There is so much good television to choose from now, whether we're talking about shows from the early '90s to modern-day shows that blow our minds. But there's one theme that seems to creep into the wonderful world of TV over and over again, and that's sex.
Whether the shows we're watching are comedies, dramas, or thrillers, it doesn't seem to matter. Underneath the witty banter, the zombie apocalypses, or the excruciatingly tight corsets (hello, Bridgerton), the theme is really quite obvious: It's sex, and it's really only very thinly veiled.
That's probably because the theme keeps us interested. After all, we're human beings. We think about sex every day, typically many times a day. But whether you're having it or not, watching shows that are all about sex is entertaining on so many levels.
Here are 30 of the best shows that are basically all about sex.
1. 'The Affair'
It's all in the name. The Affair is an incredibly well-done Showtime drama about a struggling author who lets temptation get the best of him while spending a summer in the Hamptons with his four kids and in-laws. While the show is very much all about sex, and there's a lot of it, it goes deep into other themes about marriage, raising children, death, and happiness.
2. 'Bridgerton'
If you don't know about Bridgerton just yet, then you've definitely been sleeping under a rock. It's the period drama that has everyone talking … mainly about how hot the Duke of Hastings is. It's worth a watch for all the "will they or won't they?" drama and the costumes alone.
3. 'Love'
The show Love is super cute for so many reasons. It deals with big themes like addiction, angst, and friendship. And, of course, there's a bit of love sprinkled in. But it leans heavily into sex, especially because the lead, Mickey, is a sex addict who is seeking ways to engage in healthy sex and relationships. It's funny, quirky, and a great binge.
4. 'Fleabag'
Fleabag is a hilarious watch that is completely about sex. The main character, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is deeply unhappy and looking to fill the voids in her life. She practices escapism in the best, er, most enjoyable to watch, ways. She drinks, smokes, and has a lot of sexual escapades.
5. 'Catastrophe'
If you love British comedies, you'll love Catastrophe. The humor is on point. Plus, it's a pretty realistic glimpse at the complicated emotions surrounding early parenthood. The show begins after a one-night stand lands two people somewhere they didn't expect — on the cusp of parenthood and a new relationship. It's very cute and quirky and explores sex and intimacy throughout the series.
6. 'Love Is Blind'
If you missed the Love Is Blind craze, don't worry! It's still on Netflix. The reality series is so watchable. While it starts off with contestants choosing partners they can't see, things get heated super fast. It's about love, relationships, and, of course, sex.
7. 'Girls'
Girls is a show that truly captures the complexities of young female friendship. Four women who are all best friends are living in New York City. They're all navigating their own relationships and work struggles. But the heart of the show is about how they explore sex and how it sometimes gets in the way of the friendships they care about (but forget to show it).
8. 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette'
The idea that "sex sells" is never more apparent than when watching ABC's hit shows The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. While the hopeful contestants are all trying to win the heart of the show's lead, sexual tension plays a huge part in that. It's often why the show's "villain" ends up sticking around longer than we expect, too.
9. 'Big Love'
Big Love, the hit show about a polygamist family, is really about the complexities of family and relationships. Crucial to all of those things, though, is sex. Of course, in this family it's different, but it's oh so interesting to watch!
10. 'Sex and the City'
Sex and the City really was ahead of its time. It even holds up now. Whenever you feel like rewatching SATC, the girls are there for you. They're having fun, they're getting their hearts broken, and they're sticking together. Also, they're having sex or talking about sex.
11. 'Californication'
David Duchovny starred in Californication from 2007 to 2014, and if people had forgotten about his sex appeal, they quickly remembered when he took on this role. He played a single father, but he was not your typical TV dad. He was a bit of a sexual deviant and always with a different beautiful woman. The show was a huge hit, and luckily, you can still watch it.
12. 'Grey's Anatomy'
If there was ever a show about sex disguised as a doctor show, it's Grey's Anatomy. Yes, there are medical emergencies happening left and right. But there are also hot doctors having sex in on-call rooms in like every single episode. Clearly, sex sells, because Grey's is in its 17th season, and it just keeps on going.
13. 'Easy'
Easy is a show that had a major following but never seemed to get the recognition it truly deserved. The clever comedy is witty, modern, and a little "out there" in terms of relationships. It's definitely a great watch for anyone who is open-minded and doesn't mind a lot of sex scenes. Unfortunately, there were only three seasons, but you can watch them all.
