The Max Original series “The Sex Lives of College Girls” returns for its highly anticipated third season on Thursday, November 21, with weekly episodes airing at 9:00 p.m. ET through January 23. Created by Emmy-nominated Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, the show continues to explore the messy, hilarious, and heartfelt lives of students at New England’s Essex College. With a talented ensemble cast including Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Alyah Chanelle Scott, and Renika Williams, the series delves deeper into its characters’ journeys while introducing new faces for season 3.
During Vulture Fest, held November 16-17, showrunner Justin Noble and cast members Alyah Chanelle Scott, Renika Williams, and Ilia Isorelýs Paulino teased Season 3 highlights during a playful pajama-themed panel. Dressed in cozy sleepwear, they gave fans a glimpse into the humor and camaraderie that define the series.
Before the panel kicked off, the cast and crew took to the red carpet, where they reflected on the upcoming season and its evolving storylines. Discussing the show’s commitment to representation, Justin Noble reassured fans that queer storytelling remains central to the series despite the departure of series regular Reneé Rapp, who played the only gay character amongst the primary cast. “The one thing you never have to worry about with me is having a lot of queer storytelling,” Noble said. “There’s a lot of new forms of queer representation in this season… both in terms of our main cast, our supporting cast, and some love interests.” Noble highlighted his passion for creating relatable narratives for all audiences, stating, “One lesson we’re learning is that straight audiences are invested in [queer stories] just as well. So the more storytelling we can put out there, the better.”
Noble also shed light on the unique creative process behind the show. From amplifying voices in the writers’ room to drawing from real-life experiences, the collaboration ensures authenticity. “There’s so much in each of the characters that are autobiographical from either Mindy, myself, or any of the writers,” he shared. Reflecting on one character’s development, Noble recounted, “At one point, one of the writers looked around and said, ‘She was probably one of those girls whose parents were like, you are not allowed to leave the house with wet hair.’ And all of these women started nodding. As a gay, bald man, I was like, I can’t possibly relate, but there’s something here.”
Alyah Chanelle Scott, who plays Whitney, opened up about her character’s evolution this season. “They’re sophomores now, so there’s a little bit more confidence entering the season, which I really like for them,” she said. “For Whitney, she’s juggling a lot of things and having a hard time doing that. The conversation of mental health comes up, and she’s trying to grapple with the shame and embarrassment, but also asking for help when she needs it.”
When asked about the duality of Whitney’s stubbornness, Scott admitted, “She’s so steadfast in her ways, and I am the same way. But it’s also the thing that makes me, when I watch the scenes back, go, ‘God, if she would just shut up and ask for help or change her opinion, things would be easier.’”
Scott also reflected on her efforts to welcome new cast members Gracie Lawrence and Mia Rodgers and build chemistry. “I kind of went overboard… I was like, ‘Guys, what are you doing this weekend? You want to hang out?’ And they were like, ‘Alyah, we get it. You’re trying. You want to be friends.’” The effort paid off, creating what Scott described as “a new energy with them” that invigorated the group dynamic.
Renika Williams, who plays Willow, shared her pride in the character’s growing maturity. “We see Willow just mature a little bit more,” Williams said. “She knows the entire queer community, so I can tell you who that is, who that is, who that is. And I think she’s just feeling herself a little bit. That confidence is coming out.”
Reflecting on her real-life connection to Willow, Williams noted, “I do appreciate that she tries to be the voice of reason when it comes to her friends. Like, I love my friends in real life, but sometimes they get a little off the handle, and I’m the one that reels them back in.”
Williams also celebrated her growth as an actress this season, revealing, “I’m proud to say that I did all my own stunts. Season one, I had to train to play soccer, and I’ve never played soccer. I cried the first day of training.”
Season 3 promises to take the series to new heights, exploring fresh romantic entanglements, deepening friendships, and the academic pressures of sophomore year. With its continued emphasis on inclusivity and humor, “The Sex Lives of College Girls” keeps pushing boundaries while staying relatable to audiences of all backgrounds. All seasons of “The Sex Lives of College Girls” are available for streaming on Max in the U.S. Season 3 episodes will debut weekly on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, starting November 21, 2024. The ten-episode season is set to conclude on January 23.