Dying for Sex: A Brave Dive into Life and Desire Premieres April 4

LOS ANGELES, March 27, 2025 — The highly anticipated limited series “Dying for Sex” premieres on April 4, streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in the U.K. The show follows the poignant and provocative story of Molly Kochan, a woman diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, who embarks on a journey to fulfill her sexual desires and personal growth.

Played by five-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams, Kochan’s character makes the life-changing decision to leave her husband of 15 years, Steve, portrayed by Jay Duplass. Motivated by her grim prognosis, she seeks to explore her sexuality with the support of her best friend, Nikki Boyer, played by Jenny Slate. The narrative is rooted in the true story of Kochan, whose experiences were first chronicled in a podcast of the same name launched by Boyer shortly after her passing in 2019.

Kochan had a challenging journey with breast cancer; by 2015, she had undergone chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, and radiation therapy before being re-diagnosed with terminal cancer. “Sexually, we had difficulties before cancer came along,” she reflected. “Right before I got diagnosed, I was kind of looking to recharge our sex life… and then cancer showed up.” With this new reality, she set out to revive her sense of self and independence.

The idea for the podcast emerged during a lunch between Kochan and Boyer in 2018, where Kochan revealed she had already gone on two dates that morning. The podcast, released in 2020, quickly gained popularity, amassing five million downloads. It explored not only Kochan’s sexual encounters but also the broader themes of trauma, grief, and the complexities of friendship.

Boyer, who serves as an executive producer on the series, collaborated with playwright Kim Rosenstock and “New Girl” creator Elizabeth Meriwether to adapt the podcast for television. “Dying for Sex” promises to remain true to Kochan’s real-life experiences, blending humor with touching moments of vulnerability.

The show has already received early praise from critics, with reviewers noting that Williams delivers a “career-best performance” and describing the series as “equal parts pleasure and pain.” The narrative is packed with both laughter and tears, making it a groundbreaking exploration of sexuality in the wake of mortality. The series navigates various subcultures and kinks that have rarely been depicted with such transparency on television.

The ensemble cast includes Rob Delaney, Sissy Spacek, and David Rasche, adding depth to the complex relationships surrounding Kochan. Centered on the exploration of desire, the show intertwines themes of friendship, loss, and the quest for self-acceptance.

The anticipation surrounding the premiere of “Dying for Sex” speaks to its significance in contemporary narratives about cancer, sexuality, and the human experience. All eight episodes will be available for streaming at launch, allowing viewers to engage fully with this powerful story.