Netflix Developing Sex Act with Raffi Donatich, Jeremy O. Harris & Lena Dunham; Sarah Paulson Eyed to Star
Netflix is moving forward with a bold new comedy-drama titled Sex Act, from rising writer Raffi Donatich, in collaboration with Jeremy O. Harris (Slave Play, Zola) and Lena Dunham (Girls, Too Much). Sources confirm that Emmy and Golden Globe winner Sarah Paulson is attached to star, though her deal will be finalized once the scripts are complete.
What Sex Act Is About
The series follows an intimacy coordinator who’s never been kissed, a concept blending satire and heartfelt character drama. With Donatich penning the scripts, the show is expected to combine sharp humor with emotional authenticity.
Creative Team and Production
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Raffi Donatich will write the series, expanding on her success with the TIFF-premiering indie comedy Poetic License.
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Jeremy O. Harris and Josh Godfrey will executive produce for bb².
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Lena Dunham and Michael P. Cohen will produce under their Good Thing Going banner, which has a first-look TV deal with Netflix. Dunham is also expected to direct episodes.
The project originated when Donatich pitched the concept to Harris, who then partnered with Dunham’s Good Thing Going, securing Netflix’s backing.
Sarah Paulson’s Potential Role
Paulson, acclaimed for her work in American Horror Story, The People v. O.J. Simpson, and FX’s The Bear, is being courted to play the lead. A personal letter from the producers helped secure her interest, further elevating the series’ prestige.
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Raffi Donatich’s Rising Career
Donatich recently premiered Poetic License at TIFF, written by her and directed by Maude Apatow, starring Andrew Barth Feldman, Cooper Hoffman, and Leslie Mann. The film has earned strong critical praise, with Deadline calling it “supremely intelligent and raucously amusing.” Donatich is also writing and producing Sterling Point for Amazon, produced by LuckyChap and Fake Empire.
The Team Behind the Series
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Jeremy O. Harris: Best known for the groundbreaking Broadway hit Slave Play and the acclaimed A24 film Zola. Currently serves as Artistic Director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
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Lena Dunham: Recently launched Too Much at Netflix, developing multiple TV and film projects including Good Sex starring Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo, and preparing her Broadway debut with 10 Things I Hate About You: The Musical.
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Sarah Paulson: Will next be seen in Ryan Murphy’s Hulu legal drama All’s Fair alongside Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, and Niecy Nash, debuting this November.
Why Sex Act Matters
With Donatich’s sharp writing, Harris’ theatrical edge, Dunham’s cultural resonance, and Paulson’s powerhouse acting, Sex Act is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most anticipated original series. The combination of fresh storytelling and proven star power could position the show as a strong contender for critical and awards attention.
