We love a good scandal. Hell, rubbernecking at other people’s misfortune is practically the American way. And if we can package it in an addictive TV series format, all the better. The latest scandal getting the streaming treatment is the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky ordeal, coming to FX in the series Impeachment: American Crime Story.
In case you were too young to remember this political scandal, the then-president had an affair with his intern, including a blow job in the Oval Office that left plenty of “evidence” on her now-infamous dress. The investigation into whether Clinton lied about the affair captivated the nation for months and resulted in his impeachment.
In anticipation of the scintillating new series, or as an addition to your people-behaving-badly watchlist, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite TV scandals, then ranked them.
Cover Photo: FX
TV Scandals
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10. 'The Comey Rule'
This Showtime series cast Jeff Daniels as controversial former FBI Director James Comey, who was at the center of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails, which may have decided the 2016 election in favor of Donald Trump (depending on who you ask). Comey later became an outspoken advocate of Trump being impeached.
Photo: Showtime
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9. 'The Assassination of Gianni Versace'
This FX series based on the book Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History by Maureen Orth delved into the murder of designer Gianni Versace by serial killer Andrew Cunanan. Édgar Ramírez, Darren Criss, Ricky Martin, and Penélope Cruz star.
Photo: FX
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8. 'Unbelievable'
Based on a 2015 article titled "An Unbelievable Story of Rape" written by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, this Netflix series follows two female detectives’ attempts to catch a serial rapist who terrorized women in Washington State and Colorado. Kaitlyn Dever, Toni Collette, and Merritt Wever star.
Photo: Netflix
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7. 'The Investigation'
This slow-burn series focuses on the investigation into the murder of Swedish journalist Kim Wall, who was brutally dismembered aboard a submarine while interviewing its owner, eccentric Danish inventor Peter Madsen.
Photo: HBO Max
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6. 'When They See Us'
Based on the 1989 Central Park jogger case, this Netflix series explores the lives of five young black men who were blamed for the rape and assault of a New York woman. They were later exonerated, but not before they were treated brutally by the “justice” system and served prison time for a crime they didn’t commit.
Photo: Netflix
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5. 'Escape at Dannemora'
This Showtime series was produced and directed by Ben Stiller, but it’s no laughing matter. In 2015, a female employee (perfectly played by Patricia Arquette) at the Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York became sexually involved with two prisoners convicted of murder (Benicio del Toro and Paul Dano) and eventually helped them escape, prompting a massive manhunt.
Photo: Showtime
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4. 'Dr. Death'
This psychologically terrifying series follows Dr. Christopher Duntsch (Joshua Jackson), a Texas neurosurgeon and sociopath who purposefully botched his patients’ procedures – resulting in paralysis and even death – for years before a pair of fellow physicians (played brilliantly by Alec Baldwin and Christian Slater) fought to bring his misdeeds into the light.
Photo: Peacock
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3. 'The Act'
This Hulu series takes a frightening look at Dee Dee Blanchard, a mother guilty of Munchausen by Proxy, a situation in which a parent makes their child sick in order to play their savior. Blanchard’s daughter, Gypsy, was ill for years (or made to believe she was) before she realized what her mother was doing – and sought revenge.
Photo: Hulu
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2. 'A Very English Scandal'
Based on a true story, this intriguing series tells the sordid tale of liberal party leader Jeremy Thorpe's (Hugh Grant) secret affair with a gay man, Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw), and an alleged plot to have Scott murdered after their breakup so as to save face.
Photo: Amazon
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1. 'The People v. OJ Simpson'
The OJ saga has been told and retold over and over again, but never as well as it was in this gripping FX series based on the book The Run of His Life: The People v. O. J. Simpson by Jeffrey Toobin. The show garnered widespread critical acclaim, nabbing nine Emmys, including Outstanding Limited Series, and Golden Globes for Best Miniseries or Television Film and Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film for Sarah Paulson.
Photo: FX
