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Television has evolved into a platform that freely explores all facets of human relationships, including those that are explicit and intimate. For decades, nudity and sexual content were taboo on television, but now, numerous shows incorporate these elements as part of their narrative. Whether it’s to convey a deeper connection between characters or to emphasize the rawness of a particular moment, sex and nudity are increasingly prevalent in popular series. From historical dramas to modern thrillers, these shows often push boundaries with their bold storytelling and unfiltered depictions of sexuality. Here’s a comprehensive list of the top 28 adult TV shows with the most nudity, perfect for viewers who enjoy their television a little more on the provocative side.
Black Sails (2014-2017)
Set during the “Golden Age of Piracy,” *Black Sails* explores the gritty and lawless lives of pirates in the 1700s. While the show features exciting adventures and complex characters, it also gained attention for its explicit depictions of sex, nudity, and violence. Throughout its four seasons, *Black Sails* pushed the boundaries of on-screen sexuality, including numerous scenes with frontal nudity, topless moments, and references to homosexuality. The series’ combination of brutal action and raw intimacy kept audiences captivated until its dramatic conclusion in 2017.
In its first season, *True Detective* brought mystery, crime, and intense sexual moments together to create an unforgettable experience. Alexandra Daddario’s daring nude scene, which caught the attention of many, became one of the most talked-about moments of the show. The detective drama, led by Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, expertly mixed tension, grit, and passion. The sex scenes were carefully incorporated, often bringing depth to the complex characters and their relationships. Though primarily a detective show, the moments of intimacy, combined with the atmospheric tension, made *True Detective* a standout series.
*Vinyl* is a gritty portrayal of the 1970s rock music scene, focusing on the life of a record label executive trying to navigate his personal and professional life. The show is filled with scenes of drug use, wild parties, and nudity, accurately capturing the excess of the era. Olivia Wilde and Juno Temple frequently appear in steamy, explicit scenes that add to the hedonistic vibe of the show. Despite its captivating premise and high production value, *Vinyl* was short-lived, ending after only one season. Its bold portrayal of sexuality made it a memorable, albeit brief, addition to adult television.
*Westworld* is set in a futuristic amusement park where visitors can indulge in any fantasy they desire, including sexual escapades with the humanoid hosts. The show features numerous scenes of nudity, primarily in the context of the laboratory where the hosts are created and repaired. These moments of sexual content are intricately woven into the narrative, enhancing the dystopian themes of control and exploitation. With complex characters and thought-provoking storylines, *Westworld* explores the boundaries of human morality and desire. The series continues to push boundaries with each season, making it one of the most provocative shows on air.
*Penny Dreadful* blends horror, fantasy, and sexuality in a Gothic setting that explores the dark side of Victorian-era London. The show features plenty of nudity and explicit scenes, often entwined with the supernatural elements of the story. Eva Green’s character, Vanessa Ives, is at the center of many of these moments, as her journey into the occult brings her face-to-face with her own desires and vulnerabilities. The series masterfully weaves its erotic moments into a larger narrative of fear and desire, making it one of the most sensual horror shows in recent memory.
*Chemistry* is a one-season wonder that blurred the lines between mainstream television and softcore erotica. The story follows the dangerous affair between LAPD officer Liz and corporate lawyer Michael, whose passion leads to several intensely steamy moments throughout the show. This series is best known for its numerous sexual innuendos, including oral sex, simulated intercourse, and frontal nudity. *Chemistry* ultimately falls into the softcore category, which is why it was canceled after just one season.
Set during the final years of the Roman Republic, *Rome* delivered a gritty and unflinching portrayal of political intrigue, betrayal, and the excesses of the ancient world. The series was known for its graphic violence and even more graphic sexual content. With orgies, full-frontal nudity, and explicit sex scenes, *Rome* was as much about lust and power as it was about historical drama. The show’s sexual content wasn’t just gratuitous; it was integral to illustrating the debauchery and power dynamics of the era. Though it lasted only two seasons, *Rome* made a significant impact, setting the stage for later historical dramas like *Spartacus*.
