12 Facts You Didn't Know About Masters Of Sex

7. Masters Legitimately Watched About 150 Prostitutes

Masters Of Sex beau Bridges Lizzie Caplan.jpg
Showtime

On the show, Masters begins his sexual study by using prostitutes rather than studying people who had more ‘normal’ sex lives (i.e. it wasn’t their job), because they were more willing to participate, as talking about sex was still very much a taboo subject back in the 1950s, never mind actively participating in it while a doctor watched.

This wasn’t just for the show, however, as this is one of the many elements that really did happen (whether Masters truly spied on them is another matter). It is estimated that in the parts of the study prior to observing those not in the sex industry, he watched almost 150 prostitutes. 

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.