‘I’m Losing Interest In Cliffhangers’: The Sex Lives Of College Girls EP Talks About Crafting Season 3’s Finale, And I Hope Other Shows Take Notes

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In today’s era of streaming and frequent television series cancellations, cliffhangers have grown remarkably commonplace. Notably, they are often used in stories where they seem unnecessary, and it could be argued that their overuse is widespread. I’m confident I’m not alone in this viewpoint. This trend seems to be one reason why Justin Noble, the creator of Sex Lives of College Girls, opted out of including a cliffhanger in the Season 3 finale that premiered within the 2025 TV schedule. Noble has shed some light on his decision, and I hope other shows will follow suit.

Justin Noble, who jointly oversees the Max original series and collaborated with Caroline Goldfarb in penning the Season 3 finale episode, broke away from the previous seasons’ pattern of concluding with significant, life-changing cliffhangers. Instead, he opted for a more upbeat, less intense ending. This unexpected shift has sparked worry among some fans, leading them to question if this could be the series’ final installment. However, Noble clarified to The Hollywood Reporter that he wasn’t asked to bring the show to an end. He then explained his thoughtful reasoning behind the choice of the ending:

As a content creator, I’m finding less appeal in using cliffhangers. Prolonging seasons seems to be more common now due to industry logistics, and I believe audiences no longer respond as strongly to cliffhangers as they once did. Fundamentally, shows maintain their identity and we don’t favor excessive change, particularly in comedy. Cliffhangers can feel risky and fleeting, often leading to a sense of relief followed by a quick return to normalcy within just a couple of episodes of the new season.

As a devoted fan and one who resonates with Noble’s aversion to cliffhangers, I wholeheartedly concur. There’s nothing more exasperating for a viewer than witnessing a character embark on a life-altering journey only to have it left unresolved, merely to maintain audience engagement. Take this season, for example; the writers seemed fixated on resolving the Season 2 cliffhanger between Whitney and Kimberly, devoting almost two entire episodes to their reconciliation. Time that could have been utilized to introduce fresh storylines or swiftly acquaint viewers with the new characters.

Indeed, since viewers have grown accustomed to thrilling cliffhangers, it was all the more surprising and gratifying when the opposite unfolded. Firstly, this change offered a refreshing tonal shift towards an intense episode brimming with dramatic disclosures and the departure of Reneé Rapp’s character, Leighton, as she pursued academic opportunities. Additionally, it was a rare victory for the girls in a season filled with challenges. Furthermore, what made it even better is that there remains more story to unravel, despite the current state of contentment.

Instead of using cliffhangers, writers and EPs might want to consider following the successful approach taken in the Season 3 finale of The Sex Lives of College Girls. By crafting satisfying conclusions without leaving audiences hanging, they could bring back the impact of this storytelling technique and ensure it maintains its intended effect.

As you anticipate whether there will be a Season 4 for “The Sex Lives of College Girls“, why not catch up on Season 3 and the earlier seasons by streaming them all with an active Max subscription? Enjoy the wait!

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2025-01-28 01:37