Hardcore Sex Coming to a TV Near You—But You Won't See It

LONDON, UK—The AMC Networks Group, home to the extremely popular series The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad, already owns such often-sexy channels such as IFC and SundanceTV, but it may soon be taking a giant step in the direction of sexual honesty. According to various news reports, AMC's WE tv channel has ordered an hour-long pilot of the popular British reality show Sex Box, in preparation for a possible all-American version of the series later this year. According to Deadline.com, "In Sex Box, real couples whose relationships are on the rocks enter a soundproof box to have sex and, upon exit, immediately address their issues with a panel of experts. According to the producers, the 'in the moment' approach 'fosters conversations about intimacy that are completely filterless and emotionally honest'." The makeup of the panel, consisting of Phillip Hodson, Tracey Cox, Dan Savage and Mariella Frostrup, is almost as interesting as the show's theme. Savage, of course, is the outspoken gay-rights activist whose top-notch MTV show Savage U, which featured the columnist and a film crew visiting college campuses and offering sexual advice, was constantly being criticized by religious-right groups who objected to its straightforward treatment of sexual problems. Frostrup, a popular UK television interviewer, was once voted to have "the sexiest female voice on TV," and has appeared on such sexy shows as Absolutely Fabulous and Coupling. Cox is the best-selling author of several books on dating, sex and relationships, and has a sex toy line distributed by Lovehoney, while Hodson, a psychotherapist, served as Britain's first on-air "agony uncle," dispensing sexual and other advice during afternoon and evening radio programs. However, the panel for the American version is likely to be different, though Savage could easily be part of it. Sex Box, which debuted on the UK's Channel 4 last October, and whose U.S. pilot will be made by producer Relativity TV, drew an opening-night audience of 906,000 (with another 300,000 watching it in repeats or on time-delay) and still commands a large following, perhaps due in part to the extensive mainstream news/gossip coverage and social media attention. Bringing the show to the U.S. was the brainchild of new WE President Marc Juris, who commented, "Sex Box is an intriguing and original concept from a top production partner and we’re very excited about its potential, which has already been clearly demonstrated overseas—where it’s a hit." What's unclear, however, is what type of 2257 notice, if any, will need to be posted in connection with the show. Although the television audience will be unable to see or hear the couples having sex on Sex Box, those couples will be having actual sex during the show, and the fact that sex will be taking place on primetime TV might raise some interesting legal issues. Only time will tell. Pictured, l-r: Phillip Hodson, Tracey Cox, Dan Savage and Mariella Frostrup on Sex Box.