If you're a fan of 'The Affair' (2014), a gripping drama that explores love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, you're likely craving more shows with similar themes. This article will introduce you to 10 movies and TV series that capture the same emotional depth, intricate storytelling, and intense character dynamics. Whether you're drawn to the psychological twists, the raw emotions, or the exploration of moral dilemmas, these recommendations will keep you hooked just like 'The Affair' did.
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Description: Like 'The Affair', this crime drama is deeply rooted in its sense of place and community. Both feature flawed female protagonists grappling with personal trauma while investigating mysteries that hit close to home.
Fact: Kate Winslet mastered a Delaware County accent for the role. The murder mystery kept viewers guessing until the finale. Won 4 Emmy Awards including Lead Actress for Winslet.
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Top of the Lake (2013)
Description: Similar to 'The Affair', this mystery explores trauma through a female detective's perspective. Both shows feature atmospheric settings that become characters themselves, with water playing a symbolic role.
Fact: Co-created by Jane Campion ('The Piano'). Filmed in New Zealand standing in for Australia. Elisabeth Moss learned to drive stick shift for her role.
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Broadchurch (2013)
Description: Like 'The Affair', this British crime drama examines how a tragedy affects an entire community. Both shows reveal secrets gradually, with excellent character development and emotional depth.
Fact: Launched Jodie Whittaker's career before she became Doctor Who. The killer's identity was kept secret from most cast members. Inspired an American remake ('Gracepoint') starring David Tennant in the same role.
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True Detective (2014)
Description: Like 'The Affair', this anthology series explores how past events haunt characters years later. Both feature complex timelines and philosophical undertones beneath their crime narratives.
Fact: Season 1's six-minute tracking shot took seven takes to perfect. Matthew McConaughey wrote a 450-page character diary. The series revitalized both leads' careers, sparking the 'McConaissance'.
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The Night Of (2016)
Description: Shares 'The Affair's' meticulous character study approach, showing how a single event changes lives forever. Both explore the justice system's flaws and how truth can be subjective.
Fact: Originally developed by James Gandolfini. Based on the British series 'Criminal Justice'. Riz Ahmed became the first Muslim to win an acting Emmy for his role.
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Sharp Objects (2018)
Description: Shares 'The Affair's' exploration of trauma and its lingering effects. Both feature complex female protagonists returning to their hometowns, where past and present collide. The atmospheric storytelling similarly reveals truths gradually.
Fact: Based on Gillian Flynn's debut novel. Amy Adams learned to play piano for her role. Features an innovative use of hidden messages in the editing.
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Big Little Lies (2017)
Description: Similar to 'The Affair', 'Big Little Lies' explores complex interpersonal relationships and secrets within a seemingly perfect community. Both shows delve into themes of infidelity, trauma, and the impact of past events on present lives. The storytelling is non-linear, revealing layers of truth through multiple perspectives.
Fact: Based on Liane Moriarty's bestselling novel. Features an all-star female cast including Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon. Won 8 Emmy Awards including Outstanding Limited Series.
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Little Fires Everywhere (2020)
Description: Mirrors 'The Affair's' examination of class differences and family secrets. Both shows depict how seemingly small decisions can have catastrophic consequences, with multiple perspectives revealing different truths.
Fact: Based on Celeste Ng's bestselling novel. Kerry Washington served as both star and executive producer. Features an original song by Aretha Franklin in the finale.
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The Undoing (2020)
Description: Like 'The Affair', this psychological thriller examines how a single event unravels the facade of a perfect marriage. Both shows feature affluent settings, unreliable narrators, and explore how people reconstruct reality to protect themselves.
Fact: Based on Jean Hanff Korelitz's novel 'You Should Have Known'. Features Hugh Grant's first major TV role. Became HBO's most-watched series in
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The Sinner (2017)
Description: Shares 'The Affair's' psychological depth and exploration of repressed trauma. Both feature unconventional narrative structures that reveal hidden motivations and past events influencing present actions.
Fact: Based on Petra Hammesfahr's German novel. Each season features a new mystery with Jessica Biel starring only in Season Bill Pullman's character was originally written as much younger.
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