Exploring the Fatal Attraction Series: Reviews & Streaming Options

Article Overview

Paramount+ presents the Fatal Attraction series, a contemporary adaptation of the 1980s movie. This reimagined version eliminates certain misogynistic elements, providing captivating sensuality and introducing fresh elements to the narrative.

Featuring a talented and easily recognizable cast, the series showcased Lizzy Caplan's commanding performance as Alex, bringing a fresh energy to the role in contrast to Glenn Close's portrayal.

Although critics had mixed opinions, with a 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the show holds a strong sense of nostalgia and provides a more authentic approach to the erotic thriller genre, making it worthwhile to watch.

The remake of the classic 1980s film, The Fatal Attraction series, created quite a buzz in 2023. However, is the modern thriller worth watching? Premiering on Paramount+ in April 2023, the show follows DA Dan Gallagher as his illicit love affair becomes dangerous when his new partner refuses to end it. With a richer storyline and a contemporary sensibility, Fatal Attraction sheds many of the somewhat misogynistic elements of the original film, presenting a compelling yet familiar narrative. Throughout its eight episodes, the show not only delivers the erotic thrills that audiences seek but also introduces something new to the beloved '80s genre.

The cast of the Fatal Attraction series features an entirely new and accomplished lineup of actors, and Paramount+ goes the extra mile to add the star power necessary for the story. Fatal Attraction serves as the first in a series of classic Paramount films expected to receive the series treatment on the studio's flagship streaming platform. However, it struggles to make a strong impact from the start. Less than six months after the first season concludes with a cliffhanger, Paramount+ decides to cancel Fatal Attraction. Consequently, the series will not have the opportunity to fully explore beyond the boundaries of the original movie.

Everything You Need To Know About The Fatal Attraction Series

The Fatal Attraction series premiered on Paramount+ in April 2023 and concluded on May 28th of the same year. It was based on the 1987 movie written by James Dearden and adapted for the screen by Alexandra Cunningham, Kevin J. Hynes, and produced by Jonathan Talbert. The show marked the beginning of Paramount's plan to turn classic movies like The Italian Job and Flashdance into ongoing series. The lead roles were recast, with Lizzy Caplan taking on the role previously played by Glenn Close. Joshua Jackson replaced Michael Douglas, and the supporting cast included Amanda Peet as Dan's wife and Toby Huss as Dan's associate. Fatal Attraction's cancellation after one season was surprising but not unprecedented for Paramount+.

The popular TV show Fatal Attraction can now be streamed on Paramount+. Despite not providing an official explanation for the cancellation in their press release, Paramount expressed gratitude to the creative teams, crews, and talented casts for their commitment in bringing these series to fruition. It remains uncertain how this cancellation will impact Paramount+'s strategy of adapting other beloved movies into television shows.

Why You Should Watch The Fatal Attraction Series

As with most streaming-only shows that fail to garner enough viewership, Paramount+ intends to retain Fatal Attraction on its platform to increase its discoverability. Although the series has been cancelled, there are still compelling reasons to tune in. Firstly, Fatal Attraction elicits a strong sense of nostalgia and successfully captures many of the elements that made the original film one of the standout thrillers of the 1980s. The erotic thriller genre often fluctuates in quality, but the series manages to embody these elements with a heightened sense of realism, exceeding that of its predecessor.

The show is a must-see due to Lizzy Caplan's powerful portrayal of Alex. Taking on the legacy of Glenn Close is no small task, but Caplan brings a distinct energy to the role, setting it apart from Close's well-known intensity. Furthermore, Caplan's performance shines as the new version of Fatal Attraction allows Alex to delve deeper into her character, presenting a more complex and unsettling persona beyond being a typical "crazy ex-girlfriend". Although Caplan's role is ultimately limited to one installment, the cast as a whole is undoubtedly the highlight of the Fatal Attraction series.

What The Critics Thought Of The Fatal Attraction Series

The reception towards the Fatal Attraction series was not as favorable as it was for the original film, receiving a mere 37% on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes during its one-season run exclusively on Paramount+. One prevalent criticism targeted the series' attempt to present a politically intricate version of the original story, but unfortunately, it stumbled in its execution. While the film was distinctly representative of its era, the series had an opportunity to rectify some of the shortcomings of the past. However, the modern writers seemed to struggle in capturing the essence of exceptional storytelling as they cautiously navigated around the outdated elements.

Where To Watch The Fatal Attraction Series

As an exclusive Paramount+ original series, Fatal Attraction can only be streamed on the aforementioned app. However, there are multiple ways to access it. Paramount+ offers various pricing options, with the basic plan starting at $4.99 per month, although it includes ads. Additionally, Paramount+ can be added to services like Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, and Apple TV+ for an extra monthly fee in addition to the original cost of those services. If you prefer to purchase individual episodes of the Fatal Attraction series, they are available for purchase on Apple TV at $2.99 per episode or $19.99 for the entire season.

Vudu - $1.99 per episode or $13.99 for the season