Watch Red Shoe Diaries

Red Shoe Diaries was an American erotic drama series produced by Showtime that aired from 1992 to 1999. The show was created by Zalman King, who had previously worked on the erotic film 9 1/2 Weeks. The series was notable for its softcore pornographic content and sensual storytelling approach. The show primarily focused on sexual encounters and the emotional intimacy that came with them, exploring themes of love, desire, and relationships.

The series was narrated by the central character, a man known only as Jake, played by David Duchovny. In the beginning, we see Jake as a postman who is sorting through stacks of letters that have been returned to sender. The letters are all addressed to a mysterious person called “Red Shoes,” who is never seen on screen. Instead, the letters are the conduits through which we hear the various erotic stories and confessions that compose the show's episodes. Each episode would begin with Jake reading a letter from the mailbag and the subsequent episode would focus on the narrative enclosed within the letter.

Each episode explores a different love story as seen through the eyes of the participants. The stories involve a wide range of characters of all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds. There is the timid college student, the bold businesswoman, the lonely housewife, the successful fashion model, and many more. While the characters and stories change from episode to episode, the show's themes remain consistent. At the heart of each episode is the idea that sexual desire often gives way to a deeper human connection.

The show was well-received by audiences and critics alike due to its sensitive and intimate portrayal of sex and relationships. Red Shoe Diaries was unique in its depiction of sex, as it went beyond the standard depiction of sex for its own sake. Instead, the actual act became a device for exploring the emotional connections and relationships that underpin human sexuality. Each episode had an air of mystery and intrigue, and this made it stand out from other erotic series on TV at the time.

The show also had high production values, with attractive performers, high-quality sets, and an almost cinematic feel to the storytelling. The camera work was top-notch, with sensual shots of the actors in various states of undress, and the use of poetic and sensual voice-overs added to the show's powerful emotional impact. The show's soundtrack also played a large role in setting the mood for each episode, with soulful and sultry music underscoring the steamy visuals.

The show faced accusations of sexism and objectification, but this criticism overlooks the show's true intentions. It gave its female characters agency, showing them as empowered decision-makers, and their relationships were given the same emotional weight as their male counterparts. It also explored how societal norms and preconceptions affect human relationships, particularly in regards to male-female dynamics.

The show features a talented cast, including actors like Audie England, who appeared in multiple episodes. England plays a range of characters, from the wide-eyed college student to femme fatale businesswoman. Her performances showcase her versatility as an actor and her ability to portray the wide range of emotions associated with falling in love. David Duchovny also delivers a compelling performance as Jake; his voiceovers convey a sense of empathy and understanding that helps draw viewers into the stories being told.

In conclusion, Red Shoe Diaries was a groundbreaking series that transcended the erotic genre's limitations by exploring love, sexuality, and relationships in a sensitive and artistic way. The show's unique format, moody visuals, and evocative storytelling were the hallmarks of a show that was ahead of its time. While it remains a controversial series, there is no denying its place in TV history as a landmark work of erotic storytelling.

Red Shoe Diaries is a series that ran for 5 seasons (110 episodes) between June 27, 1992 and on Showtime