Can you actually think yourself to orgasm? Will you still be sexy, when you’re 64 (or 74+?) The answers to these questions, and other strange sex topics, are revealed in a new series on The Learning Channel called: Strange Sex, which premiered last night (Sunday, July 18th at 10:30 ET).
I got a chance to preview some of the first episodes before last night’s debut. Although I didn’t have time to review it prior to the launch, if you’re thinking of popping the corn and sitting down to television night with the family, here’s what you need to know about Strange Sex.
For starters, the title is titillating, as is the subject matter, but that topics are treated, tastefully. While a program about unusual sexual behavior isn’t appropriate for younger children, there was nothing shown on the television screen that was even “R” rated –not even racier than PG. And, this series is on past prime time, so you can always steer the kids to bed, or something else, if you don’t want to field a lot of questions about what went on in the show. The show, produced by Sirens Media for The Learning Channel, brings up issues that might be relevant to some, and quite entertaining, to other. My preview disk of the first episode featured a man who fears sex with his wife (he is diagnosed as a sexual anorexic) and an actress who claims to think her way to orgasm (and researchers seem to think she’s on to something real—although they don’t tell you how she does it–and she is an actress, after all).
The most interesting topic was about Cougars and Cubs, featuring Hattie, a truly charming and vivacious, 73-year old woman who seems to spend a great deal of time dating men young enough to be her grandchildren. Ron, a single dad who has always dated older women seems to be genuinely interested in dating Hattie –at least for the cameras, while Hattie’s grown son worries about her safety (and maybe, her sanity?). But Hattie’s charm is so infectious, you’ll hope to e a sexy septuagenarian –one day–as well.
The Learning Channel is trying to be educational and entertaining and it does so with provocative topics. It isn’t very sexy, but it is….honestly…..entertaining.
The Learning Channel is available in more than 98 million homes in the USA and 8 million in Canada, so while the program is simply a Summer, “a six-part series so far, it might get a fast following. In fact, on The Learning Channel website, there’s a casting call for people with unusual sexual issues and behaviors, so it is likely that the network is planning to keep the series going after the initial six weeks. And, while there is that reality/freak show aspect to the series, it’s somewhat better, than another “Jersey” or “housewives” program, or TLC’s own John and Kate Plus 8.
The popular series Mad Men begins again for it’s 4th season on Sunday, July 25th at the same time as Strange Sex. That show began as a Summer series, too, and it became a huge hit. Some of the potential audience for Strange Sex may migrate to AMC to watch Mad Men next weekend, but for those who couldn’t care less about what happens next to Don Draper and company, Strange Sex, will satisfy, on Sunday Night.