Masters of Sex

Masters of Sex is an American period drama television series that premiered on September 29, 2013, on Showtime. It was developed by Michelle Ashford and loosely based on Thomas Maier's biography Masters of Sex. 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, respectively. 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.

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. The series begins in October 1956 and ends in August 1969 with the fourth season.

William Masters (Michael Sheen) is a renowned fertility specialist at Washington University in St. Louis. In 1956, he prepares to initiate a study on human sexuality but predicts opposition from the university's provost Barton Scully (Beau Bridges). He hires Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan), a former nightclub singer, to be his new secretary and help organize his new research program. He quickly discovers that she is extremely intelligent and personable, putting all participants at ease. They begin by observing the physiology of the human body during sexual intercourse and masturbation. Although the study is conducted in secrecy, Scully is informed of its existence and shuts it down. Masters briefly relocates the study to a brothel but it eventually returns to Washington University after Masters discovers Scully's homosexuality and blackmails him. Meanwhile, Masters' wife Libby (Caitlin FitzGerald) wants a baby. Masters, who doesn't want a child, lies to her that she is infertile when in actuality his sperm count is low. Libby discovers her husband's lies and proceeds to be artificially inseminated; she subsequently gives birth to their child Johnny.

After Masters promotes Johnson to be his research associate, the two make themselves the subjects of their own study by having sex with each other and charting their physiology. Both are of the belief that this is only for the work, although the ethics of this begins to pain Masters. He demeans Johnson by offering to pay her for her contributions to "his" study. Johnson is insulted and quits. Masters prepares to present their findings to Washington University. The presentation is a disaster and Masters is fired. Devastated, he tells Johnson he needs her and the two have sex for the first time without wires. They begin meeting regularly at a hotel on the Illinois-Missouri border to continue their affair. Masters takes on several positions at other hospitals but his study continues to face scrutiny. He and Johnson finally open a clinic to continue the work without opposition. Meanwhile, Masters is left impotent for a year after discovering that Johnson has been seeing other men, and they stop seeing each other in secret outside of work. After their reconciliation, together they use this as an opportunity to develop a treatment for sexual dysfunction. After developing a successful technique, Masters and Johnson move on to treating couples and are interviewed by CBS for their work. During this time, Libby becomes aware of her husband's affair. Feeling lost, and incentivized to start focusing on herself, Libby begins her own affair with a black man she's been volunteering with at the Congress of Racial Equality.

In 1965, Masters and Johnson publish their findings in a book called Human Sexual Response. While the public reception is mixed, it increases their recognition and they begin taking on high-profile clients hoping to remedy their sex life. The duo take on an investor to help fund their practice, perfume magnate Dan Logan (Josh Charles). Logan begins courting Johnson romantically as she begins losing interest in her continued affair with Masters. Meanwhile, Masters develops a training program for sexual surrogates for single men and women displaying sexual dysfunctions. The controversial program, dangerously close to prostitution, is objected to by Johnson. Masters uses Johnson's brief absence to launch the program, which incenses Johnson. With Logan's work at the clinic nearing its end, he and Johnson seem to develop true feelings for each other; this devastates Masters. In his desperate fervor to repair his relationship with Johnson, Masters organizes a disastrous dinner with Johnson, Logan, and Logan's wife Alice (Judy Greer). Upon returning to the clinic, both Masters and Johnson are arrested after one of their surrogates comes forward with trumped-up prostitution charges. Libby sees this as an opportunity to protect her family and leaves Masters. After Logan proposes to Johnson, Masters admits his love for her but Johnson instead chooses to go to Las Vegas where she'll be married to Logan. Despite chasing her to the airport, Masters ultimately lets her go.

In the aftermath of Johnson's rejection of his love, Masters is left at a low point. After being forced to attend AA meetings, he attempts to mend his relationship with Libby. Johnson, on the other hand, is spiraling after leaving Logan in Las Vegas under unclear circumstances. With the Masters and Johnson partnership appearing dead, potential investor Hugh Hefner insists they repair their brand. Both Masters and Johnson return to the clinic, but with Masters working with Dr. Nancy Leveau (Betty Gilpin) and Johnson with psychologist Art Dreesen (Jeremy Strong). After an intimate discussion with Dreesen, Johnson realizes she loves Masters. However, he is no longer receptive to her advances. The prostitution charges against the clinic disappear after Masters takes a plea deal to protect Johnson; despite this, he remains steadfast in his rejections of Johnson's advances. Meanwhile, the Masters and Johnson institute begins inspiring copycats spreading false information. They pose as a couple to investigate a clinic in Topeka; during their charade, Johnson tells Masters she loves him. Masters finally reciprocates and the two are engaged shortly after. The series ends with Masters and Johnson getting married and about to set forth on their widely-controversial conversion therapy studies.

Showtime ordered the pilot for Masters of Sex in August 2011, and greenlit it for series in June 2012, with the first season consisting of twelve episodes. 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. After his exit, Michael Sheen replaced him and Lizzy Caplan was cast as Virginia Johnson.

Writer/producer Michelle Ashford serves as showrunner for Masters of Sex. She assembled a majority-female writing staff, although she says this was unintentional.