As we get ready to tuck into season three, let’s take a look at what our favourite freshman have been up to
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY MAX
LGBTQIA audiences will be delighted to know that the beloved Max show The Sex Lives of College Girls is back. The first episode of the third season of the hit show drops today (21 November), and we cannot wait to be reunited with our favourite messy trio. While sapphics everywhere have mourned the loss of Leighton (Reneé Rapp) who will not be returning for this season, we’re hoping to still see some more queer storylines in this new chapter.
Created by Mindy Kaling, the comedy series follows the lives of freshmen at college as they tackle adulthood head-on, exploring their sexuality in a variety of hilarious ways. Fans quickly flocked to the show for its humour and LGBTQIA representation, with Reneé Rapp showing us lesbians as we’ve rarely seen them before.
Since its release in 2021, the show has continued to gain traction. But what have the cast been up to since the first series? Join us as we find out.
Pauline Chalamet (Kimberly)
Pauline took on the role of Kimberley, a freshman who has to juggle her working-class background with the pressures of Essex College. She works a campus coffee shop job, struggles to keep her scholarship, awkwardly navigates romantic relationships, and showcases her quirky yet determined personality as she tackles everything from cheating scandals to financial stress.
Since the first series of the show, Pauline has starred in a number of short films and starred as Paola in the 2023 TV mini-series Split. Earlier this year, she announced that she had given birth to her first child.
Reneé Rapp (Leighton)
Sapphics everywhere resonated with Reneé Rapp’s portrayal of Leighton. Although she starts out as a privileged, confident, and guarded socialite, audiences soon see her softer side as she grapples with her sexuality. Since the first series of the show, Reneé has shot to stardom. The release of her debut studio album Snow Angel firmly planted her at the top of the music industry, and her international tour garnered wide acclaim. She also starred as Regina George in the 2024 Mean Girls adaptation which was heralded for its LGBTQIA inclusion. Oh, and she hard launched her relationship with Towa Bird. She has been busy!
Amrit Kaur (Bela)
Sex-positive comedy writer Bela quickly became a fan favourite due to her hilarious missteps in love. Amrit Kaur brought the character to life, showcasing Bela’s dreams of writing for late-night TV and her desire to advocate for change when faced with sexism. Following the success of the first series, Amrit starred in the hit sapphic film The Queen Of My Dreams, and she became a founding member of the Gracemoon Arts Company – an initiative which uses art to help inspire conversations about humanitarian issues.
Midori Francis (Alicia)
Confident and outspoken activist Alicia certainly caught Leighton’s eye on the show, and fans loved to see the way their complicated yet meaningful connection played out. Since starring as the sapphic love interest, Midori has played Dr Mika Yasuda on Grey’s Anatomy. Throughout her career, she has spoken openly about her experience being an Asian-American actor in Hollywood.
Alyah Chanelle (Whitney)
Next up we have the talented soccer star Whitney. Played by Alyah Chanelle, Whitney’s storyline was characterised by having to balance the pressures of being a senator’s daughter and navigating a secret relationship with her coach. Since the first series of the show, Alyah has starred in Steve Levitan’s 2022 Reboot. She’s also headed down the route of producing and directing, winning a Tony award for the Broadway Revival of the musical Paradise. Never straying far from her roots, she also directed the music videos for Reneé’s songs Talk Too Much and Snow Angel.
Ilia Isorelýs Paulino (Lila)
Kimberley’s hilariously blunt and fiercely loyal coworker Lila – played by Ilia Isorelýs Paulino – was known for her sharp wit, deadpan humour, and unwavering support of her friends. Since the first series of the show, Ilia has starred in titles such as One Piece, Family Switch, and even Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie.
Gracie Dzienny (Tatum)
Tatum is the confident, edgy, and openly queer student who sparks a whirlwind romance with Leighton, challenging her to embrace her authentic self while showcasing her unapologetically bold personality. While Grace hasn’t been on our screens much since the show, you may have heard her voice in the video game Starfield.
Renika Williams (Willow)
Whitney’s spirited and outspoken soccer teammate Willow gave us even more lesbian representation on the show. Since being on the show, Renika has starred in a short film, and as Shivani in the 2024 hit comedy The Fabulous Four.
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