How Sex Changed the World

Watch How Sex Changed the World

  • TV-14
  • 2013
  • 1 Season
  • 6.9  (87)

How Sex Changed the World is a fascinating docuseries hosted by Fred Melamed that premiered on H2 in 2013. This show explores how sex has impacted human history, law, culture, and society, and how it has been used as a tool of power, pleasure, and destruction throughout different eras.

Each episode of How Sex Changed the World delves into a different topic related to sex and its influence on human affairs, such as prostitution, pornography, contraception, homosexuality, infidelity, and rape. Through a combination of expert interviews, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments, the show provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking perspective on how sex has shaped our world.

One of the strengths of How Sex Changed the World is its willingness to tackle controversial and taboo subjects head-on, without shying away from the uncomfortable or provocative aspects of human sexuality. For example, in the episode on prostitution, the show highlights how the trade of sex workers has been both a source of liberation and oppression throughout history, with some women choosing it as a means of financial independence and others being forced into it by poverty, slavery, or trafficking.

Similarly, in the episode on pornography, How Sex Changed the World examines the ethical, legal, and psychological implications of the billion-dollar adult entertainment industry, from the desire for intimacy and fantasy to the risks of addiction and exploitation. The show also looks at how the emergence of new technologies, such as the internet and virtual reality, has transformed the consumption and production of pornographic content, and how it has affected our attitudes towards sex and gender roles.

Another aspect that makes How Sex Changed the World stand out is its global perspective, as the show travels across different continents and epochs to reveal how various cultures and civilizations have dealt with sex and sexuality over time. For instance, in the episode on contraception, the show explores the practices and beliefs of different tribes and religions regarding birth control, from the ancient Greeks and Egyptians to the Aztecs and Māori. The show also examines the scientific breakthroughs and legal battles that have enabled women to access contraception and reproductive rights in modern times, as well as the ongoing debates over the morality and effectiveness of such methods.

Throughout the series, Fred Melamed serves as a knowledgeable and engaging host who guides the audience through the complex and diverse history of sex. He provides historical context, personal anecdotes, and witty commentary that make the show both informative and entertaining. Melamed is joined by a panel of experts and scholars who offer insightful analysis and commentary on the different topics, including sex therapists, sociologists, historians, and legal experts. Some standout guests include Eric Berkowitz, author of Sex and Punishment: Four Thousand Years of Judging Desire, and Djakarta, a former prostitute who shares her experiences and insights into the sex trade.

In conclusion, How Sex Changed the World is a well-researched, illuminating, and provocative series that explores one of the most fundamental aspects of human experience: sex. Through its engaging storytelling, diverse perspectives, and thorough examination of different aspects of sexuality, the show stimulates curiosity, compassion, and critical thinking about the ways in which sex has shaped our past, present, and future. For anyone interested in history, culture, and sexuality, How Sex Changed the World is a must-watch.

How Sex Changed the World is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on April 20, 2013.

How Sex Changed the World
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Seasons
Sexperiment
10. Sexperiment
June 29, 2013
These are the surprising stories behind how scientists, the government and even the judicial system have harnessed sex to change world history: from covert experimental CIA orgies to the Middle Ages' "honest woman" test to verify bedroom activity and even the "cure" for female hysteria.
Sex Gone Wrong
9. Sex Gone Wrong
June 22, 2013
Sex is one of the most powerful human needs and many people have tried to harness its power for their own gain. But those attempts often backfire. From Jack Parsons, an American rocket scientist who thought he could harness the power of sex, to Thomas Jefferson's attempt to trap Alexander Hamilton in an affair, find out what happens when basic instincts backfire.
Extreme Sex
8. Extreme Sex
June 15, 2013
How men and women throughout history took sex to extreme levels
Sex and War
7. Sex and War
June 1, 2013
How sex becomes a byproduct of war.
Superheroes of Sex
6. Superheroes of Sex
June 1, 2013
Throughout history, there have been fearless men and women who have risked everything to reveal the mysteries behind our favorite subject: sex. From Leonardo Da Vinci's early work to Alfred Kinsey's revealing sex surveys to the man who discovered and translated the Kama Sutra for the world, these are the stories behind the "Superheroes of Sex.
Sex & Power
5. Sex & Power
May 18, 2013
Exploring the sex lives of notable people throughout history.
Sexpocalypse
4. Sexpocalypse
May 11, 2013
Sex-related controversies related to Pompeii and J. Edgar Hoover.
Sex Rebels
3. Sex Rebels
May 4, 2013
Famous leaders, including a Roman empress and a U.S. president, express their sexuality.
Sex for Sale
2. Sex for Sale
April 27, 2013
The world's oldest profession turns up in the places you'd least expect it: as a major source of revenue for the Catholic Church, the driving force behind America's first racially integrated neighborhood, and the launch pad for the most powerful woman in the history of the Roman Empire. Discover the truth behind how selling sex has changed the world.
America's Sex Pioneers
1. America's Sex Pioneers
April 20, 2013
From America's earliest days, sex has shaped and defined our country. From the Puritan "mandatory sex" rule for married couples to Ben Franklin's racy newspapers and even car design, these are the stories behind America's sex pioneers.
Description
Where to Watch How Sex Changed the World
How Sex Changed the World is available for streaming on the H2 website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch How Sex Changed the World on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Sling and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    April 20, 2013
  • IMDB Rating
    6.9  (87)