Storyline

The History of Sex is a 1999 five part documentary series by Jim Milio, Kelly McPherson, and Melissa Jo Peltier; and narrated by Peter Coyote. It was first aired on The History Channel. It features interviews of Hugh Hefner, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Helen Gurley Brown, and more.

First Aired

1999-08-16
Last Aired

1999-08-20
Creator
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

1
Episodes

5
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

History

Keywords:

sex education miniseries ancient world

Stream and watch The History of Sex

Season 1

1. The 20th Century

A sensual, extensive series that looks at what sex has meant to the development of civilization--and w...More

A sensual, extensive series that looks at what sex has meant to the development of civilization--and what the development of civilization has meant to sex. From the first latex condom in the 1920s to the birth of the Pill in the 1960s, sexuality evolved at a rapid pace in the 20th century. How will sex change in the 21st century?Less

60mins 1999-08-16

2. From Don Juan to Queen Victoria

This part of our sexual sweep through history covers the intensely romantic (Don Juan, Casanova) and t...More

This part of our sexual sweep through history covers the intensely romantic (Don Juan, Casanova) and the darkly perverse (Marquis de Sade), then moves on to the 19th century with its quirky views. It is the era of Queen Victoria, yet mail-order pornography takes off. We also reveal carnal kinks of the Pilgrims and Puritans.Less

60mins 1999-08-17

3. The Middle Ages

In this steamy history, we trace the evolution of sexual beliefs and practices from the fall of the Ro...More

In this steamy history, we trace the evolution of sexual beliefs and practices from the fall of the Roman Empire through the Renaissance. We'll also uncover the conflicting extremes of medieval romance and sex--from the bawdy life of European city dwellers to the staid and dangerous practice of courtly love. Medieval scholars offer humorous and interesting carnal tales of lusty knights, bawdy widows, naughty priests, and chaste maidens.Less

60mins 1999-08-18

4. The Eastern World

An exploration of sex in China, Japan, India, and the Arab world that offers an intriguing perspective...More

An exploration of sex in China, Japan, India, and the Arab world that offers an intriguing perspective on the interrelation of sexuality and spirituality in eastern culture. Among the topics presented are the ancient Chinese equivalent of Viagra, Japanese acceptance of prostitutes and pornographic art, and tips from the Kama Sutra.Less

60mins 1999-08-19

5. Ancient Civilization

In this hour, we study sex in the ancient world--from Mesopotamians, who viewed adultery as a crime of...More

In this hour, we study sex in the ancient world--from Mesopotamians, who viewed adultery as a crime of theft, to Romans, who believed that squatting and sneezing after sex was a reliable method birth control. We also look at revealing Egyptian and Greek practices--from the origins of dildos, to intimate relations between Egyptian gods and goddesses, to the use of crocodile dung as a contraceptive.Less