Michelle Williams starring in Dying for Sex limited series brings to screens an emotionally resonant story that sways between humor and heartbreak, centered on the life of Molly Kochan. Premiering soon on FX, the show is inspired by the Wondery podcast of the same name and explores themes of friendship, mortality, and personal transformation through the bond between best friends Molly and Nikki Boyer as they navigate life after Molly’s Stage IV cancer diagnosis.
Transforming a Raw Podcast into Captivating Television
Elizabeth Meriwether was instantly captivated by the unsparing candor of the Dying for Sex podcast, released in early 2020 by Wondery. The podcast narrates Molly Kochan’s sexual awakening following her battle with advanced breast cancer, all while chronicling her deep friendship with Nikki Boyer through peaks and valleys. Meriwether, renowned for her work on The Dropout, immediately saw potential in adapting this real-life journey of healing and self-discovery for television, noting the unusual blend of tragedy and raucous humor threaded throughout Molly’s experience.
She joined forces with Kim Rosenstock, her collaborator from New Girl, to co-create the limited series. Rosenstock was struck by the theme of healing while dying, something she described as both “incredible” and “incongruous.” Together, Meriwether and Rosenstock set out to capture the unvarnished honesty that had made the podcast impactful.
“I was so taken by the tone of it, how funny it was in the midst of some of the worst things that can happen to a person, and the friendship at the heart of it,”
—Elizabeth Meriwether, Creator
“We’ve all seen stories about people who are sick and being taken care of, but something about [Kochan] healing while dying felt like this incredible, incongruous thing,”
—Kim Rosenstock, Co-Creator
Bringing Michelle Williams to the Project
The prospect of Michelle Williams leading the cast brought the adaptation significant momentum. Williams, a five-time Oscar nominee and Emmy winner, felt a deep connection to Molly’s courageous journey, even before the full script existed. The vulnerability and irreverence of the real-life story resonated, prompting Williams to join as both star and executive producer. Her immersion in the role was so profound that even the obstacles of pregnancy and scheduling did not deter her eventual return to the project.
“Ultimately what I realized I was drawn to was the bravery,”
—Michelle Williams, Actress and Executive Producer
“And [I asked] myself, would I have this bravery if I was given a diagnosis? Could I be so bold and original with how I wanted to spend the time that I had left?”
—Michelle Williams, Actress and Executive Producer
Both creators openly admit they were awed by Williams’ commitment. Rosenstock confessed Williams seemed an unreachable dream, while Meriwether likened her to an “acting angel.” After an initial hiatus due to Williams’ pregnancy, she returned to the series, reinvigorated and eager to portray Molly’s emotional and psychological complexity.
Embarking on a Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance
Central to the narrative is Molly’s journey through an array of intimate and sometimes outrageous sexual experiences, all while contending with mortality. Williams relates that Molly’s curiosity and lack of judgment allowed her to embrace new experiences without shame, demonstrating openness toward her own desires and those of her partners. This journey was depicted not for shock value, but to touch on themes of acceptance and personal growth.
Rosenstock and Meriwether, alongside their team of directors and an intimacy coordinator, made an intentional decision to ensure that every scene belonged to Molly’s journey of discovery. They included only moments that furthered her emotional arc, relying on nuanced performances and brave guest actors to do justice to the source story. Respect for the real Molly was paramount; humor was drawn from character, not from making light of sexuality itself.
Williams noted that Molly’s encounters weren’t simply escapism; rather, each one taught her more about herself and the fleeting time she had. She never faced moments of doubt because the project’s essence—exploring the search for meaning under the shadow of mortality—was constantly present and motivating.
The Friendship Anchoring Every Episode
At its core, Dying for Sex is a love story built on the unwavering friendship between Molly and Nikki. Meriwether emphasized that their bond provides the emotional bedrock of the series, granting Molly a safe space to return to as she pushes boundaries and wrestles with trauma. The casting of Jenny Slate as Nikki was hailed as a stroke of luck by those behind the show, who could not envision anyone else embodying Nikki’s balance of support and humor.
Williams echoed this sentiment, describing the synergy with Slate as instantaneous and deeply meaningful, forming a friendship that blurred lines between the real world and fiction during production. This on-screen dynamic was reflected off-screen, with the cast sharing genuine camaraderie and connection, extending the heart of the series beyond its scripts.
Navigating Emotions: Balancing Humor and Sorrow
The tonal shifts within Dying for Sex demanded careful handling. The initial episodes draw laughter, but as the story progresses, emotional moments intensify, often leaving viewers moved and introspective. Rosenstock explained that the team focused less on conventional genre boundaries and more on authenticity, always prioritizing what felt true to the characters at any given moment. They sought to elicit the full range of human emotion—grief, hope, relief, and joy—sometimes within the same scene.
Williams attributed this fluidity to strong writing that captured the contradictions of life and death. She spoke openly about the ease with which she could dive into the material, crediting the honesty of the script for making the performances feel effortless and genuine.
Standout Performances and the Impact of Sissy Spacek
A pivotal storyline involves the strained relationship between Molly and her mother, Gail, portrayed by Sissy Spacek. Episode 5 marks a significant turning point as past abuse and trauma are finally addressed, culminating in moving performances by both Williams and Spacek. Meriwether recounted the disbelief and excitement when Spacek agreed to join the project, calling her presence on set “unreal.”
Williams described the experience of performing with Spacek as transformative, stating that the depth of their shared scenes left a lasting impression. Meriwether and Rosenstock both cited particular moments—such as Molly struggling with memory loss due to chemotherapy and grappling with anger toward her own body—that stood out as profound examples of Williams’ skill at navigating the fine line between heartbreak and humor.
“Somehow, this is breaking my heart watching Michelle’s foot moving up and down while she’s calling her husband.”
—Kim Rosenstock, Co-Creator
The supporting cast, including Rob Delaney as Neighbor Guy and Jenny Slate as Nikki, contributed to the overall quality of the series, making the creators feel validated in their belief that this project was truly unique and worth pursuing.
The Creative Process: Facing Challenges and Discovering Meaning
The journey from concept to production was not without challenges. At times, scripts were being finalized during filming, requiring adaptability from cast and crew. Williams expressed continuous amazement at the writers’ ability to maintain a delicate tension between drama and comedy, always rooted in truth.
For Meriwether, the series prompted reflection on the hard-fought pursuit of health and happiness and instilled a greater appreciation for friendships that provide strength during adversity. Williams found herself deeply moved by the audience’s response, grateful for the opportunity to participate in a project resonating personally with many viewers.
Enduring Lessons and Legacy
The show’s creators and cast hope that Dying for Sex will inspire audiences to cherish relationships and seek joy amidst life’s challenges. Rosenstock suggested that, like Molly and Nikki, everyone benefits from understanding who fills them with positivity and striving to be close to those who bring out their best selves. The ripple effects of Molly’s story, as documented by Nikki and portrayed by Williams, are a testament to the impact of honest storytelling and enduring friendship.
Bringing Michelle Williams starring in Dying for Sex limited series to the small screen stands as a powerful reflection on embracing life, healing through connection, and finding humor even in the face of mortality. As viewers prepare for its debut, the journey of Molly and Nikki promises to leave a lasting impression, echoed both in heartfelt performances and the spirit of those who inspired the story.
