‘Fatal Attraction’ Is An 8-Part Erotic Thriller Series Perfect For a Binge

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Looking for a show to watch in one sitting? Check out the erotic thriller miniseries Fatal Attraction. Based on the short film Diversion, the original Fatal Attraction movie came out in 1987 and famously told the story of an affair between Alex Forrest (played by Glenn Close) and Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas). The 2023 series, which premiered on Paramount+ in April, retells a similar story, but with some changes that many viewers find make it even more compelling.

Paramount+ is well-known for shows by Taylor Sheridan, like the series Yellowstone and its spin-offs 1883 and The Dutton Ranch, as well as the crime thriller Mayor of Kingstown. Although it might not be the first place you look for a thriller, Paramount+ is worth checking out. While Netflix has The Hunting Wives and Hulu streams Tell Me Lies, thriller fans shouldn’t miss Fatal Attraction, which is also available on Paramount+.

‘Fatal Attraction’ Is A Perfect Steamy (and Smart) One-Night Binge-Watch


Paramount+

With only eight episodes, Fatal Attraction is perfect for a single-night binge. The series features unexpected twists, interesting characters, and retells the well-known, suspenseful story of Alex Forrest’s (Lizzy Caplan) obsession with Dan Gallagher (Joshua Jackson). This version updates the story: Dan is now a high-ranking prosecutor in Los Angeles, with Amanda Peet playing his wife, Beth. And instead of being a child, the character of Ellen is now a college student, portrayed by Alyssa Jirrels.

The TV series features frequent intimate scenes, particularly in the beginning. But similar to classic erotic thrillers like Body Heat, the show offers much more than just those moments. While the steamy scenes will definitely grab your attention, the series also tackles important issues and explores serious topics. The story doesn’t solely focus on the relationship between Dan and Alex; it jumps between two different timeframes, including the aftermath of a shocking crime.

Is the new Fatal Attraction TV series an improvement over the original movie? That’s a tricky question, and opinions will likely vary. While the 1987 film is a classic, the series offers a more nuanced and realistic look at mental health. The original often relied on the stereotypical “crazy” character, but the new version gives Lizzy Caplan’s character, Alex, a more respectful and empathetic portrayal. The original film encouraged viewers to side with Dan and see Alex as unstable. Now, the series allows you to understand the emotions and motivations of both characters. Over the years, there’s been a lot of discussion about Alex’s character, and even Glenn Close has shared her thoughts on it.

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While not a feel-good romance, Fatal Attraction explores the complexities of love and leaves you with plenty to consider. Adapting a well-known movie for television is always risky – many attempts fall flat. So, it’s not shocking that Paramount+’s version only lasted one season and didn’t receive rave reviews. Some viewers dislike the new ending, but it’s commendable that the showrunners dared to deviate from the original film and try a different approach. There’s a particularly clever twist that elevates the story, making it worthwhile to watch. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, eight-episode series to enjoy over a couple of nights, Fatal Attraction is thrilling, engaging, and surprisingly insightful.



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2026-02-15 04:17