The Best TV Shows About Cheaters, Affairs, And Infidelity

The Best TV Shows About Cheaters, Affairs, And Infidelity

Ranker TV
Updated March 4, 2026 460.9K views 76 items
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2.0Kvoters3.4Kvotes
Voting Rules
Vote up the best shows -scripted and unscripted - that uncover cheaters and let you dive deep into the relationship drama.
Latest additions: Vladimir, DTF St. Louis, Watching You
Most divisive: The Good Wife
Over 2.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of TV Shows About Cheaters & Affairs
This list is dynamically ranked based on user voting. The order reflects the consensus of our voters and is not influenced by paid placements or editorial bias.

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
  • Sex/Life
    1
    Sarah Shahi, Mike Vogel, Adam Demos
    355 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
  • The Affair
    2
    Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney
    434 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
  • votes needed!
    NEW TO THE LIST
    • NEW
      #38
      Watching You
      9 votes
    • NEW
      #69
      DTF St. Louis
      4 votes
  • Doctor Foster
    3
    Suranne Jones, Bertie Carvel, Jodie Comer
    314 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
  • Scandal
    4
    Kerry Washington, Guillermo Díaz, Darby Stanchfield
    157 votes

    Scandal thrives on the backdrop of dirty politics, power plays, and protagonists navigating a web of deceit, including the damaging affair between crisis manager Olivia Pope and the President of the United States, Fitzgerald Grant. The series' intricate plotlines ensure that infidelity, betrayal, and heartbreak remain at the core of its storytelling, laying bare the emotional turmoil and damage that result from such indiscretions. Scandal's exploration of the political machinations that both exacerbate and conceal affairs raises the stakes, making the personal ramifications even more devastating and consequences far-reaching. As a show, Scandal expertly weaves the theme of infidelity into a thrilling and suspenseful narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of drama and intrigue.

    • Premiered: April 5, 2012
    • Genres: Drama
    • The Good Wife
      1The Good Wife
       
       
      68 Votes
    • How to Get Away with Murder
      2How to Get Away with Murder
       
       
      124 Votes
    • Suits
      3Suits
       
       
      65 Votes
    • Madam Secretary
      4Madam Secretary
       
       
      31 Votes
  • A Teacher
    5
    Kate Mara, Nick Robinson, Ashley Zukerman
    286 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
       
       
      86 Votes
    • Cruel Summer
      2Cruel Summer
       
       
      32 Votes
    • Una
      3Una
       
       
      9 Votes
    • The Perks of Being a Wallflower
      4The Perks of Being a Wallflower
       
       
      27 Votes
  • Behind Her Eyes
    6
    Simona Brown, Robert Aramayo, Tyler Howitt
    104 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