14. 'Beverly Hills, 90210'
90210 was like the original teen soap opera. The drama was so good that people of all ages loved the show, though. From the fights to the breakups to the romance, it was all around a great series. Mostly, people watched because of the sexual tension between pretty much all the characters, which made for epic TV.
15. 'The Single Wives'
If you're looking for a new reality series that is both full of drama and sex and looks at the emotional side of dating, look no further than The Single Wives. The Australian series follows four single ladies on their journey to find romance. It is super cute, gives great insight into sex and relationships, and is completely binge-able.
16. 'Mozart in the Jungle'
Mozart in the Jungle is pretty much a show about nerdy musicians. But it's not as boring as it sounds. The nerdy musicians are also pretty attractive and wind up having a lot of relationship drama. Of course, that means lots of sex. It's witty and extremely watchable.
17. 'Hung'
It's all in the name with this one. Hung is a super-clever show about a burned-out ex-high school athlete who is struggling to get his life in order. He resorts to male prostitution, which helps him out financially, but a lot of hilarity ensues.
18. 'You'
You is a killer (literally) Netflix series that got everyone talking. The show revolves around a bookstore manager and serial killer named Joe. He's unhinged and develops an obsession with his customer, but the part that makes it interesting is how he's charming and attractive. The show demonstrates how easily men who look like Joe can be trusted by society and also how his scary behavior is excused because he's good-looking.
19. 'Summertime'
If you speak Italian or don't mind subtitles, this spicy show is a must-watch! Set on the Adriatic Sea in romantic Italy, this sweet love story centers around a motorcyclist street-racer and a small-town girl ready to move on from her quiet life.
20. 'Outlander'
This incredibly clever show follows a young army nurse who is transported in time to the year 1743. She finds herself just trying to survive and marries a romantic warrior. The two develop a passionate relationship, which makes the show an intriguing and steamy watch.
21. 'The L Word'
The L Word is an incredibly witty show about lesbian love affairs. There is so much good dialogue, but really, people watch it for the sex scenes. They are definitely not lacking, and sometimes, that's all you really want.
22. 'Scandal'
There is so much good drama in Scandal. There are also so many intensely romantic and sexy scenes, sometimes it makes you wonder how it's fit for ABC. But we're not complaining. The sexual tension between Fitz and Olivia alone makes the show worth watching.
23. 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce'
Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce is like Sex and the City but for divorced people. The show is essentially about women navigating dating after the end of a marriage. It shows how tough it can be to balance motherhood, work, kids, co-parents, and dating. But regardless, all of the women manage to have healthy sex lives.
24. 'The Vampire Diaries'
What is so sexy about vampires? Perhaps that they always manage to be good-looking or that they only come out at night. Who really knows? But The Vampire Diaries definitely makes vamping look good, like just about every other vampire show out there.
25. 'Lovesick'
Lovesick is laugh-out-loud funny, which is interesting because the plot is based around sex. But sometimes sex can be funny, and awkward, and even strange. That's definitely proven on this show, but that just makes it really enjoyable to watch.
26. 'Dating Around'
Dating Around is a reality dating show, but what's different about this one is that the hopeful romantics go on a series of dates to see who they jibe with best. It's totally cute and an interesting experiment that will definitely hold your attention. On the good dates, there's a ton of sexual tension. On the bad dates, not so much.
27. 'Wanderlust'
Wanderlust is an incredibly well-done show that explores the boundaries of long-term relationships. In it, a couple is trying to figure out how to stay happy and keep the spark alive. But it gets tricky, because for at least one of the parties, that might come from sleeping with other people.
28. 'Friends From College'
No one understands why this show didn't stick around for another season. Not only was it hilarious, but it provided great drama. The show is about a group of friends who manage to remain close after college, but the love affairs complicate things a whole lot.
29. 'Millennials'
This quirky show follows a group of millennials who are dealing with tons of modern-day problems. Most of those problems revolve around sex and relationships. It might not be fun in real life, but it's definitely fun to watch, likely all in one weekend.
30. 'Playing With Fire'
This show manages to be entertaining, creepy, and seductive all at the same time. It has all the makings of a good drama, like love triangles and a lot of sex scenes. Chances are, you won't be disappointed.
