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Fatal Attraction

Fatal Attraction

2023Miniseries1 season8 episodesTV-MAMidcredits score: 25th percentile of all shows

An affair threatens the lives of Dan Gallagher and his wife, Beth, in this deep-dive reimagining of the classic psychosexual thriller which explores fatal attraction and the timeless themes of marriage and infidelity through the lens of modern attitudes toward strong women, personality disorders and coercive control.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Fatal Attraction?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Fatal Attraction to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Highlights

What stands out about Fatal Attraction?

Fatal Attraction earns 2 badges, led by Overhyped and Unsettling.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Fatal Attraction worth watching?

Fatal Attraction's Midcredits score is the 25th percentile of all shows, from 6.2K ratings across 2 sources. 60% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

25th percentile

Better received than 25% of shows

20th percentile among Drama28th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)20th
Approval (how many liked it)32nd

Acclaim

Mixed: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

63 /100

20th percentile of all shows

16th percentile among Drama22nd percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.7 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

60% liked it

32nd percentile of all shows

25th percentile among Drama36th percentile among 2020s
60% rated it 7–1040% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

88th percentile

6.1K ratings across platforms

84th percentile among Drama90th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 106% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the series lacks the sexual chemistry and erotic charge of the 1987 film, though fans see this as a deliberate reimagining while detractors see it as a fatal flaw.

Fans praised

  • Multi-perspective storytelling keeps viewers guessing
  • Leads Joshua Jackson and Lizzy Caplan deliver compelling performances
  • Fresh take on mental illness and obsession, adding depth to Alex

Detractors panned

  • Zero chemistry between the leads, especially lacking erotic tension
  • Pacing is dull and dragged out, with confusing time jumps
  • Finale twists feel absurd, contrived, and ruin the buildup

What stands out

ActingDivisive65

Jackson and Caplan praised as individually capable; detractors call them wooden or miscast

OriginalityDivisive60

Fresh reimagining praised by fans; detractors see it as a failed deviation

AtmosphereDivisive55

Moody and dark, but detractors say it lacks tension and erotic charge

CharactersDivisive45

Alex's backstory adds depth, but supporting cast like Ellen and Mike are polarizing

Plot and storyDivisive40

Whodunnit structure intriguing to some, but convoluted and illogical to others

TensionDivisive35

Fans find it suspenseful; detractors say it's devoid of thrills

PacingDivisive30

Multiple reviews call it too slow, with filler and sluggish momentum

Ending20

Widely panned as unsatisfying, with twists that feel ridiculous

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Episodes

1 season

Season 1 · 2023 · 8 episodes · 5.4 average across 1 rated episode

  • S1E1

    Pilot

    Apr 30, 202349 min
  • S1E2

    The Movie In Your Mind

    Apr 30, 202357 minTMDB rating 5.4
  • S1E3

    The Watchful Heart

    Apr 30, 202354 min
  • S1E4

    Beautiful Mosaics

    May 7, 202356 min
  • S1E5

    Medial Woman

    May 14, 202358 min
  • S1E6

    The Dillingers

    May 21, 202358 min
  • S1E7

    Best Friends

    May 28, 202362 min
  • S1E8

    Caregiving

    May 28, 202363 minFinale

Watch experience

What is Fatal Attraction like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, dark and intense — an even-paced watch that leaves you unsettled.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseDreadBittersweet
Heaviest: middle
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Bleak · 3% of shows
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.SerializedSingle-season story
ToneThe series plays its psychological thriller material straight, treating the subject of infidelity and control with grim seriousness.
The rideThe series sustains a pervasive tension and dread as the affair spirals into obsession, with the emotional peak likely in the middle episodes as the crisis escalates before a resolution.
StructureTold as a single serialized story, likely following a conventional beginning-middle-end arc across the season.
Episode formatThe series follows a continuous narrative across all eight episodes, with each installment building on the previous one.
Season formatThe show is a concluded limited series with one season telling a complete story.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
UnsettlingThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe series leaves a lingering unease about trust, control, and the costs of infidelity.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% (this title) · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Obsession: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).

4% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe series reimagines the classic infidelity narrative as a tragedy driven by obsession, with the protagonist's marriage unraveling under the weight of a coercive affair.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfMarriageBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% (this title) · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2% (this title)
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Marriage · 2% of showsObsession · 2% of shows: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe series interrogates the fragility of marriage under the weight of infidelity, obsession, and modern power dynamics, examining how coercive control and strong women are perceived.
StanceThe series critically examines the dynamics of marriage, obsession, and coercive control, questioning rather than endorsing any single perspective.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingContemporary New York, navigating professional success and domestic life against a backdrop of urban menace.

Content guide

Is Fatal Attraction okay for kids?

TV-MA

Fatal Attraction is rated TV-MA. As of August 29, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (53/100), sexual content at intense (67/100), language at moderate (49/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (53/100) and frightening material at moderate (58/100). Overall it is heavier than 33% of TV-MA shows.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • Canada14+
  • Brazil16
  • FinlandK12
  • Netherlands12
  • RO12
  • Türkiye18+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 61% of all showsHeavier than 33% of TV-MA shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 34%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a TV-MA show
heavier than 75%
Profanity
Moderate
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 18%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 51%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 47%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is sexual content. Everything else sits at or below what TV-MA shows usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Fatal Attraction have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Fatal Attraction?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Joshua Jackson
as Dan Gallagher
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Lizzy Caplan
as Alex Forrest
Established: A standing when this show came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Amanda Peet
as Beth Gallagher
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Toby Huss
as Mike Gerard
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Brian Goodman
as Arthur Tomlinson
Alyssa Jirrels
as Ellen Gallagher
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Reno Wilson
as Earl Broker
Vivien Lyra Blair
as Young Ellen
David Meunier
as Richard Macksey
Toks Olagundoye
as Conchita Lewis

Crew

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What are shows like Fatal Attraction?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Fatal Attraction include The Affair (2014), Unchosen (2026) and Ambitions (2019).

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