The new FX on Hulu miniseries “Dying for Sex” tells the poignant true story of Molly Kochan, a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer who embarks on a journey of sexual exploration as she confronts her mortality. Starring Michelle Williams as Kochan, the series is based on the podcast of the same name, narrated by Kochan’s best friend, Nikki Boyer.
Molly Kochan was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer in 2015 at the age of 42, a devastating blow that came after she had previously battled the disease and achieved remission in 2011. Following her diagnosis, Kochan made the bold decision to leave her 15-year marriage, seeking to reclaim her life and desires in the face of impending death.
“Sex makes me feel alive — and it’s a great distraction from being sick,” Kochan shared in one of the podcast episodes. Boyer, who serves as an executive producer on the miniseries, noted that Kochan’s journey was not just about physical pleasure but also about healing from past traumas. “A lot of people think, ‘She’s just having sex, f–king around to make herself feel good,’” Boyer explained. “But it wasn’t just about that. There was healing of old wounds.”
The podcast “Dying for Sex” was launched in 2020, one year after Kochan passed away from metastasized breast cancer in March 2019, at the age of 45. Boyer had the idea for the podcast in 2018, during a lunch with Kochan, where she learned about her friend’s newfound adventures in dating and sex. “There’s a story in here,” Boyer recalled thinking at the time, recognizing the importance of discussing sex and illness together.
The Hulu miniseries, created by Elizabeth Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock, features a talented cast that includes Jenny Slate as Boyer, Sissy Spacek as Kochan’s mother, and Rob Delaney as a neighbor. The series has been praised for its sensitive yet humorous approach to serious themes, blending moments of levity with the emotional weight of Kochan’s story.
In the series, Kochan’s character grapples with her diagnosis while exploring her sexuality, a journey that is both liberating and deeply personal. The show captures her realization that she still has goals and desires, despite her illness. In a pivotal moment, a psychologist at her hospital encourages her to add having an orgasm to her bucket list, highlighting the importance of sexual fulfillment even in the face of terminal illness.
Kochan’s decision to leave her husband, whom she loved but felt was not a romantic fit for her anymore, was a significant turning point. In a blog post titled “I left my husband today,” published on March 28, 2016, she reflected on her need to find her own identity and make her own mark on the world. “I was kind of looking to recharge our sex life… and then cancer showed up,” she wrote.
After her diagnosis, Kochan created an Instagram account called Dying 4 Sex, where she shared selfies and began dating again, seeking partners who would allow her to explore her desires. “I wanted to hump everything and everyone,” she humorously recounted in the podcast, illustrating the intense drive she felt following her diagnosis. Kochan’s journey of sexual discovery included encounters that pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms, allowing her to reclaim her body and her agency.
Throughout her journey, Kochan faced her past traumas, including childhood sexual abuse, which had long affected her relationship with intimacy. Boyer emphasized that Kochan’s sexual escapades were not merely about pleasure; they were also a means of healing and self-discovery. “Her whole life she felt fragmented and during sex she was allowed to make her own choices and put the pieces together for herself,” Boyer said.
Despite the gravity of her situation, Kochan maintained a sense of humor and a zest for life. She once joked about her dating experiences, recalling a particularly outrageous encounter where a man asked her to kick him in the genitals. “I was intrigued,” she said, showcasing her willingness to embrace her desires without fear.
As the series progresses, it highlights the complexities of Kochan’s relationships, her evolving identity, and the bittersweet nature of her experiences. The humor and honesty present in Kochan’s story resonate deeply, making it relatable to audiences grappling with their own challenges.
Kochan’s legacy continues to inspire through both the podcast and the miniseries, which serve as powerful reminders of the importance of living authentically and embracing one’s desires, even in the face of adversity. Her story encourages open conversations about sex, illness, and the human experience, challenging stigmas and fostering understanding.
Ultimately, “Dying for Sex” is not just a tale of loss; it is a celebration of life, love, and the pursuit of joy. As Boyer poignantly noted, “I don’t think she had a clue how profoundly it was going to land in the world.” The series, which premiered on April 4, 2025, promises to honor Kochan’s spirit and continue her message of empowerment and self-discovery.
