The television adaptation of Normal People has lived up to fans' lofty expectations, with the BBC Three show getting rave reviews on Twitter.
The 12 part series, which follows the dysfunctional relationship between the intelligent, wealthy yet unpopular Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and the popular Connell (Paul Mescal) landed in its entirety on BBC iPlayer on Sunday.
While their blossoming relationship starts in secret at school, things change when the pair both attend Trinity College, Dublin – with Marianne blossoming in a new friendship group and Connell finding himself struggling in the middle class environment.
While a double-bill of the series will be shown on BBC One every Monday night, some viewers were so enthralled that they watched the whole drama in one sitting.
Fans described the series as “stunning”, praising the performances from both the leads as well as how faithful it stayed to Sally Rooney’s original book.
One scene that was particularly highly-praised was when Connell and Marianne agree to have sex, with Connell outlining consent.
He tells Marianne: “If it hurts or anything, we can stop. It won’t be awkward.”
One viewer said the scene “should be screened in every high school and uni class in the world”.
Another added: “[Normal People] is so good at showing consent and safe sex!! And it's still sexy and intimate!”
Discussing the realistic sex scenes in the series, Marianne actor Daisy Edgar-Jones told i-D: “It’s really important to be truthful with the nudity.
“It’s just very real to what a relationship is really like.”
Normal People launches Monday at 9pm on BBC One and is streaming as a box set on BBC Three on BBC iPlayer
