CAUTION: This piece includes spoilers from Dying For Sex.
The highly anticipated show "Dying For Sex" has arrived on Disney+, drawing audiences into the emotional yet controversial true tales of Molly Kochan and Nikki Boyer.
Disney+ released its newest addition, the eight-episode comedy-drama series "Dying For Sex," on April 4th. The show follows the real-life story of Molly Kochan, portrayed by five-time Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams.
Based on the widely popular Wanderly podcast, this series explores the recordings created by Molly prior to her hospitalization. These recordings also feature her close friend Nikki Boyer, who is portrayed by actress Jenny Slate in the show, dating back to late 2018.
In the show, Molly candidly addresses her multiple casual sexual relationships following her diagnosis with terminal illness, making these talks a key element. During an episode, she confidently remarks, "Are they really going to punish me? I’m already ending up dead," she joked.
While hospitalized, Molly wrote her memoir, titled "Screw Cancer: Becoming Whole," which was released after her passing along with the debut of the Dying For Sex podcast.
During her fight against cancer, Nikki stayed resolutely supportive, including holding Molly's hand as she took her final breath in 2019.
The connection between Molly and Nikki, with Nikki additionally serving as an executive producer for the Disney+ version, goes way back to when they were classmates at a Los Angeles acting school in the year 2000.
During an interview with The Times, Nikki recalled that Molly used to be a "wallflower," whereas she always craved being center stage. Nevertheless, their bond strengthened when a drama instructor teamed them up, paving the way for their lasting relationship.
Nikki was around when Molly encountered her spouse, whom she shared 15 years of her life with, though this person’s true identity remains undisclosed and goes by Steve within the series.
In 2005, Molly experienced a significant change in her life after finding a lump in her breast; however, since she was only 33 at the time, her physician did not consider the likelihood of cancer and consequently withheld a diagnosis for six more years.
Molly went through various therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a double mastectomy, and breast reconstruction surgery.
In 2015, however, she started feeling hip pain, which was subsequently diagnosed as being caused by the spread of cancer to her bones, making it incurable.
Following this diagnosis, Molly decided to exit her 15-year marriage and set out on an expedition for personal growth, describing it as a "journey of sexual exploration" aimed at uncovering her own wants and inclinations within intimacy.
The concept for the podcast emerged during a luncheon gathering of the two pals in 2018 when Molly candidly discussed her encounters, such as an ardent smooch with a guy inside a bakery specializing in donuts.
Nikki told Time magazine that Molly’s journey involved taking back ownership of her body and gaining control. She explained, “Whenever Molly found herself losing control, she engaged in extremely enjoyable activities with men.”
Nikki added, "Molly desired to fall in love, and indeed she did—but with herself."
Nikki ended her speech with, "Therefore, if there’s anything left on your bucket list for experiences before you pass away—you should probably begin now."
"Dying for Sex" can be watched on Disney+.