4, 2013, on RTÉ Two.[25] In the UK, it debuted on Channel 4 on October 8, 2013.[26] In New Zealand, it debuted on SoHo on October 23, 2013.[27] Virgin Media acquired the UK rights for Masters of Sex and it started airing on September 21, 2018.[28] In the UK, the series is available on STV Player until February 2023.[29]
Reception
Critical response
Season | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic |
---|---|---|
1 | 90% (58 reviews) | 86 (32 reviews) |
2 | 98% (43 reviews) | 89 (17 reviews) |
3 | 69% (32 reviews) | 72 (15 reviews) |
4 | 80% (10 reviews) | 70 (5 reviews) |
The first season of Masters of Sex received critical acclaim. Based on 58 reviews collected by Rotten Tomatoes, the first season received a 90% approval rating from critics, with a rating average of 8.26 out of 10. The site's consensus states: "Seductive and nuanced, Masters of Sex features smart performances, deft direction, and impeccable period decor."[30] Metacritic gave the first season a score of 86 out of 100, based on 32 reviews.[31] The American Film Institute listed it as one of the top ten television series of 2013.[32]
Matt Roush of TV Guide wrote that "There is no more fascinating, or entertaining, new series this fall season."[33] Diane Werts of Newsday gave it an "A" grade, complimenting the series on its use of humor, stating "its deft balance of epic scope and whimsical humanity", as well as the strong performances of the actors and creator Michelle Ashford's "scene-setting scripts".[34] David Wiegand of the San Francisco Chronicle particularly praised the performances, calling them "extraordinary" and "stunning", and noting the series' A-list directors, among them Michael Apted and John Madden.[35] Hank Stuever of The Washington Post wrote that after the first two episodes, "the characters get better and more complex, the story builds, strange things start to happen and now I can't wait to see how its interweaving plots unfold."[36] Alan Sepinwall of HitFix praised lead actors Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan, calling them "terrific", and saying that "Masters of Sex is the best new show of the fall by a very long stretch. It's also a refreshing anomaly: a prestige cable drama that doesn't feel like a recombination of elements from 15 shows that came before it."[37] According to Robert Lloyd, the Los Angeles Times television critic, the show is a "handsome thing, another well-dressed romp through the American mid-century, when things (we imagine) were simpler and (so we like to think) less sophisticated, but also more exciting. And it's true that sexual naiveté of that age can seem incredible in a day when pornography is just another thing on your platform of choice. But even in an age when Masters of Sex is a TV show, the subject remains stubbornly powerful, private and confounding. We have come far, and we are still cavemen.[2]
The second season also received critical acclaim equal to if not greater than the first season. It received a score of 89 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 17 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".[38] On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 98% approval rating among critics based on 43 reviews, with a rating average of 8.52 out of 10. The consensus reads: "Boasting an expanded storyline and broader focus, Masters of Sex's second season improves on its already outstanding predecessor."[39]
The third season received generally positive reviews from critics, although received more mixed reviews than the previous seasons. It has a Metacritic score of 72 out of 100 based on 15 reviews.[40] On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 69% approval rating among critics based on 32 reviews, with a rating average of 7.61 out of 10. The consensus reads, "With a six-year leap forward in the timeline, Masters of Sex takes an intriguing dramatic turn, but may leave a few viewers feeling frustrated."[41]
The fourth season received generally positive reviews from critics. It has a Metacritic score of 70 out of 100 based on 5 reviews.[42]
Awards and nominations
In June 2013, the series was honored, along with five others, with the Critics' Choice Television Award for Most Exciting New Series.[43] The series received two nominations for the 2014 Writers Guild of America Awards, for Best New Series and Best Episodic Drama for "Pilot".[44] For the 71st Golden Globe Awards, the series was nominated for Best Drama Series, and Michael Sheen was nominated Best Drama Actor.[45] For the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards, Lizzy Caplan received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Beau Bridges received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, and Allison Janney won for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.[46][47]
References
- ^ Seidman, Robert (January 12, 2013). "Showtime Announces Premiere Dates for 'Nurse Jackie,' 'Dexter' (Returning Early) 'Ray Donovan,' 'Homeland,' 'Masters of Sex' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2013. Archived January 15, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c Lloyd, Robert (September 28, 2013). "Review: 'Masters of Sex' explores the science of sex". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2014. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Gelman, Vlada (November 30, 2016). "Masters of Sex Is Done at Showtime". TVLine. Retrieved November 30, 2016. Archived December 1, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Maier, Thomas (2009). Masters Of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, The Couple Who Taught America How To Love. New York: Basic Books. pp. 400. ISBN 9780465003075.
