If you’ve been watching all the buzz around the new FX/Hulu series ‘Dying For Sex’, starring Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate, then you should get familiar with the hit Wondery podcast series and real life women this show is based on.
Created by three time Emmy award-winning TV host, producer, actress and podcaster Nikki Boyer, ‘Dying For Sex’ is Nikki’s groundbreaking story exploring her best friend Molly’s battle with Stage IV metastatic cancer, documenting Molly’s fearless sexual adventures as she leaves her husband of 15 years and begins to explore her sexuality during her terminal illness, gaining a new perspective on life. The podcast has over 12 million listeners, won the 2021 Ambie Award for Podcast of the Year — and was named one of Apple’s favorite podcasts of 2020. In a nutshell, it’s what the people want!
Debuting on FX on Hulu Friday April 4, Nikki was an executive producer of the TV adaptation and worked with Emmy Award-winning writer Elizabeth Meriwether (‘The Dropout’, ‘New Girl’) to bring the popular podcast to life on screen.
‘Dying For Sex’ gives audiences a refreshingly honest, funny and heart-wrenching take on one woman’s experience with cancer, and the best friend whose mission it is to see her live her most fulfilling life. It is no-holds-barred glimpse into the complexity of womanhood, marriage, sex and illness in a way we are not accustomed to seeing in mainstream media. Until now!
And if there is anyone who is an expert on storytelling and speaking in a language that engages audiences, it is Nikki Boyer. Her TV career has seen her on virtually every major television talk show, most recently as a guest on ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’, as well as co-creating and Co-Executive Producing ‘Step Girlfriends’, a television concept based on her real life, optioned by CBS Studios.
In the midst of the global pandemic, Nikki hosted nearly 200 episodes of Wondery’s “The Daily Smile,” a podcast about good news, and recently launched “Call Me Curious” via Wondery+, a lighthearted investigative series delves into offbeat topics. Nikki co-hosts the popular weekly podcast, “Straight Talk with Ross Mathews,” which recently recorded its 400th episode.
We had the chance to get the inside scoop from the extraordinary Nikki Boyer about the podcast, the TV series, and the kind of impact she hopes ‘Dying For Sex’ will have on audiences when it airs on FX on Hulu!
First off, a HUGE congrats on the news of your podcast being turned into a TV series! How are you feeling about it all, now that the news is out in the world?
Thank you for the kind words and for including me in this wonderful article.
I feel absolutely elated—overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement. The thought that so many people will be introduced to Molly for the first time fills me with joy, and for those who have already listened to the podcast, this brings a new layer to her story—one told through the brilliant perspectives of Liz Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock.
I can hardly believe this moment is finally here. Molly has been gone for six years, yet she still feels so present, so alive. And for that, I am deeply grateful. In many ways, I still feel like I’m working alongside her, and it’s an honor to know that more of the world will now get to know her too.
When you began working on the Dying for Sex podcast to tell Molly’s story, what were your initial goals and hope for impact?
Honestly, at the start, I was just overwhelmed and driven. I had just lost her, and I’d made this promise to get her story out there. I don’t think I had a clear goal beyond, just get this done, you know?
Once I had the honor of teaming up with Wondery and working with my amazing executive producer, Stephanie Jenz, I got really inspired about the deeper meaning and was able to reflect on everything. It was always about honoring Molly—her humor, her bravery, and the incredible way she lived, even while facing death.
I wanted to capture her exactly as she was—unfiltered, full of heart, and completely honest. I loved Molly so much, and through this podcast, I hoped people would get to know her the way I did. Beyond that, I wanted it to spark real conversations—about illness, sexuality, friendship, and what it truly means to live. More than anything, I hoped listeners would feel connected to her—to laugh with her, cry with her, and walk away inspired by the way she embraced life on her own terms.
There is such a thirst for new, nuanced and interesting stories about women, told by women, without filters or stereotypes. What do you think it is about Molly’s story that resonated so fiercely with your millions of listeners?
I think Molly’s story resonated so deeply because it was raw, real, and completely unapologetic. She wasn’t trying to fit into anyone’s idea of how a woman should navigate illness or sexuality—she was just fully, authentically herself. There’s such a hunger for stories about women that aren’t filtered, softened, or boxed into neat little stereotypes, and Molly’s story shattered all of that.
She was messy, hilarious, brave, and brutally honest about what she wanted in her final chapter. And I think people connected with that—whether they related to her experiences or just admired her courage to live authentically on her own terms. At its core, Dying for Sex wasn’t just about sex or illness; it was about agency, friendship, and what it means to really live when time is running out. And that’s something that sticks with people.
There seems to be a new awakening for many women today, realizing they don’t have to stay stuck in a marriage that is not serving them. Can you tell us more about Molly’s decision to do this, and how important it is to see women on screen pursuing their sexual needs without shame or judgement?
Molly’s decision to leave her relationship wasn’t just about seeking pleasure—it was about reclaiming herself. That kind of awakening is something so many women are experiencing today—the realization that they want something different, or something more, whether that’s passion, adventure, or simply the freedom to make choices that align with who they truly are. Sometimes, it’s just about giving yourself the space you need to discover who you really are. And what you fill that space with is entirely up to you.
What made Molly’s story so powerful was that she pursued her desires without shame or apology. She didn’t see herself as a victim of her circumstances; she saw an opportunity to live fully, on her terms. And that’s why it’s so important to see stories like hers on screen—women embracing their sexuality, making bold choices, and refusing to be defined by outdated expectations.
