Showtime's "Masters of Sex," pushes boundaries as it dives into a mid-20th century scientific investigation of human sexuality, according to Fox News.
Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan star as researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson in the new show, based off of Thomas Maier's 2009 nonfiction novel.
"I never thought I would get used to having a naked woman in front of me masturbating ... but I actually broke that barrier on the show," Sheen told Fox News.
Sheen added the story is relevant to todays society, as issues with intimacy and making connections still apply.
According to Fox News, a Q&A session with the Television Critics Association revealed the difficulties of tackling issues of sex, and one reporter asked producers "how the series can include humor without appearing to titter at sexuality."
"We just had a slightly inappropriate look into your sex life. We all thank you for that," Sheen said.
Caplan to the reporters the researchers' work at Washington University in St. Louis and later at their own institute was most beneficial for women, helping them to accept their sexuality is healthy.
"Before Masters and Johnson, no one was telling women that. It was always their own fault," Caplan said. "And that's some (baloney)."
Masters and Johnson's work lead to late-night talk show hosts and on the cover of news magazines. According to Fox News, they became celebrities, drawing criticism during an era where people did not talk openly about their sex life.
The show's producer Michelle Ashford assured the team kept true to duo's research, even though they embellished some characters. Cast members were also made sure they were comfortable as possible while filming sometimes awkward sex scenes.
When the show's crew was asked if they talked to Johnson about the new series, they acknowledged no contact was made.
"She wanted to live out her the last few years of her life not in the limelight," Caplan said.
