One of the issues that often comes up when our sexual relationships aren’t faring as well as we would like, is that sex becomes “serious business.” Every encounter, conversation or mention is a BIG DEAL. We may avoid talking about sex altogether or, when we do, it’s primarily regarding what’s going wrong and how to fix it. Worthwhile conversation, no doubt, but it gets heavy when it’s the majority of our interactions.

One of the ways we can lighten the load a bit and bring sex gently into awareness is to pepper in some external sexual content. Sexual information that’s not necessarily about our sexual relationship, but simply a reminder that sex is a thing that exists in the world. We can choose to engage or not, but we’re not going to ignore the fact that positive sexuality exists, even though it’s not feeling so great for us at the moment.

Luckily, there are now multitudes of media willing to remind us of just that. Podcasts, movies, Twitter accounts and blogs (ahem) offer the option to look at things a little differently or perhaps challenge you to consider a new lens in conversation with yourself and/or partner.

Given the amount of time we spend binge-watching, one of the simplest ways to consume some sex-positivity is through TV shows. Here are some gems that are worth a look for the simple fact that they acknowledge sexuality and they treat it well. This includes overall shame-free perspectives, including highlighting women’s entitlement to pleasure and the diversity of sexual options and experiences.

Easy  The hometown hero of the bunch and my go-to suggestion to clients. Short but sweet episodes, a variety of themes, recognizable faces and places. Who doesn’t get excited by the bean?

Catastrophe A few-night stand leads to something a tad longer-term. See also: pretty much all things Sharon Horgan, including Pulling and Divorce.

Chewing Gum Michaela Cole’s Tracy is excellent at reflecting the bumbling awkwardness of sex and captures the true often-absurdity of bumping our bits together.

Grace and Frankie This series stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as women initially thrown together when their husbands opt to marry each other. It reminds the viewing public that sexuality isn’t reserved solely for the under-60 set and pleasure is everyone’s right, partnered or not.

Big Mouth  Full disclosure: I actively ignored this series until a client turned me on to it. An animated, made for grown-ups romp/raunch through the trials and tribulations of puberty and adolescence. Could spark reflection and conversation about your own coming-of-age story.

And a very short list of honorable mentions to guide further perusing: Insecure, Girls, The Mindy Project, Shameless, Orange is the New Black, Jane the Virgin, and, the one that started it all, Sex and the City. Happy 20th Anniversary, ladies!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=bzRjfA_9Akw