In an engaging exploration of life, death, and sexuality, FX's series Dying For Sex provides an unflinching look at a woman's quest to embrace her desires in the face of terminal illness. This eight-part series, now available for streaming in its entirety on Hulu, follows the journey of Molly, portrayed by Michelle Williams, a woman grappling with the realities of terminal cancer. Molly decides to dedicate her remaining days to sexual exploration, embarking on an enlightening and unexpected odyssey that challenges societal norms and reveals the complexities of intimacy.

The narrative kicks off with a dramatic revelation in the first episode: Molly learns that her cancer has not only returned but has become terminal. Faced with this harrowing news, she makes the courageous decision to leave her unhappy marriage, opting instead to seek solace and companionship with her best friend, Nikki, played by Jenny Slate. Mollys husband, portrayed by Jay Duplass, views her more as a patient than a partner, which fuels her desire for a more fulfilling connection with Nikki as they navigate this life-altering phase together.

Molly, Nikki, and Mollys social worker Sonya, played by Esco Jouley, form a close-knit team focused on tackling Mollys sexual bucket list. This endeavor leads them into a world of diverse experiences, including BDSM, golden showers, and encounters with individuals who have unique kinks, such as a man who prefers to be treated like a dog, complete with a collar. The series presents these explorations with a tone that is both bold and joyfully defiant, all while remaining grounded in the poignant realities of end-of-life care.

What makes Dying For Sex particularly compelling is that it is rooted in a true story. The series is adapted from a podcast of the same name, hosted by Nikki Boyer and the real-life Molly Kochan, who tragically passed away from metastatic breast cancer in 2019 at the age of 45. Boyer, who also serves as an executive producer for the television adaptation, felt a deep responsibility to share Kochan's journey with a broader audience. She vividly recalls a day when she picked Kochan up, only to find that she had already been on two dates and was eager to share tales of her romantic escapades.

As the two women exchanged stories, they humorously mused about how Kochans adventurous approach to her final months could be transformed into a captivating television show. This sparked the idea that eventually led to their collaboration with Wondery, culminating in a podcast that premiered shortly after Kochan's passing and quickly gained a devoted following due to its candid and unfiltered examination of love and intimacy in the face of impending death.

While the television adaptation remains largely faithful to the heart of Kochans story, there are notable changes made for dramatic effect. The creators, Elizabeth Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock, altered certain details, including changing the name and occupation of Kochan's husband to respect his privacy. Additionally, some of the men Kochan dated have been condensed into a single character named Neighbor Guy, portrayed by Rob Delaney, who serves as a significant figure in Mollys exploration of her desires.

However, viewers should note that some of the events depicted in the series are dramatized for narrative purposes. For instance, in a specific scene, Molly breaks her femur while attempting to fulfill a request from Neighbor Guy, an incident that did not happen to the real Kochan. Boyer also indicated that there were shifts in the timeline of events to increase tension and stakes within the story. In reality, Boyer was already in a committed relationship before Kochan became ill, contrasting with the chaotic romantic endeavors portrayed in the show.

Reflecting on the adaptations made, Boyer expressed satisfaction with the direction taken by the creators. She stated, The changes to me felt very in line with this version of the story. At the end of the day, Molly and I very much feel like the center, so the changes dont really bother me.

Cast members Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate have also discussed their processes of embodying their characters. Williams noted that when she joined the project, only one episode existed, prompting her to immerse herself in the podcast to better understand Kochan's journey. She described the script as a beautiful piece of material, highlighting the deep connection she felt to the characters and their relationship.

Slate, on the other hand, approached her character development differently. She was fortunate to have direct access to Boyer for insights into the real Nikki. In a strategic move to maintain her own creative interpretation, Slate refrained from listening to the podcast until she was nearly finished filming. This choice allowed her to navigate the character's emotional landscape without preconceived notions, saying, I wanted to let myself move with the story as it moved.

Boyer has expressed her admiration for the performances of Williams and Slate, emphasizing that while she anticipated a good portrayal, she never imagined the depth and authenticity they would bring to the roles. She commended the casting director, Jeanie Bacharach, for her exceptional selection of talent, stating, Jenny is the perfect Nikki for Michelle's Molly.