What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMasters of Sex
Michelle Ashford · Series · 2013
If you loved Masters of Sex, start with Kinsey (Bill Condon, 2004) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 3 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Masters of Sex across media.
What hooked you in Masters of Sex was the way scientific inquiry and social change collide within the messy, intimate lives of pioneers.
Books on the same thread
Masters of the Air
Donald L. Miller · Book
Explores: aerial combat, wartime camaraderie, strategic logistics.
Like the clinical environment of Masters of Sex, this historical account examines how rigid institutional structures and wartime pressures force individuals to navigate intense, life-altering professional and personal demands.
Master of the Senate
Robert A. Caro · Book · 2002
Explores: Corridors of power, Political ambition, Legislative strategy.
Much like the complex power dynamics in Masters of Sex, this biography dissects the strategic ambition and institutional maneuvering required to reshape social norms and influence the national landscape.
The American Revolution
Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns · Book
Explores: nation building, revolutionary warfare, constitutional origins.
If the period setting of Masters of Sex captivated you, this narrative offers a deeper look at the foundational social changes and ideological shifts that defined the American experience.
The Joy of Sex
Alex Comfort · Book · 1972
Explores: Sexuality, Intimacy, Relationships.
This guide serves as the practical evolution of the research conducted in Masters of Sex, offering a candid look at the human sexuality topics that once sparked widespread cultural debate.
Films on the same thread
Kinsey
Bill Condon · Film · 2004
Shares 3 threads with Masters of Sex: Sexual Revolution, Scientific Discovery, Biographical Drama.
Mirroring the professional focus of Masters of Sex, this portrait of Alfred Kinsey captures the same tension between objective scientific discovery and the deeply personal consequences of challenging social taboos.
sex, lies, and videotape
Steven Soderbergh · Film · 1989
Explores: Infidelity, Sexual Repression, Voyeurism.
This film echoes the exploration of sexual repression and communication breakdown found in Masters of Sex, focusing on how private desires and honesty disrupt the stability of traditional marital relationships.
Battle of the Sexes
Valerie Faris · Film · 2017
Shares a thread with Masters of Sex: Social change.
This biographical drama captures the same spirit of progress seen in Masters of Sex, documenting how a high-profile public conflict forces a broader conversation regarding gender equality and social change.
Podcasts on the same thread
Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Podcast
Explores: sexual history, scandal, social customs.
Fans of the historical analysis in Masters of Sex will appreciate this podcast, which peels back the curtain on the private customs and sexual history that shaped our modern societal standards.
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Curiosity, Intellectual exploration, Trivia.
If the intellectual curiosity of the characters in Masters of Sex resonated with you, this podcast provides a similarly expansive look at the diverse subjects that drive our collective understanding.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Masters of Sex based on a true story?
Yes, Masters of Sex is based on the real-life pioneers of human sexuality research, William Masters and Virginia Johnson. The series follows their professional partnership as they conduct studies that eventually led to their appearance on the cover of Time magazine and on Johnny Carson's television show.
What is the premise of Masters of Sex?
Masters of Sex focuses on the lives of William Masters, a scientist who struggles with his own emotions, and Virginia Johnson, a single working mother. Together, they conduct research at a midwestern teaching hospital that helps trigger the sexual revolution and changes their lives significantly.
Who created the show Masters of Sex?
The television series Masters of Sex was created by Michelle Ashford. It explores the professional and personal journey of William Masters and Virginia Johnson as they conduct their groundbreaking research into human sexuality and navigate the societal changes of the era.
Does Masters of Sex feature real historical figures?
Yes, Masters of Sex features fictionalized versions of real-life pioneers William Masters and Virginia Johnson. The show depicts their scientific research and their path to national fame, including their notable appearances on Johnny Carson's couch and their recognition by major publications like Time magazine.