User reviews

Afer finishing up with Breaking Bad, I switched to Master of Sex. Because it was something different, something that has caught my imagination. I have seen two episodes so far, and I'm impressed. The series has an interesting premise and it definitely looks great on the television.

What I found interesting about Masters of Sex is that it has managed to dignify Sex. Most of the other TV shows(Game of Thrones, for instance) throws a random sex scene just to titillate us. But here, it is all for a purpose. A purpose that Masters has safeguarded for a long time. It will be interesting for the viewers to see how the story unfolds.

I am really looking forward to this show. I hope to see some pleasant episodes in the future.

In 1956, Dr. William Masters (Michael Sheen) meets Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan). He's a fertility specialist at Washington University in St. Louis. Barton Scully (Beau Bridges) is his mentor and Libby (Caitlin FitzGerald) is his wife. He's doing late-night sex research with the help of prostitute Betty DiMello (Annaleigh Ashford). Virginia is an ambitious twice-divorced mom former nightclub singer trying to get ahead. At first, she joins Masters as his secretary. Eventually, she joins him as his partner in groundbreaking sex research.

The subject matter is titillating and intriguing. It's also a history that many think they know but few know every detail. It's perfect for a little bit of fictionalization. Sheen and Caplan are magnificent. The supporting cast is terrific. There is compelling drama for a couple of seasons. I do like the kids in the third season although the new doctors in the fourth are troublesome. It would have been interesting to see how the show switches with conversion therapy. The characters got darker and darker with each season. It's a show with a ticking time clock built into it.

While Masters of Sex might not be a great show as yet, viewed strictly in terms of giving consumers something worth paying it's the equivalent of a master class in pay-TV development :) There's a lot of humor here, but it's more innocent than leering. And there's also a great deal of understandable awkwardness that seems as pertinent to 2013 to the '50s. It's an absorbing, beautifully acted story about science, emerging feminism and American culture. But it's also a gamble on the idea that great TV drama can involve stakes that are not sharpened to pointy tips. It was comforting to see that Masters of Sex has depth of vision and plenty of dramatic material to delve into without taking the easy way out with a nipple and a romp every 10 minutes :)

Masters of Sex is unique in the way it begins to grow on you even though you never thought it would. And, it is typified by none other than the lead character, Masters.

Michael Sheen plays the doctor obsessed with physiological interpretations of sex, who would go to almost any length to pursue his longtime dream. He is complemented by the beautiful Lizzy Caplan in the role of Virginia, Masters' street-smart secretary, who is not afraid to stand up to him, or to take matters in her own hand. The two are joined by the rest of the cast, which does an alright job, though it is hard to look past the performances of these two.

Back to Masters, Sheen shows his versatility as an actor again here. William Masters is condescending, arrogant and a cold character. Yet, Sheen plays him with such finesse, with so many layers, that you cannot help but get intrigued by Masters' haughty mannerisms. Sheen is brilliant here, and plays a diametrically opposite character to his Brian Clough from the Damned United, proving his incredible range as an actor. Take a bow, Mr. Sheen.

So, while you are caught up in the conflict whether to like William Masters or to hate him, Lizzy Caplan as Virginia is a welcome distraction. And, she too plays her character with great finesse. I haven't seen Caplan's past performances, but here, she is doing a terrific job.

The story is not too intriguing to begin with, but I believe the premise will grow on the public, especially because of the purely intellectual way Masters treats it. Not too sure how long they can rivet a story around the concept, but for the moment, the actors, well Sheen essentially, is what the show is worth watching for.

This is the first review I have ever done of a series, or movie, so please bear with me.

I have limited time and rarely add new content to my TV viewing, however, after reading about the series, I decided to take a look at this new one. I am totally intrigued and think it conveys the sexual culture in that time period while fleshing out the personal dynamics of researchers Masters and Johnson. The two leading the cast are Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan. They are riveting to watch.

The tone, the clothes, the music... so well done. I have only seen two episodes, yet I became aware of how far our sexual culture has changed, and despite those changes, both good and bad, we still label people even now who are sexually active or adventurous.

There's not much to review to this series, the background story its not new but very interesting, kind of unknown and accurate about the research of sexology by the gynecologist William Howell Masters, i have the chance to read 1 of his books long time ago in the school "Human Sexual Response" its good to learn about his work in this very different and entertaining way.

It is not a series for everyone as you already know the whole plot is about sex, and there's is a good quantity of nudity on the show.

