When's Sex Education season two released on Netflix? Cast, release time and what it's about

After the series ended on a cliffhanger of sorts, viewers are keen to know what's in store Otis and his friends... but what's the latest news on new episodes?

Here's everything we know so far about Sex Education series two (warning: contains series one spoilers)

When will Sex Education season two be released on Netflix?

Sex Education arrived on Netflix in the UK on 17th January, 2020 at 8am UK time - series star Ncuti Gatwa had previously told RadioTimes.com that filming would start in spring 2019.

Netflix duly confirmed on 1st May 2019 that filming had begun, posting a video of the cast reuniting for a first readthrough of season two.

How many episodes are there in Sex Education season two?

Once again, season two of Sex Education has eight more episodes.

“The reception to series one has been so exciting," creator Laurie Nunn explained. "Seeing how people across the world have connected to characters that began as ideas in my head is incredible. I’m hugely grateful to every person that has taken the time to watch the series, and I can’t wait to continue this amazing journey.”

Nunn had earlier revealed that she had already begun work on the second series before the renewal was officially confirmed. Given that Netflix typically commissions TV series in batches of two, it's a good sign that a plan for the new episodes was already well underway.

Which cast members are back for Sex Education season two?

Netflix has confirmed that all of the main cast will be returning. This means Gillian Anderson (best known to a slightly older audience as Scully from X-Files) will be reprising her role as Jean, Asa Butterfield as Otis, Emma Mackey as Maeve, Ncuti Gatwa as Eric, Aimee-Lou Wood as Aimee, Connor Swindells as Adam, Kedar Williams-Stirling as Jackson, Tanya Reynolds as Lily, and Patricia Allison as Ola.

Will there be any new characters and cast in season 2?

Yes, the regulars from season 1 will be joined by a few new cast members - with Sami Outalbali, George Robinson and Chinenye Ezeudu all confirmed. Apparently Ezeudu will play Viv, a super intelligent, multi-talented academic student, who is anything but talented in love, Outalbali will play Rahim a french student who turns heads when he joins Moordale Secondary and Robinson will play Isaac, who creates waves when he moves into Maeve’s caravan park. And one new face will be familiar to fans of Game of Thrones - Quiz head's leader Dex is played by Lino Faciolo, who appeared on the mega fantasy series as Robin Arryn.

What is Sex Education season two about?

Season two sees late bloomer Otis try to progress with his new girlfriend Ola, while his relationship with Maeve suffers as a result.

Things aren't any easier for the supporting characters either. Now at military school, Adam finds himself still deeply conflicted by his feelings for Eric, whose boost in self-confidence is getting him more attention at Moordale.

Meanwhile, Jackson finds himself under intense academic pressure from his parents who are desperate for him to succeed.

With all this going on, Moordale Secondary is also be hit with an outbreak of chlamydia, only strengthening the case for better sex education at the school.

Ncuti Gatwa, who plays Eric, told RadioTimes.com he has one very specific wish for his character next season: "I would like for Eric to get better at playing the French horn. I would also like people to know it is the French horn. People often mistake it for the trombone, but it's not." You tell 'em, 'tromboner'!

What happened in Sex Education season one?

The first series saw Otis (aka 'Pleasure Master') grow in confidence, and although his feelings for his sex therapy business partner, Maeve (played by Emma Mackey), weren't reciprocated (or so he thought...), at the end of the series he does enjoy a kiss with Ola (Patricia Allison), the daughter of his mum's new sexy handyman (and boyfriend — awkward!).

Maeve, on the other hand, seems lost after realising (finally!) that her boyfriend Jackson isn't all he's cracked up to be — but when she decides to make a move on Otis, she catches sight of him and Ola kissing.

Meanwhile — and we all totally saw this coming — Otis's best friend Eric (a scene-stealing Ncuti Gatwa - recently named in the top 20 of the Radio Times TV 100) hooked up with the headmaster's bad-boy son, Adam (Connor Swindells). However, Eric is left disappointed again after Adam is packed off to military school.

Gatwa told RadioTimes.com that from the moment he read the part in the script where Adam pushes Eric into the lockers, he knew they'd end up romantically involved.

"Oh yes," he said. "I have to admit I did see it literally from the first moment that Adam pushes Eric into the lockers, I was like, 'I bet you anything they end up together.' And lo and behold, by episode eight they're rolling around those music room floors. I did see it. I thought it was quite exciting."

He added that eagle-eyed fans also noticed numerous phallic Easter eggs (yes, that's now a thing) dotted throughout the series with regards to Adam's crush on Eric. "Adam is weirdly obsessed with Eric actually," said Gatwa. "He's always holding something phallic near his mouth when he's watching Eric. All the signs are there."

For a fuller round up of season one, check here.

Is Sex Education season 2 any good?

We thought so anyway - describing the second run as "effortlessly charming, effortlessly witty and just so effortlessly enjoyable."

What is the music like in Sex Education?

In addition to all the other praise-worthy aspects of the show's opening run, the first season won many fans for it's peppy jukebox soundtrack, with the music of American singer/songwriter Ezra Furman featuring heavily.

That continues this time round - and we've complied a handy playlist with every song that features on the season two soundtrack.

Is there a trailer for season 2?

Yes, Netflix has released a full trailer for the second run of Sex Education.

Are there any pictures from season two?

Yes! Netflix has released a range of images for the new series which you can scroll through below...

Season 1 of Sex Education is available to watch in full on Netflix now