Whether your bucket list involves sex or not, this is an awakening. What do you want? What have you been putting off, denying yourself, or waiting for the “right” time to do? Molly’s story is a reminder that life is happening now—and you don’t need permission to start living it the way you want.
Ok tell us about the process of turning a hit podcast series into a TV show – how does that conversation start, and what is the creative journey like?
Turning a hit podcast series into a TV show is an exciting but complex process, and it all begins with the right partners. For Dying for Sex, the fire was lit by Wondery. They were amazing partners and were instrumental in bringing the podcast to life in the first place, and when the idea of adapting it for TV came up, they were the reason it even got off the ground. Their belief in the story and their commitment to telling it authentically played a huge role in getting the right people involved.
From there, the creative journey is a mix of preserving what made the podcast so special while adapting it for a visual format. You have to make sure the essence of the characters and the heart of the story remain intact, but also think about how to use the medium of television to bring a new layer to the narrative. It’s about collaborating and I was lucky to have people that craved that.
For me, the creative journey involved working closely with incredible people like Liz Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock, who brought their own unique perspectives and voices to the project. They understood the core of Molly’s story and were able to expand on it in ways that felt natural, but also fresh for a new audience.
As an Executive Producer of the upcoming FX series on Hulu, how involved were you in each aspect of the show, and what did you love most about this experience?
I was deeply involved in the process, and I owe so much of that to my incredible showrunners. They brought me into the writers’ room, where I spent countless hours on the phone, pouring out personal stories about Molly and me. We shared details that we didn’t get to touch on in the podcast, and I helped create a full timeline of everything—from the moment Molly and I met to her death. It was a lot of heavy lifting, both emotionally and medically, as we worked to make sure every part of her story was captured accurately.
But what made it even more meaningful was the desire to not just honor Molly but to make sure the show was compelling and true to her spirit. I was lucky enough to be on set for nearly half of the shooting, which was a huge honor. Watching the actors bring the characters to life and seeing the director shape the vision was incredible. I also got to work with the Production Designer, Michael Bricker, to incorporate details that were specific to Molly’s life, which added so much authenticity to the show. I also got the privilege of acting in a scene next to Michelle Williams and Sissy Spacek, and Jay Duplass… so yeah… pretty cool. Thanks Molly!
It truly felt like a beautiful dance—a collaboration between everyone involved. And I’m so grateful for how much I got to contribute. Sometimes, writers and producers take stories and adapt them in ways that don’t include the original participants or stay true to the essence of the characters. So, I don’t take it for granted that this process was as respectful, inclusive, and creative as it was. It’s been a rare and wonderful experience.
What can audiences expect to see in Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate’s on-screen characters and storylines?
Audiences can expect to see something truly special from Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate’s characters. Michelle plays a version of Molly that’s both complex and deeply human—she captures her vulnerability, humor, and strength in a way that feels so authentic and she nails her facial expressions and movements.
Jenny’s version on Nikki- is someone who is experiencing a bit of a messy life as well as a profound loss, but is also finding her own way in the world while caring for her friend. Her storyline explores the process of grieving, growing, and finding new meaning in the aftermath of such a transformative friendship. Jenny brings a wonderful mix of humor and depth to this character, and her chemistry with Michelle is truly magnetic.
And let’s not forget—there’s lots of sex, raw emotion, and dealing with childhood trauma—all while chuckling along the way. Michelle and Jenny really bring it all together in a way that is both touching and hilarious.
Can you tell us more about the writing process, and how important it was to find the right person to tell the Dying For Sex story for on-screen audiences?
I’m still blown away by how many talented writers gathered in a room for hours and hours on end to figure out the best way to tell Molly’s story for television. I love that visual of so many creative people putting their brains and heart together. Liz Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock are absolutely the perfect people to spearhead the writing for the ‘Dying for Sex’ TV show! They brought together a room of truly amazing writers and consultants to collaborate with.
They both have such a unique ability to blend humor with emotional depth, which is exactly what this story needed. Liz has a knack for capturing complex characters and making them relatable, funny, and deeply human. Kim has an incredible way of dealing with raw emotions and heavy themes, while still infusing the writing with wit and charm. Together, they bring such a rich dynamic to the show, knowing exactly when to push the emotional moments and when to bring in the humor.
What was the most fascinating part of discussing cancer, marriage and sex with Molly, for you personally? What did you learn or think about most from her story?
The most fascinating part was her unflinching honesty and fearlessness in confronting difficult topics. She showed me that it’s never too late to redefine your life and pursue joy, even in the face of death. And the she showed me the power of changing your mind. And being brutally honest with yourself.. Molly’s story taught me the importance of living authentically, embracing all parts of myself, and pursuing connection without fear or apology. And laugh…always make time to freaking laugh.
At a time when we are being bombarded with daily awful news politically, what space or emotion do you hope Dying For Sex (both the TV series and the podcast) will occupy in people’s lives?
In a time when we’re constantly bombarded with heavy, often distressing news, I hope Dying for Sex—both the FX/Hulu TV series and the Wondery podcast—can offer people a much-needed escape, but also a sense of connection, inclusion, and hope.
I want it to remind people that even in the darkest moments, there’s room for joy, laughter, love, and authenticity. It’s a show and a podcast that invites people to reflect on their own lives, their relationships, and what it means to truly live, with no judgment or shame—just the raw, beautiful experience of being human.
‘Dying For Sex’ premieres on FX on Hulu Friday, April 4. You can listen to the Dying For Sex podcast series from Wondery. And follow Nikki Boyer on Instagram to keep up with all the shenanigans!