In the start you can see that is really well made in all the technical and artistic aspect, and performed in the best way by all the actors, starting with the 2 best: Michael Sheen & Lizzy Caplan.

And thats it, is just the beginning of this promising series, as usual (here on IMDb) its not easy for me just put a number at the quality and effort of the peoples work specially with this one, cause perhaps it is too early to make a review, but i will rate it with 8 over 10.

If you have the time and age, you definitely should watch it.

My Friends told me about this show and I said i would give it a try and I did and now I think This show is absolutely one of the best shows of the year.

really well written with great acting, Michael Sheen is doing a wonderful job. This show is good not because of sex scenes, it has a really good drama and i think it's full of information especially for Men, who don't know anything about sex, anything about Women.

this show is teaching me so many things, it's not boring and relationships are interesting. another great thing about Masters of sex is that the story is in the past. it makes it more interesting, So Far So good and i think it's gonna be even so much better than now.

I enjoyed the first season and Lizzy Caplan still remains captive while I find myself fast forwarding through much of the second season. On par with the first season in many ways, I now find the characters so deeply preformatted that only when there is an unsuspecting turn do I take the time to really indulge my focus.

Most of my dismay with the second season revolves around the now almost unwatchable Michael Sheen's character and how selfish, self-serving and downright creepy he has become. The fact that Lizzy Caplan's character is still capable of letting him to now increasing levels makes me want to barf.

I don't see how I can continue to consider this entertainment. Best to pass this one by for all the other great drama available.

The title "Masters of Sex" works on many levels and the creators of the show are well aware of the attention that this title will draw. This show is about the first scientific research in the area of sex based on the Masters and Johnson studies, who are the protagonists of the story set to the backdrop of the late 1950's at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. The set design is just about right and it very accurately represents the theme and ideology of the time. The characters are sketched out perfectly and there is no dearth of good acting performances with Michael Sheen stealing the show for his portrayal of the incredibly complex William Masters. The main part of the show is of course the study of human sexual response which implies a lot of mature content. These scenes, however tastefully done, may be a little too strong for the average viewer but if one can get over the explicit content, one can see their relevance to the plot. The story still seems a little empty at certain times but can be expected to fill up as it progresses with the introduction of new characters. All in all, a very well presented and unique show.

The first season has a solid trajectory and the combination of characters, the circumstances and the recreations of 1950s are all intriguing with that added element of truth. Apparently. Sure, there are compromises to tell a story but even Primo Levi did that with his memoir of Auschwitz. The curious relationship of Masters and Johnson and their quest, her maverick confidence as much as anything, are quite attractive.

Then into the second season it becomes obvious that truth and historical accuracy are being defined by what the producers believe will be sufficient. The fact that Sheen isn't bald, as was the real Masters, indicates that this is pick and choose biographical history. This manipulation of the audience might be acceptable with just Masters and Johnson, the real nature of their affair, what they said and the reason behind it, but it's a strain and disturbing when the other parties: Masters's wife in particular, are portrayed in a way for which Maier's biography does not source and there is no record. This is not about a hairstyle or a political affiliation, this is an event in a persons' life, which has been invented.

The progress from historically sourced facts, with some enhancement to raise dramatic interest, is presented in the opening of the third season. At the close the producers make it clear that Masters and Johnson is presented for their important work, meanwhile the children as presented in the TV episode are fictional. The real Masters and Johnson had children and no doubt this was done to close any possible dispute.

Even the most charitable of viewers realizes they have now been swindled. What won the trust – and in the days of Ed Sullivan, the thanks for coming into your home – is in reality just a disingenuous fraud. Yes, there are truthful parts but the overall arc, the element the dramatic pitch, the nature of the lives shown, is not related to the two real persons, nor to their families and associates.

In its place is a reworking of a Douglas Sirk picture of the 1950s: the enterprising single woman finding her way in the world.

It's a good story and in this version Lizzy Caplan is photogenic and convincing although she cleaves to the junior high school teacher way of talking, to impress upon her interlocutor the reason to her argument,in very evenly pronounced syllables much too often.

Opposite her is a block of wood in a bow tie. Playing Bill Masters would be very hard and Sheen does something with this difficult material, although he lacks physical presence and command.

Like Sirk's movies, this is middle-brow melodrama. It looks good, it's photographed well, the scripts were better in season one than later, but its connection to history and biography are only tenuous at best.

