TV is a whole lot steamier than it used to be. 

With so many sexy shows on Netflix these days, it can be hard to know what to watch when you're alone in your room (and what to avoid when you're relaxing with family). Today's sex shows, which might as well be Netflix porn, span countries and time periods to give you your fill of sexual tension on the small screen. 

If you love X-rated TV shows, steamy romance movies, and erotic literature, these options are worth binging.  

The rising popularity of sex shows  

Steamy TV shows have come a long way, and their evolution is as spicy as their hottest sex scenes. 

When TV started, movies and television shows played it pretty safe when it came to explicit content. Early shows were family-oriented, and most entertainment was wrapped in a neat, conservative package. 

Things started to change in the 1960s and 1970s. Movies broke away from those strict codes, diving into more adult themes, and TV eventually caught up. The small screen traded its prim and proper ways for adventures in sexual tension and even showing a little skin. Think of the transition from a classic TV show like I Love Lucy to the darker Addams Family — the latter's darker undercurrent broke boundaries and began a shift toward the weird, macabre, and later, sexy. 

Nowadays, there are dozens of R-rated TV shows out there, and you’ll find them on pretty much every streaming platform. And the best part? All of that variety means there’s tons to choose from for your midnight viewings.

8 best sex shows  

If you're trying to get in the mood, nude TV shows are the sexiest way to pass the time (and you might want to pass the sex toys, too). There's no shortage of episodes available that will turn up the heat and keep you glued to the screen, including these steamy series:  

1. A League of Their Own (2022–present) 

This Amazon Prime series is currently in its first season, and even with only a few episodes, there are tons of sexy WLW scenes. It's set in the world of 1940s women's professional baseball and offers a unique look at sports, romance, and history. 

Based on the film A League of Their Own, the themes of friendship and love make for an intelligent watch, and its portrayal of intimacy is heartfelt and genuine. It's an engaging story starring Abbi Jacobson and D'Arcy Carden, with sexercise that'll keep you hooked. 

2. Bridgerton (2020–present)  

Bridgerton is a sexy Regency-era TV show from Shonda Rhimes, inspired by Julia Quinn's historical romance novels. This Netflix series follows the lives of eight aristocratic Bridgerton siblings in the 1800s in London as they navigate sex and love. If you needed proof that people still got busy in the olden days, you’ll find it right here.  

In the first season of this period romance, the love story between the young woman Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) heats up. In the second season, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (Simone Ashley) 's slow-burn love story is less explicit, but still worth writing home about. 

Bridgerton has been renewed for the third and fourth seasons, so there’s tons of content to binge-watch. 

3. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023) 

This sensual Netflix period drama is a prequel to Bridgerton. It follows Queen Charlotte (India Ria Amarteifio), who is set to marry King George (Corey Mylchreest) against her will, as she faces off against her soon-to-be-husband's mother. This highly-rated series explores female desire at length, and the encounters between Lady Danbury (Arsema Thomas) and a married man are some of the best TV sex scenes you'll ever see. 

4. The L Word (2004–2009) 

Premiering in the early 2000s on Showtime and lasting six seasons, this lesbian dating drama follows the lives of gay and bisexual women in Los Angeles — played by Jennifer Beals, Sarah Shahi, and Pam Grier, just to name a few. 

A landmark in lesbian representation on television, The L Word dives into the lives and experiences of these women, complete with some very steamy sex scenes. This show tackles topics like love and identity and is notable for its diverse cast, compelling storylines, and the way it addresses queer issues. Stream it on Hulu and get ready to get horny. 

5. The L Word: Generation Q (2019–present)  

This series is a sequel to The L Word. Set 10 years after the original, The L Word: Generation Q brings a fresh perspective to the same universe and updates the narrative for a new era, complete with steamy lesbian sex. 

The L Word: Generation Q introduces a new cast of characters and reintroduces some familiar faces (hello, Shane!). Starring Katherine Moennig, Arienne Mandi, Leisha Hailey, and a host of other actors, it's set in modern-day Los Angeles and explores the lives and romantic pairings of LGBTQ+ characters. Watch it on Amazon Prime.  

6. Outlander (2014–present)

This popular Starz show transcends genres, combining elements of historical drama, romance, and time travel over seven intriguing seasons — and counting. Available on Starz and Netflix, Outlander tells the story of a World War II nurse transported back to Scotland in the 18th century, where she falls in love with a Highland warrior.  

Adapted from Diana Gabaldon's popular fantasy romance novels, this show is known for its sizzling chemistry, attention to detail, and stunning landscapes. Watch for the passionate, tasteful intimate scenes and the incredible acting from Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan.  

7. Queer as Folk (2000–2005) 

This groundbreaking series is an unapologetically sexy exploration of the lives and loves of a close-knit group of gay friends. Set in Pittsburgh, Queer as Folk ran for five seasons on Showtime. This show is considered a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ representation on TV, offering a raw, uncensored look into the masc gay community. 

Queer as Folk is based on the British series of the same name and stars Gale Harold, Randy Harrison, and more. It demonstrates the complexities of same-sex relationships, including some stellar sex scenes, and examines themes of family, identity, and even HIV/AIDS.  

8. Obsession (2023)  

This limited series is a psychological thriller with a side of steamy romance and scandal. It follows a surgeon having an affair with his son's fiancé, and his dark desire is nothing short of absolute obsession.  

Obsession is only four episodes long, but it packs a substantial sexual punch. Often described as a series of explicit scenes, the plot is exciting but not particularly complicated — great for a mindless binge. This British erotic thriller is based on the novel Damage by Josephine Hart, and it stars Charlie Murphy, Richard Armitage, and Indira Varma. 

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The Quinn platform is an exciting way to explore your sexuality, alone or with your partner. It's home to a wide variety of ethical porn from skilled Creators specializing in auralism, spanning categories like BDSM, praise, and LGBTQ+.  

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