The gang is back in action in the highly anticipated season three premiere of The Sex Lives of College Girls, and the episode dives right into the chaotic, comedic college life we’ve come to love. The season kicks off with Bela, who begins the episode talking to a statue she believes to be John Essex—only to be interrupted by an administrator informing her that her GPA is the lowest they've ever seen. The mix-up leads to a hilarious revelation: Bela wasn't talking to John Essex but rather Jacon Yates, a notoriously awful person.
Meanwhile, Leighton is on a road trip with her girlfriend, who’s acting mysteriously, adding a touch of suspense to the episode. Kimberly’s parents drop her off at college, and she’s immediately nervous about seeing Whitney because she is now dating her ex, Canaan which ended their friendship. Kimberly hopes to repair their friendship.
Across campus, Whitney is having a conversation with her mother, US Senator Evette Chase. She reveals that she’s decided to leave her former roommates and move into the sorority house. However, sorority life provides a different challenge for Whitney.
Bela, Kimberly, and Leighton are all settling into their new dorm, which has become a triple since Whitney’s departure. Kimberly soon discovers that the girls have been meeting with Whitney and have a separate group chat, leading to tension as
Leighton requests that the group fix the situation.
Bela takes a brief break from comedy and embarks on a personal transformation, deciding to become a better person. She also volunteers to replace their former FAF (who’s sick with tropical pneumonia), seeing it as a step in her reinvention.
Whitney, balancing soccer and sorority life, faces challenges as a new teammate threatens her position as the starting center. A fine for missing a "bagels and bonding" event due to soccer practice only adds to her stress. Leighton, on the other hand, struggles to get into a math class but is told she can take an advanced course at a grad school thirty minutes away.
The girls celebrate Whitney’s birthday party at a club. Bela locks Whitney and Kimberly in a closet forcing them to work it out. They makeup and are friends again. As the two repair their relationship they may be losing another member of their clique. Leighton’s girlfriend is moving to Boston.
Episode one ends with Leighton telling her professor that she cannot handle the commute and that her math courses are important to her. This leads to an opportunity at MIT that she cannot pass up.
Episode 2 Goodbye Leighton
In episode two of The Sex Lives of College Girls, the dynamics among the group evolve as they face new challenges in their already chaotic lives. Kimberly and Whitney find themselves sharing a bed after Whitney moves back into the dorm, and the overcrowded conditions leave them on a quest for a new room. As they walk across the quad, they attract the attention of a few guys, which Bela points out with her signature dry humor. However, Whitney is resolute in her decision to swear off dating, a stance that is immediately tested.
The plot takes an intriguing turn when Kimberly and Whitney discover they are enrolled in the same African American studies class. Kimberly, eager to prove herself as an ally, comments that the class will look good during her confirmation hearing. A comment that, though well-meaning, comes across more as self-serving than true allyship. Enter Isiah—a handsome student who clearly has eyes for Whitney, though she tries to resist the obvious attraction.
Meanwhile, Leighton receives confirmation of her acceptance into MIT, but her hesitation about leaving her current life behind weighs heavily on her. On the dorm front, Bela has her hands full as she discovers an unexpected candle in a room that leads to an even more unexpected scene—Troublesome Taylor has locked her roommate out in the middle of a loud sexual encounter. Bela, ever the voice of reason, advises Taylor to use a Google Calendar for her "sexploits" instead of turning the dorm into her personal love den.
Kimberly, still dealing with the awkwardness of overcrowding, heads to the dorm office to request a room change. There, she meets a charming student assistant who seems eager to help her get what she wants—and even asks for her number in the process.
Back at the dorm, Whitney receives flowers and an extravagant bottle of champagne from Isiah, which causes her to reassess her feelings. The champagne's price tag—over $600—sets off alarms, and she expresses her distaste for dating rich guys, a sentiment rooted in past experiences with wealthy peers at her boarding school. Leighton, meanwhile, grapples with the decision to leave, but news of her quad approval causes her to hesitate.
Troublesome Taylor, undeterred by Bela’s advice, reports her to Student Administration, and Bela finds herself enrolled in online sensitivity training. Despite the ridiculousness of the situation, Bela takes it in stride, though she quickly learns that Taylor may be a force to be reckoned with.
In a confrontation with Isiah, Whitney tries to put him off by claiming she's too busy for a relationship, but he doesn't allow her to get away with that excuse, leading her to admit the real reason: she doesn’t date rich guys. His response is both pointed and proud—his father worked hard to build wealth, and he won’t apologize for being a visible representation of that success. Humbled, Whitney walks away, leaving with her friend to process her feelings.
The episode also features Laila’s fashion show. The show itself is supposed to be inclusive, but it ends up being more about Laila's personal fantasies than true diversity, especially after a trans model falls off the stage in an awkward moment. At this show, the girls discover Leighton’s decision to transfer. They confront her later, leading to a tearful, heartwarming discussion where they show their full support for her, no matter what. But with Leighton leaving the next day, the girls know they have to go all out for one final night together.
Later, Eli invites the girls to a party. There, Whitney, having thought about her feelings, apologizes to Isiah. Her chemistry with him is undeniable, but there’s still a wall between them. Kimberly finds out that Eli, the student who helped with her room change, is bisexual—adding another layer of complexity to her personal life. Encouraged by Leighton, the two talk, leading to making out on the dancefloor. Bela, undeterred by Taylor’s antics, declares that she’s at the party to have fun despite the ongoing drama.
The bittersweet end of the episode sees Bela in the ER, supporting Taylor as she has overindulged in alcohol, which has landed her with alcohol poisoning. After they see Leighton off, the group faces the question of who will take the coveted single in their new quad. However, when they arrive, they find an abundance of boxes and belongings in the common area, which leads them to suspect that their new roommate has already moved in.
Season three picks up right where it left off, delivering the same sharp humor and character-driven drama. The chemistry between the cast remains strong, and the episode strikes the perfect balance of heart and humor. It’s a solid start to the season, and I’d give it a solid 10 for keeping the laughs and emotional moments coming. With Leighton leaving, the question lingers: can the show maintain its charm without one of the core four? It’s a tough question, but the answer will unfold in future episodes. Another solid installment, and we’re left eagerly awaiting what’s next.
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