Watch How Sex Changed the World

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 ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between April 20, 2013 and on H2