I don't see what can be found wrong with this series, which is why I gave it a 10. I have to admit when I really like a show, I do fall in love with it. As far as I can see, the acting is great, the writing is great, the characters are great, and the time period is very realistically portrayed. This is the 1950's. It is a very conservative America. Not as much in the political sense as in the cultural sense. This was before all hell broke loose in 1964-65. The Civil Rights Movement was taking place and gaining ground in the South, but this is white upper class America we are seeing. A white hospital with white doctors and white secretaries. Because that is the way it was then.

Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan are terrific as Masters and Johnson. There is a dual consideration to their relationship. They do have a professional relationship as Virginia Johnson is Dr. Bill Masters' Research Assistant. She is a woman with talents. Instinct, ambition, innovative with ideas and very good with people. Dr. Masters is the most talented Doctor in this teaching hospital, but he is a reserved, even repressed man. The two are exact opposites, and yet compliment one another professionally. They also compliment one another personally, as they take part themselves in the Sex Studies that Dr. Masters has begun in his study.

Lizzy Caplan is fabulous as she is sexy, intelligent, and complex. She is an ambitious woman, like a supremely interested and involved student, and is persistent in her goal of uncovering truths for the study and keeping the study and the office working and intact. She is unafraid, and knows she wants more out of her life. She has had a somewhat shady, unsteady life up until, apparently, taking this job, which changes her life. Lizzy Caplan has been said to have a "quirky sexiness" and that she has. She is also a terrific and "different" actress.

Michael Sheen as Dr. Bill Masters is also a driven person. Restrained personally, but unafraid to be a revolutionary, and even an outcast, in his prime love affair, the scientific study of human sexuality. BUT he also has a personal side that is calculating in getting what he wants, when he knows what he wants. In Season One, he does discover what he wants, both personally and professionally. I will say that without giving too much away.

So once again, Cable TV has trumped Network TV in originality, acting talent, subject matter, and writing. Of course Cable has the freedom to be more creative.Perhaps this is what draws so many movie actors to the small screen The writers need not worry about language and are not so compelled to limit nudity to, uhhhh, the 1950's? Where Network TV seems to be stuck.

So, check out this series. The only competition to the pay channels are AMC, and the BBC, and recently, Netflix. And there will be more. Listen, networks, enough writing to the lowest common denominator. I know you are trying, Network TV, but you are still falling way short. Cable TV and others are getting the better actors, and the better writers! Masters of Sex is yet another example! I can't wait for Season Two!!

The show focuses on sex researchers Dr. William "Bill" Masters and Virginia "Gini" Johnson. While much of it is fictionalized, it does have some facts about their lives and the research. The show tries to remain true to the time it takes place. There are some episodes and storylines that are counterproductive to what is at the heart of the show, but it doesn't change how great it truly ends. Additionally, the show stays true to its mission by the fourth (and, sadly, final) season. To the end, it remains to be about the study of sex and the psychology of sex and relationships. Definitely an amazing show!

The show started out really good, but by the second season it lost its allure. If the show would have continued to focus on the research of sex it would have been good, but instead the focus of the show shifted to the personal lives of the main characters making the show exhausting to watch.

This is a work of fiction based on a book about a real couple. The suggestion is that there must be some truths to what's shown about the groundbreaking work Masters and Johnson did, and you would think there must be something real about the relationships, not only between Masters and Johnson but between many of the other key couples as well. But it seems that little, if anything, is real. It's pure soap opera. When I read the disclaimer after one of the episodes that all the children were fictitious, I knew I had been the subject of a bait-and-switch scheme. If the series had been sold as soap opera drama, based only on the imagination of the writers/directors, I may have enjoyed it a lot more. As is, it practically dishonors the Masters-Johnson name (hence, their work). The characters are not just flawed, they are wooden and emotionally stunted (with the exception of Betty, the most real person). I must admit, however, that I am approaching this series from a different perspective: I spent four years at Washington University and was privileged to be able to hear Masters and Johnson speak. They were smart, savvy, humorous and entertaining. Nothing like the way they're being portrayed (or should I say, "betrayed"?). I watched the series to gain some insight, to learn something, to be taken back to that time period, and to reminisce about the old "Wash U." None of that happened. With all the on-screen sex, Masters of Sex is a show about biology, with no chemistry.