- ^ Nguyen, Hanh (August 11, 2015). "The Kids Aren't Alright: Behind Masters of Sex's Controversial Children's Stories". TV Guide. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2020. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (February 8, 2013). "Showtime's 'Masters of Sex' Adds 'Lovely Bones' Actress". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2013.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 4, 2013). "Linda Lavin To Co-Star In NBC's Sean Hayes Pilot, Ann Dowd Recurs On 'Masters Of Sex'". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2013. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "The Compelling Gay Story in "Masters Of Sex"". The Backlot. November 19, 2013. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2013. Archived December 1, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (March 18, 2014). "Breaking Bad's' Betsy Brandt Joins Showtime's 'Masters of Sex'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2014. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Bacardi, Francesca (March 12, 2014). "Keke Palmer Joins Showtime's 'Masters of Sex'". Variety. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2014. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Friedlander, Whitney (April 28, 2014). "Sarah Silverman Joins 'Masters of Sex' Cast". Variety. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2014. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Eames, Tom (May 23, 2014). "Masters of Sex casts Smash actor Christian Borle". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2014. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (May 19, 2014). "Courtney B. Vance & Rene Auberjonois Set For Season 2 Of 'Masters Of Sex'". Deadline.com. Retrieved May 28, 2014. Archived May 27, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 21, 2011). "Showtime Picks Up Pilots From Andrew Gurland, Michelle Ashford & Ann Biderman". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2013. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Littleton, Cynthia (June 11, 2012). "Showtime gives series orders to 'Donovan,' 'Sex'". Variety. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie. "Paul Bettany Exits Showtime Pilot 'Masters Of Sex'". Deadline. Retrieved 6 January 2023. Archived 6 January 2023 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie. "UPDATE: Michael Sheen & Lizzy Caplan To Star In Showtime Pilot 'Masters Of Sex'". Deadline. Retrieved 6 January 2023. Archived 6 January 2023 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Davis, Allison P. (September 30, 2013). "Q&A: Dirty Talk With the Woman Behind Masters of Sex". New York Magazine. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2013. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Halterman, Jim (November 25, 2013). ""Masters Of Sex" Creator On The Show's "Exciting" Gay Storyline". The Backlot. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2013. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Langmuir, Molly (September 30, 2013). "Talking to Masters of Sex's Prop Master About Glass Dildos and Old Condoms". Vulture. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2013. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (December 3, 2013). "Annaleigh Ashford Upped To Regular On 'Masters Of Sex', Will Depart 'Kinky Boots'". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2013. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Nolan, Feeney (July 14, 2014). "Behind the Unusual Opening Credits to Masters of Sex". Time. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2018. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Masters of Sex". The Movie Network. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved September 28, 2013. Archived October 2, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Butler, Dianne (October 3, 2013). "TV Picks: It's a Date, Masters of Sex and Upper Middle Bogan". News.com.au. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2013. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Masters of Sex RTE2: 11.20pm". entertainment.ie. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2013. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Munn, Patrick (September 25, 2013). "Channel 4 Sets UK Premiere Date For 'Masters Of Sex'". TVWise. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2013. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Philpott, Chris (October 24, 2013). "Masters Of Sex masters sex on TV". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2013. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Munn, Patrick (September 12, 2018). "Virgin Media To Launch Dedicated 4K Channel; Picks Up UK Rights To 'Shut Eye', 'Masters Of Sex' & More". TVWise. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2018. Archived November 16, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
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External links
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- 2013 American television series debuts
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