Whitney and Andrew attempt to bring their chemistry into the real world. Bela over-curates The Foxy’s big spotlight. Kimberly accompanies Canaan to the Econ department’s awards banquet. Leighton visits the women’s center – and Alicia.
28 minS1:E1
Welcome to Essex
As they start settling into college life, first-year suite mates Kimberly, Bela, Leighton, and Whitney navigate relationships, extracurriculars, and culture shock. Later, the girls hit an exclusive party to blow off some steam.
The first week of class finds Kimberly feeling out of her league, while Leighton thrives academically… but not so much otherwise. Whitney confronts soccer drama, and – looking to get properly wild – Bela and Kimberly go to a naked party.
While Kimberly connects with Nico during a tutoring session, Leighton begrudgingly starts volunteering at the women's center, Bela explores the local dating app pool, and Whitney seeks to take things with Dalton to the next level.
After mingling with an exclusive sorority, Leighton gets roped into a date with a boy, while Whitney confides in a teammate about her relationship with Dalton. With Kimberly in tow, Bela speaks her mind at a high-profile Catullan event.
While a cryptic message from Nico sends Kimberly reeling, Leighton invites the women's center to her brother's frat party. Bela has an uncomfortable experience with a Catullan editor, and Whitney navigates the fallout of investigative work.
After reuniting with their families for the first time since move-in day, the girls struggle through an uncomfortable dinner, where parents clash, egos are bruised, and secrets are revealed.
While Bela anxiously awaits the Catullan's final decision, Kimberly gets hooked on casual sex with Nico, Whitney explores her connection with Canaan, and Leighton takes the next step with Alicia.
At Leighton's surprise party for Nico, an unexpected guest sends Kimberly reeling. Bela worries she silenced a fellow Catullan writer, and a rumor threatens to upend Whitney's world.
A heartbroken Kimberly considers cheating on an exam. Leighton's fear of coming out upends her weekend getaway with Alicia. Bela navigates the fallout of exposing assault. Whitney confronts the truth about Dalton.
While Kimberly faces possible expulsion after her honor code violation, Bela takes a stand against the Catullan's culture, Whitney levels with her mom, and Leighton speaks her truth.
As they come to terms with their new status on campus, Bela creates an all-female humor magazine, Whitney copes with the off-season, and Kimberly tries to find money with Leighton's unexpected help.
Bela and Leighton organize a fundraiser to help Zeta so they can get back to their parties. Kimberly tries to find collateral for her loan and Whitney feels threatened by Canaan's new partner.
While Leighton enjoys the perks of being out, Bela focuses on a short king. Whitney attempts to expand her horizons with a difficult class, and Kimberly considers a new fix for her money problems.
Bela scrambles to expand The Foxy's reach ahead of its release. Jackson invites Kimberly to a study session. Canaan asks Whitney to be his girlfriend… but she already thought they were dating. Leighton gets called out.
Leighton helps Kimberly administer her hormone injections. Whitney considers how to handle being repeatedly mistaken for the only other Black girl in class. Bela clashes with her Catullan replacement.
Bela seizes an opportunity when a late-night comic visits campus. Kimberly attempts to prove she hasn't been “med-zoned” by Jackson. Whitney fights to contribute to a group assignment. Leighton pursues a junior… who reminds her of herself.
For Pre-Frosh Weekend, Bela hosts her nerdy childhood friend Priya, who's had a surprise glow-up. Leighton prepares to come out to her dad. Kimberly seeks commonalities with Jackson, while Whitney finds chemistry with her lab partner.
Whitney and Andrew attempt to bring their chemistry into the real world. Bela over-curates The Foxy’s big spotlight. Kimberly accompanies Canaan to the Econ department’s awards banquet. Leighton visits the women’s center – and Alicia.