Though it tries your patience at times, this series is still worth a viewing. A fascinating character study that finds new ways to deal with sex, longing, jealousies, and all the subtleties of love. Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan are riveting. Dealing with sex from such a clinical perspective is like a new toy for the writers, and they've found places to bring these characters I have never seen before. Nuanced and seductive, it captures details of the era seldom seen on television. For someone born thirty years after the era, it is the closest thing to being there, at first portraying the era as a more innocent time, then gently plumbing the depths of the characters to show that all is not what it seems. This is not the Wonder Years. Highly recommended.

Masters of Sex is Showtimes's new TV series about the scientist who actually made a sexual revolution to happen in United States. Being based on true events and true people, show tells most revolutionary story of recent history

Dr. Williams Masters (Michael Sheen) is a research scientist - a very curious one who tries to explore human sexuality. For this reason he is observing people while they have sex. And he starts to discover things he never though about, and not only he. For instance that most of women just fake orgasm, the screams and shouts during acts are mostly for partner's more pleasure. Despite great importance, his experiments are not welcomed much, however he Masters still finds courage to fight for ideas with his co-workers. He confronts with everybody, including his previous believes, wife and friends.

The idea of show is quite original, since it gives a look at very interesting era of American life. I found the pilot episode very well written, with quite smart dialogs. The acting is great, especially Michael Sheen, who plays very challenging and strange character. Masters is quite complex person, with lots of layers and I guess this makes Sheen's work impressive. He studies sex, but is not any good at it, having significant problems with spouse.

Also, Lizzy Caplan looks impressive as an assistant scientist to Dr. Williams. Generally, I think this show has massive cast, who do act quite good, but there is something that did not work in the first episode. I found it a little long and somehow boring. The problem is that, story does not go quickly at all. Despite writing being acceptably good, this all good things don't work well. The same time, I think critics can love the show, since it's done with great taste.

I make a recommendation to have a look at this original idea. It might capture your attention. But I am sure, it won't become my one of favorites.

I'm not sure where the train went off the tracks with this show. The cast is potentially great and there's certainly enough material there to work with, but Masters falls short of what it could and should have been.

The problem, I think, is that this show is satisfied picking only the lowest hanging fruit in terms of acting, character and story development. Exception for the nudity and situation, this plays no better than a poor, made-for-TV movie from the '90s when it could have given viewers the ride they get from Boardwalk Empire, the Wire, etc.

All the characters are basically one-dimensional straw men, written and acted with the minimal effort.

Lizzy Caplan, whom I've loved in everything else I've seen her in, is among the most wooden, predictable characters imaginable despite the fact that, on paper, she's playing a frisky, single mother trying to break the social mold ('50s America) she's stuck in. Lizzy's playing the role with less intent than June Clever.

I really wanted to like this show, but it's not worth the effort in my view, and I'm guessing the fault lies with Michael Sheen, the producer and main character in this. Where's the effort, Mike?

After the fallout of my favourite TV series ending (Breaking Bad), I think I may have just found something that MAY be able to fill that void (but not completely… I don't think anything could..).

Masters of Sex is a BRILLIANTLY written series about two scientists, William Masters (Michael Sheen), Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan), studying Human Sexuality that changes the world of sex as we know it today. Note this is set in the 1950's, a time where sex was still quite a mystery, let alone even spoken about in public.

So as you may have guest, this is based on a true story, just HOW accurate is it? I'm not sure. All I know is that the main characters are real.

Now, let's get to the reasons why I love this show so much.

I Absolutely LOVE Lizzy Caplan (Party Down, Cloverfield), and Michael Sheen just makes it THAT much better. And their performances are… I'm lost for words, they are brilliant. The writing and character development is great. And Masters character is so mysterious that he hides his emotions and always acts professional, in such a way that you sometimes forget he's even human, until he finally shows some real emotion (last scene from episode 5, anyone???).

Virginia's character is less mysterious, as is every other character in the show, but that doesn't make her any less interesting, at the start of the series you think "this match is no good, they're going to fight and drift away", but then there's your other side that says "but then again… Opposites attract… right?". In which of course they do. Which you start to slowly see, but Masters hides his emotions and always acts so 'professional', and to be honest, a straight up dick (sorry for the language) that he tends to push anyone who tries to get close to him away (mother included). EVEN his WIFE. That's right, his wife. He gets caught up in his work as if it's the only thing that matters. Like a robot. ANYWAY, if I continue I'm only going to talk about how much of an arse he can be but then show a side of himself that you love and continue to love.

(It's also 2:30 and I'm quite tired. So sorry for the poor review..)