Based on the real-life blog of a high-class London escort, *Secret Diary of a Call Girl* follows the life of Belle, a woman who balances her personal life with her secret profession. The show is filled with steamy scenes, as Belle navigates her complex relationships with clients and her struggle to keep her two worlds separate. Sex is the central theme of the show, and the nudity is plentiful, but the series also explores themes of empowerment and the challenges faced by women in the sex industry. With Belle’s witty narration, *Secret Diary of a Call Girl* offers a candid and often humorous look into the life of a high-end escort.
*Sex and The City* was more than just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon that revolutionized conversations around sex, relationships, and female empowerment. Centered on the lives of four women in New York City—Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda—the show was unapologetic in its depiction of sex, nudity, and modern dating life. From Samantha’s many sexual escapades to the complicated romantic entanglements of Carrie Bradshaw, *Sex and The City* didn’t shy away from the explicit, making it one of the most iconic adult TV shows. Masturbation, nudity, and sexual discussions were at the heart of the series, and it opened the door for more frank sexual content on mainstream television.
A wild ride from start to finish, *Shameless* is known for its raunchy content, excessive nudity, and unfiltered portrayal of life in a dysfunctional family. The Gallagher family, led by the drunk and unreliable Frank, is constantly embroiled in scandal, poverty, and illicit activities. The show’s sex scenes are raw and sometimes shocking, with nudity playing a big part in the plotlines of various characters. Fiona Gallagher, in particular, is involved in many steamy scenes as she navigates her tumultuous love life. Running for 11 seasons, *Shameless* holds a reputation for being one of the most unrestrained adult TV shows of its era, blending dark comedy with explicit content.
Set during the Cold War, *The Americans* follows two Soviet spies posing as a married couple in the U.S. while leading double lives. While the show is a gripping espionage thriller, it also includes some intense sexual content. The nudity and sex scenes often serve a purpose, illustrating the lengths to which the spies go to fulfill their missions, including seducing their targets. The show masterfully balances tension, passion, and intrigue, making it one of the most critically acclaimed adult TV dramas of recent years. With its rich character development and provocative scenes, *The Americans* kept viewers hooked until its dramatic finale in 2018.
A modern look at sex work, *The Girlfriend Experience* is a bold and intimate exploration of power, money, and sexuality. The show follows Christine, a law student who enters the world of high-end escorting under the alias Chelsea. As she provides clients with “the girlfriend experience,” she becomes deeply entangled in the complexities of her double life. The series is filled with graphic sex scenes, often focusing on the emotional and psychological aspects of transactional relationships. *The Girlfriend Experience* is a nuanced, thought-provoking series that challenges perceptions of intimacy and power, and its explicit content is central to its storytelling.
*The Girl’s Guide to Depravity* is a raunchy comedy that follows two women navigating the world of dating and relationships, armed with their own set of rules for getting what they want. The series mixes humor and sexual situations in almost every episode, with a no-holds-barred approach to dating advice and casual hookups. Though it lacks graphic frontal nudity, the suggestive scenes, sultry conversations, and flirty dynamics make it an engaging, erotic watch. The chemistry between the lead characters, combined with a playful and unapologetic exploration of modern dating, makes *The Girl’s Guide to Depravity* a unique adult TV show.
For those looking for a show that explores the intricacies of relationships, *Tell Me You Love Me* delves deep into the lives of four couples at different stages in their love lives. The show is known for its explicit portrayal of sex as a core component of each relationship’s dynamics. The raw, emotional portrayal of intimacy is accompanied by incredibly graphic sex scenes that border on reality, though they are filmed with an emphasis on the emotional weight behind each encounter. The nudity and sexual content are used to amplify the storytelling, making *Tell Me You Love Me* one of the most intense relationship-based adult dramas ever aired.
*Togetherness* is a dramedy that revolves around two married couples who face the trials and tribulations of adulthood and relationships. While it begins as a lighthearted look at cohabitation, the series gradually delves into deeper emotional and sexual dynamics. The explicit nudity, combined with the emotional weight of infidelity, adds complexity to the characters’ arcs. With Amanda Peet baring it all and several steamy moments spread throughout, the show offers a blend of humor and raw emotional drama. Though short-lived, *Togetherness* left an impression as a show that skillfully balanced adult content with genuine storytelling.
Following the rise of fictional Hollywood star Vincent Chase and his entourage of friends, *Entourage* blends the glamour of the entertainment industry with plenty of adult content. The show includes everything from drug use to excessive partying and, of course, sexual encounters. While it doesn’t often focus on nudity, *Entourage* does include female frontal nudity and is often peppered with explicit scenes, making it a series for mature audiences. With multiple seasons and a movie, it remains a classic in the world of adult television.
*Game of Thrones* was a game-changer in modern television. Known for its political intrigue, brutal violence, and graphic sex scenes, it’s impossible to talk about nudity on television without mentioning this cultural phenomenon. *Game of Thrones* was notorious for its unabashed depictions of sex and nudity, often integral to its intricate plotlines. The series, with its gorgeous cast and dramatic storyline, delivered countless steamy scenes throughout its eight seasons. From Daenerys Targaryen’s memorable bathtub scenes to 
*Girls* was a raw and unapologetic portrayal of the messy lives of millennials in New York City. Created by and starring Lena Dunham, the series didn’t shy away from graphic nudity and honest depictions of sexual relationships. The sexual content in *Girls* wasn’t presented with the glamour and stylization often found in other shows. Instead, it aimed to depict real, awkward, and often uncomfortable sex scenes. With Dunham and her co-stars frequently appearing nude, the series was both praised and criticized for its bold portrayal of sexuality. The show concluded in 2017 but remains a notable example of adult content that sought to provoke thought rather than titillate.
*Masters of Sex* is a 
*Naked and Afraid* stands out as a reality show that prominently features nudity, although not in a sexualized manner. Contestants are stripped of their clothing and dropped in the wilderness to survive for 21 days with limited resources. While the nudity is blurred and not explicit, it remains a central premise of the show, making it unique among reality programs. The survivalist aspect combined with the raw vulnerability of being naked in the wild offers a fascinating dynamic, but don’t expect any romantic or sexual situations — it’s all about survival. The series continues to air as of 2024.
*Orange Is the New Black* became a cultural phenomenon for its bold storytelling, complex characters, and, yes, its frank and often explicit depictions of sex and nudity. Set in a women’s prison, the series explored themes of identity, power, and relationships through its diverse cast of characters. Throughout its seven seasons, the show depicted numerous sexual encounters, including lesbian relationships, often as part of its larger narrative about the harsh realities of prison life. The nudity in *Orange Is the New Black* was always unapologetic, and it played a critical role in character development. The show ended in 2019, but its legacy as one of the most boundary-pushing Netflix series lives on.
*Power* centers on James St. Patrick, a wealthy nightclub owner who is also a powerful drug lord. The series is filled with explicit content, from drug deals to sexual escapades. Its depiction of sex and nudity is frequent, often showing St. Patrick’s complex relationships with multiple women. Despite the graphic content, *Power* was lauded for its thrilling narrative, excellent performances, and character depth. Its success has led to several spin-offs, making it one of the most successful franchises in recent TV history. The show is still continuing in its extended universe with new series like *Power Book II: Ghost*.
One of the earliest and most daring depictions of LGBTQ+ life on television, *Queer as Folk* broke barriers with its graphic portrayals of sex, relationships, and identity struggles. The series focused on a group of gay friends navigating life, love, and everything in between. With frequent depictions of gay sex and nudity, *Queer as Folk* was groundbreaking in its time, offering a raw and unapologetic portrayal of same-sex relationships. It pushed the envelope of what was acceptable on television and left a lasting impact on LGBTQ+ representation. Although it ended in 2005, the show remains iconic in television history.
*True Blood* brought the world of vampires to life with an unexpected twist—making it one of the most sexualized supernatural dramas on TV. Set in the small town of Bon Temps, the series follows Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress who falls in love with a vampire named Bill. The show was infamous for its explicit sex scenes and nudity, featuring both male and female characters in provocative situations. The vampire-human love dynamics allowed for an abundance of raunchy, blood-filled sexual encounters, making *True Blood* one of the sexiest and most thrilling shows to air in recent years.