You want a show with real emotional stakes. You want the tension, the moral complexity, and the raw human drama that only a great story about infidelity can deliver. But with thousands of titles on Netflix, finding the ones that are actually good not just soapy melodramas can feel like a full-time job.
That is where the IMDb ratings come in. They are not perfect, but they are the most reliable signal we have for separating the genuinely compelling shows from the disposable ones. We have combed through the platform to find the best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb, focusing on titles that are both critically respected and deeply engaging. These are the shows that earn their high scores by exploring betrayal with intelligence, nuance, and real emotional weight.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes. All ratings and availability are subject to change. Viewer discretion is advised for the mature themes and explicit content featured in these series.
The Top 10 Adultery Series on Netflix (Ranked by IMDb)
Here is your at-a-glance guide to the best-reviewed shows about infidelity available on Netflix.
| Series Title | Genre | IMDb Rating | The Affair Dynamic |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Affair | Drama / Mystery | 7.9/10 | A multi-perspective exploration of a life-altering extramarital relationship. |
| The World of the Married | Psychological Drama | 7.9/10 | A wife’s meticulous and devastating revenge after discovering her husband’s affair. |
| Dirty John | True Crime / Drama | 7.3/10 | The brutal true story of a romance built on deceit, manipulation, and lies. |
| Behind Her Eyes | Psychological Thriller | 7.2/10 | A love triangle that takes a genuinely shocking, supernatural turn. |
| Anatomy of a Scandal | Political Thriller | 7.0/10 | An affair at the heart of the British establishment, leading to a high-stakes trial. |
| Wanderlust | Drama | 7.0/10 | A couple tries to save their marriage by exploring an open relationship. |
| Love (ft. Marriage & Divorce) | Family Melodrama | 6.7/10 | Three couples’ lives collapse under the weight of infidelity and secrets. |
| Dark Desire | Erotic Thriller | 6.5/10 | A weekend fling spirals into a dangerous, obsessive mystery years later. |
| Fishbowl Wives | Romantic Drama | 6.2/10 | Six women in unhappy marriages cross the line into infidelity. |
| Sex/Life | Erotic Drama | 5.6/10 | A suburban mother’s wild past collides with her safe, present-day reality. |
A Detailed Look at the Best-Rated Picks
1. The Affair (2014–2019)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
This is the gold standard for exploring infidelity on television. The Affair begins with Noah, a married teacher and novelist, and Alison, a young waitress, beginning a passionate affair in a beach town. What makes the show brilliant is its structure: each episode is told from the perspective of different characters, and their recollections of the same events often contradict one another.
It is a masterclass in exploring how memory, self-deception, and desire shape our reality. The show is not just about the affair itself, but the long, painful ripple effects it has on everyone involved. It won a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama, and its 7.9 rating is a testament to its enduring quality.
2. The World of the Married (2020)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
This South Korean drama is a gripping and emotionally devastating show about infidelity. It follows Dr. Ji Sun-woo, a successful doctor whose world shatters when she discovers her husband is having an affair. What follows is a meticulously crafted tale of revenge, psychological warfare, and the collateral damage that affects the children and families involved.
The acting is phenomenal, the pacing is relentless, and the exploration of betrayal is brutally honest. It is a masterclass in how to tell a story about the aftermath of an affair, and its high IMDb rating reflects its status as one of the best in the genre.
3. Dirty John (2018–2020)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Based on a true story and a hit podcast, Dirty John follows the terrifying trajectory of Debra Newell, a successful interior designer who falls for the charming and seemingly perfect John Meehan. What she doesn’t know is that John is a serial con man and a sociopath.
This is not a traditional “affair” story, but it is a harrowing look at deception and the betrayal of trust within a romantic relationship. It is a stark reminder that the most dangerous affairs are not always the ones that are physical. It is a gripping, true-crime drama that earns its strong rating.
4. Behind Her Eyes (2021)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Do not let the slow-burn opening fool you. Behind Her Eyes starts as a familiar story about a single mother, Louise, who begins an affair with her psychiatrist boss, David. But when she secretly befriends David’s enigmatic wife, Adele, the show takes a genuinely bizarre and unforgettable turn. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
The show is a brilliant study of obsession and manipulation. The ending has become one of the most talked-about and divisive finales in recent streaming history. If you want a show that will genuinely surprise you and leave you thinking about it for days, this is the one. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
5. Anatomy of a Scandal (2022)
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
This British miniseries elevates the adultery narrative into the realm of high-stakes political drama. When James Whitehouse, a charismatic and powerful politician, is accused of rape by one of his aides, his wife, Sophie, must grapple with the public fallout and the realization that her husband’s affair is at the center of the case.
The show is a sharp, intelligent look at privilege, consent, and the lengths people go to protect their power. It is a tense, six-episode thriller that explores the dark underbelly of the British establishment. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
6. Wanderlust (2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
This British drama is a bit different from the others on this list. It follows Joy and Alan, a married couple who, after a cycling accident forces them to reassess their lives, decide to try an open relationship.
