Showtime's drama series about the scientific side of the sexual revolution in the '50s and '60s is about to finish its fourth season. Will Masters of Sex be renewed for Season 5? The network has not made an announcement either way, so fans will have to wait and see whether the upcoming finale is for the season or the series.
Let's look at previous data. Usually, Showtime renews the series before the previous season's finale, which is not great news. For example, the show was renewed for Season 4 in August 2015, right in the middle of Season 3. The same thing happened the year before. Since Season 4 aired in the fall instead of the summer, like Seasons 2-3, it's possible that Showtime is just mixing it up and will make their renewal announcement at a later date. It is odd that, if in fact they don't plan on renewing the show for a Season 5, that this wasn't announced as "the final season" or anything. An historical show that was inspired by true events should have a pretty clear ending, and a surprise cancellation would be a major disappointment.
In the meantime, here are some shows that Masters of Sex fans can check out while we wait.
Good Girls Revolt
This Amazon series is based on real women in journalism who sued their male bosses for equal rights in the workplace.
Man In The High Castle
On the scarier side, this Amazon series takes a hypothetical look at what the '50s and '60s would be like if Germany and Japan had won World War II.
Westworld
It's not exactly a period series, but the science fiction world does seem to be exploring issues of sex and gender in subtle, maybe even subversive ways.
Lovesick
I'm on a mission to get more people to watch this show, so this is a bit of a stretch, but Lovesick is also about sex and medicine. It follows a young man who, after being diagnosed with chlamydia, has to contact all of his prior sexual partners and hilarity (sometimes) ensues.
The Crown
Finally, another historical drama that tackles feminism, marriage, and power — though it's on the other side of the pond and not quiet as sexy. Still, plenty to watch and plenty of options. That's the beauty of television these days. While the story of Masters of Sex may be over, or may not be over, there's plenty to turn to in the meantime.
Image: Warren Feldman/SHOWTIME
