The Best TV Shows About Cheaters, Affairs, And Infidelity

The Best TV Shows About Cheaters, Affairs, And Infidelity

Ranker TV
Updated April 16, 2025 408.5K views 63 items
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2.9K votes
1.7K voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the best shows -scripted and unscripted - that uncover cheaters and let you dive deep into the relationship drama.
Latest additions: The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, Chemistry
Most divisive: The Good Wife
Over 1.7K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of TV Shows About Cheaters & Affairs

Cheaters never win - except with audiences that are here for that relationship drama. Cheating and affairs are a regular part of a lot of drama series, especially primetime soap operas, but it is the driving plot point of far fewer shows. From stories about affairs that change the characters' lives to series where the infidelity is just one more piece to a deeply complex puzzle, tv shows about infidelity wouldn't be able to tell the stories they do without the romantic indiscretions of their main characters.

It doesn't matter if the cheating is a primary part of the plot (The Good Wife) or just a constant as a relationship dissolves (Mad Men), shows that feature infidelity wield a surprising power over the audience, catching our hearts and emotions up in their merciless rollercoaster.  Vote up your favorite shows about infidelity and cheating whether they're scripted series or reality shows.

Ranked by
  • The Affair
    1
    Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney
    380 votes

    What makes The Affair such a compelling portrayal of infidelity is its unique storytelling style, offering multiple perspectives on the sordid details of the extramarital relationship between the protagonists, Noah Solloway and Alison Bailey. By presenting the events from the viewpoints of both the betrayer and the betrayed, the show delves into the character's justifications, regrets, and the emotional rollercoaster that is an affair. The Affair also plunges headfirst into the fallout of their actions, exploring the impact on their respective partners, children, and friendships. This realistic and engrossing take on the complicated world of infidelity has cemented The Affair as a modern classic in its exploration of love, lust, and betrayal.

    • Premiered: October 12, 2014
    • Genres: Drama
  • Sex/Life
    2
    Sarah Shahi, Mike Vogel, Adam Demos
    314 votes

    Sex/Life is a provocative exploration of desire, fantasy, and the allure of the forbidden, following the story of Billie Connelly as she grapples with her past sexual escapades and her present married life. At its core, the show tackles themes of dissatisfaction, unfulfilled desires, and the threat of infidelity looming over seemingly perfect relationships. Through subtle hints of scandal and tantalizing flashbacks, Sex/Life delves into the complexities of monogamy, raising questions about the often blurred lines between fidelity and betrayal. This titillating and boundary-pushing series stands out among the best TV shows about cheaters, offering viewers a fresh and brutally honest perspective on the intricacies of modern relationships and infidelity.

    • Premiered: June 25, 2021
    • Genres: Comedy,Drama,Romance
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    NEW TO THE LIST
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      The Narrow Road to the Deep North
      2 votes
  • A Teacher
    3
    Kate Mara, Nick Robinson, Ashley Zukerman
    262 votes

    A Teacher treads the treacherous path of depicting a highly controversial and illicit affair between high school teacher Claire Wilson and her student, Eric Walker. The show crafts a compelling and nuanced narrative, focusing not only on the immediate repercussions of their actions but also on the long-term consequences for both characters. By maintaining a constant tension between desire and morality, A Teacher challenges viewers to question societal norms and expectations around relationships, power dynamics, and consent. In the realm of television shows about infidelity, A Teacher serves as an unnerving and thought-provoking examination of forbidden passion and its devastating consequences.

    • Premiered: November 10, 2020
    • Genres: Drama
    • A Teacher
      1A Teacher
      76 Votes
    • Cruel Summer
      2Cruel Summer
      24 Votes
    • Y Tu Mamá También
      3Y Tu Mamá También
      5 Votes
  • Doctor Foster
    4
    Suranne Jones, Bertie Carvel, Jodie Comer
    299 votes

    Delving deep into the world of deceit and betrayal, Doctor Foster masterfully unravels the story of Gemma Foster, a successful GP whose life spirals when she discovers her husband's infidelity. The series navigates through the complexities of revenge, broken trust, fractured relationships, and the resulting emotional turmoil, offering viewers a raw, unfiltered portrayal of the consequences of infidelity. Through its narrative, the show allows us to empathize with the characters' dilemma as they confront their crumbling relationships and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of betrayal. Doctor Foster is a brilliant exploration of the human psyche, setting a high benchmark for television shows tackling themes of affairs and heartbreak.

    • Premiered: September 9, 2015
    • Genres: Drama,Mystery
  • Behind Her Eyes
    5
    Simona Brown, Robert Aramayo, Tyler Howitt
    82 votes

    Grounded in psychological suspense, Behind Her Eyes delves into a tangled web of infidelity, deceit, and manipulation as Louise, a single mother embarks on an affair with her married boss, David. The secrecy and thrill of their indiscretion are further complicated by Louise's obsession with David's enigmatic wife, Adele. As revelations about David and Adele's toxic marriage unfold, the series showcases the dark underbelly of seemingly idyllic relationships, where lies and betrayal run rampant. Behind Her Eyes keeps viewers enthralled through its adept exploration of infidelity, jealousy, and manipulation, resulting in an unforgettable viewing experience.

    • Premiered: February 17, 2021
    • Genres: Drama,Mystery,Thriller
  • Obsession
    6
    Richard Armitage, Charlie Murphy, Rish Shah
    102 votes

    Obsession delves deep into the tumultuous world of infidelity and the dark consequences that can arise from unchecked desire. The series masterfully intertwines themes of deception, manipulation, and betrayal, placing its characters firmly at the mercy of their own obsessions. The show explores the unfathomable lengths people will go to when consumed by passion, and it demonstrates how the fallout from affairs can have lasting repercussions on relationships, families, and mental health. With its intense storytelling, nuanced character development, and thought-provoking plotlines, Obsession stands out as a stellar representation of TV shows that tackle the subject of infidelity with unflinching honesty.

    • Premiered: April 13, 2023
    • Genres: Drama,Mystery,Romance,Thriller