Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Positive docuseries has nudity, frank sex talk, diversity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Principles of Pleasure
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Actress-comedian Michelle Buteau (The Circle, Always Be My Maybe) narrates THE PRINCIPLES OF PLEASURE, a three-episode docuseries examining women's sexual pleasure through interviews with women and nonbinary folks of various ages from diverse backgrounds -- cis, trans, and queer included. Neuroscientists, psychologists, and sex educators give some historical perspective and help demystify topics like sex toys, human anatomy, and hormones. The show's format includes plenty of helpful illustrations and animations in between the talking-head segments.
Is It Any Good?
This series may have come along at just the right time, given the 2022 culture in which there are dwindling possibilities for sex education in schools and rapidly-disappearing reproductive rights. Though the discussions of anatomy and certain statistics skew pretty woman-centric, The Principles of Pleasure also features enlightening interviews with queer, trans, and nonbinary subjects of various ages and ethnic backgrounds. Michelle Buteau's narration is amusing, yet full of legitimately useful information. They also highlight the studies of researchers and educators who unpack everything from the neuroscience behind an orgasm to dangerous myths about menstruation and hormones. The way the series examines and defines consent is hugely important, as is the focus on honest communication. Viewers are likely to learn a lot they didn't previously know -- and may un-learn some things society has told them that just aren't true.
This is a bold and entertaining series that can be enjoyed by open-minded audiences of any gender or persuasion. The overarching theme is one anyone can benefit from: Knowledge is power, and has the potential to bring people closer together and closer to understanding their own needs. It underscores that self-acceptance is key to being able to experience a truly fulfilling and pleasurable sex life, and that everyone is deserving of it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way sexuality is depicted in various media, as opposed to how it is depicted and discussed among real-life people. What kind of impact do these portrayals have on people and their relationships?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 22, 2022
- Cast : Michelle Buteau
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : August 24, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate