NEW YORK (AP) – A relationship therapy TV show that premieres Friday gives most participating couples the same prescription: Go into a modular, windowless room onstage and have sex while the studio audience waits until they’re done. Not surprisingly, “Sex Box” has attracted some negative attention.
The Parents Television Council, One Million Moms and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation say they’ve collected more than 38,000 signatures on a petition urging WE TV to shelve the show. WE says it will begin as scheduled Friday at 10 p.m. EST/PST.
“Sex Box” is an adaptation of a British show where three therapists meet with couples who have relationship issues. In the first episode one woman has lost interest in sex after having a baby. The man in another couple doesn’t care whether his wife has an orgasm.
After some talking, therapist Chris Donaghue offers what the show clearly hopes will become a catchphrase: “Are you ready to go into the sex box?”
The couple enters the room, which is bathed in hot pink spotlights while occupied.