The show is a smart, honest, and often uncomfortable look at modern marriage and monogamy. It asks whether it is possible to have a healthy relationship without sexual exclusivity. It is not a traditional “affair” story, but it explores the same themes of trust, jealousy, and boundaries. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
7. Love (ft. Marriage & Divorce) (2021–2022)
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
This Korean drama takes a multi-generational approach to infidelity. It follows three married couples—each at different stages of their lives—whose seemingly stable marriages begin to unravel as secrets and affairs come to light.
The show is a classic, sprawling melodrama that explores how infidelity affects not just the partners, but the children, the in-laws, and the entire family unit. It is a long, emotional rollercoaster that offers a fascinating cultural perspective on marriage and betrayal. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
8. Dark Desire (2020–2022)
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
This Mexican erotic thriller is a masterclass in building suspense around an affair. It follows Alma, a married woman who embarks on a passionate weekend fling with a younger man. Years later, the consequences of that weekend come back to haunt her. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
It is a twisty, tense, and deeply enjoyable watch that keeps you guessing until the very end. It is a solid choice if you are looking for a show that blends steamy romance with a genuine mystery. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
9. Fishbowl Wives (2022)
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Set in a luxury apartment tower in Japan, this drama tells the stories of six different women who are all trapped in unhappy, loveless marriages. Each episode explores a different woman’s journey as she crosses the line into infidelity.
It is a stylish, well-acted show that offers a more nuanced look at the reasons why people cheat—loneliness, neglect, and the search for validation. It is less about the shock value of the affair and more about the quiet desperation that precedes it. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
10. Sex/Life (2021–2023)
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
Let’s be honest: Sex/Life is not a critical masterpiece. The dialogue can be clunky, and the plot often leans into soap opera territory. But in terms of pure, steamy entertainment about infidelity, it delivers. The show follows Billie, a suburban wife and mother whose life is upended when her wild ex-boyfriend, Brad, re-enters the picture.
The show is packed with explicit scenes and constant flashbacks to her past life. It is a glossy, dramatic exploration of the “what if” that plagues many long-term relationships. It is not subtle, but it is incredibly addictive.
How to Choose the Right Show for You
With such a wide range of tones and genres, the right pick depends entirely on your mood. Here is a quick guide to help you decide. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
- If you want a prestige, award-winning drama: Go for The Affair. Its unique structure and incredible acting make it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great television. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
- If you want a gripping, emotional revenge story: The World of the Married is unmatched. It is a masterclass in psychological warfare. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
- If you want a mind-bending thriller: Behind Her Eyes will completely surprise you. Just avoid spoilers at all costs. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
- If you want a smart, political drama: Anatomy of a Scandal is a sharp and tense look at power, privilege, and consent. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
- If you want pure, steamy escapism: Sex/Life or Dark Desire are your best bets. They are not high art, but they are highly entertaining. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When navigating the world of mature relationship dramas, there are a few common pitfalls that can lead to a disappointing viewing experience. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
- Assuming High IMDb Ratings Mean a Happy Story: These shows are about betrayal and heartbreak. A high rating means the show is well-made, not that it is uplifting. They are emotionally demanding.
- Confusing Explicit Content with Good Writing: A show like Sex/Life has a lot of explicit scenes, but it is not a masterpiece. Conversely, Anatomy of a Scandal has very little explicit content but is a far superior piece of writing. Judge the show by the quality of its narrative, not just its shock value.
- Ignoring the Pacing: Some of these shows, particularly the Korean dramas like The World of the Married, are slow burns. They take their time to build the emotional tension and the complexity of the characters. If you are expecting a fast-paced thriller, you might be disappointed. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
- Expecting a Morality Tale: These shows are not designed to be moral lessons. They explore the messy, complex, and often contradictory nature of human desire. Expecting every character to be “good” or “punished” for their actions will lead to frustration. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
FAQs
What is the best adultery series on Netflix according to IMDb?
The Affair and The World of the Married are tied for the highest IMDb rating on this list, both sitting at an impressive 7.9/10. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
Are these shows all Netflix Originals?
Most of them are. The Affair was originally a Showtime series but is available on Netflix in many regions. Dirty John is an anthology series that has also found a home on the platform in various territories.
Which of these shows has the most shocking twist?
Behind Her Eyes (2021) is famous for having one of the most shocking and mind-bending finales in recent streaming history, which completely recontextualizes the central affair. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
Is Sex/Life worth watching?
Sex/Life has a lower IMDb rating (5.6/10), but it is a popular and highly addictive guilty pleasure. It is worth watching if you are looking for steamy, dramatic escapism, but it is not a critical masterpiece.
Are there any true-story adultery series on Netflix?
Yes. Dirty John (2018) is based on the true story of a con man whose deceptive romance and marriage nearly destroyed a family. It is a gripping and terrifying watch. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
Conclusion
The best shows about infidelity do not just tell us about cheating; they tell us about the human condition. They explore our capacity for love, our fear of loneliness, and the sometimes catastrophic lengths we will go to for a taste of something we feel we are missing.
READ MORE: Best Adultery Series on Netflix of All Time Hindi 10 Proven Picks
The best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb offer a window into these dark and complicated spaces. Whether you are in the mood for a high-stakes thriller, a sweeping melodrama, or a raw character study, there is a show on this list that will grip you from the first episode and refuse to let go. Use the ratings as your guide, and you will not be disappointed. best adultery series on netflix of all time imdb.
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