A Channel 4 sex experiment show has left viewers shocked as committed couples agree to have sex with other people to see if they are willing to have a polyamorous relationship
A Channel 4 reality show has left viewers stunned – and some reaching to turn off the TV – after a contestant vomited while participating in a bizarre sex experiment that saw his girlfriend sleeping with other men.
In the latest explosive episode of Open House: The Great Sex Experiment, Tom and his girlfriend Lauren signed up to explore non-monogamy in an attempt to reignite their relationship – but the reality proved too much for Tom to stomach, quite literally.
The controversial show, which airs on Channel 4, invites committed couples to a luxurious countryside retreat to test the boundaries of their relationships by experimenting with open sex – all under the watchful eyes of cameras and sex therapists.
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Touted by the show as a bold dive into “one of society’s greatest taboos” – monogamy – Open House has become one of the broadcaster’s most talked-about series, following in the footsteps of the equally provocative Virgin Island, which was slammed by some viewers as “creepy” and “uncomfortable”.
In one episode, Tom and Lauren were advised by non-monogamy coach Effy Blue to try spending time independently to see how it would impact their bond. But things quickly turned from awkward to distressing.
Despite Lauren’s pep talk – “Don’t be nervous. You absolutely got this” – Tom looked pale and anxious as she reassured him about the day ahead. Moments later, he was seen rushing off camera to vomit in the bathroom.
“This is going to be horrible,” he admitted. “I feel absolutely petrified and sick.”
Lauren, hugging him from behind, gently urged: “All that anyone can ask is that you just try, okay?”
Lauren had been the one to suggest they experiment with other people from the outset. Speaking to the camera, she said: “Yes, it’s throwing me and Tom in the deep end… but for him to have the confidence that we can go off, have our fun, and come back to each other at the end of the night – it’s insane.”
But viewers weren’t convinced – many taking to social media to question both the format and the wellbeing of those taking part.
“I’m no prude, but this is unnecessarily graphic and getting away with it by being ‘educational’,” posted one user on X. “Grow up, Channel 4. Full of exhibitionists.”
Another wrote: “Tom needs help and support – he shouldn’t be anywhere near this show. #OpenHouse.”
“Honestly feel bad for Tom,” added one viewer. “He needs counselling, not cameras in his face.”
A fourth branded the episode “so awkward to watch,” while others said Channel 4 was simply pushing boundaries for shock value.
Tom had opened up about bedroom issues in the episode, explaining he struggled “to get it up” due to performance anxiety. But later on, his worries passed as both he and Lauren had sex with different people in separate rooms at the same time.
Open House: The Great Sex Experiment is available to stream now on Channel 4.
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