Remember when TV couples slept in twin beds and everyone pretty much assumed that Little Ricky was the product of some immaculate conception? Remember when you could watch a show and not worry about a parent or nephew walking in on you? Remember when David Caruso's bare buns on NYPD Blue was as steamy as it got, which is to say, not steamy at all? Now you don't even need cable to see your favorite TV characters doing the deed, though it certainly doesn't hurt. Viola Davis is pulling out her back. Merkin sales must fly through the roof when Outlander is filming. Frank and Claire Underwood are having threesomes and Remy Danton is a cunning linguist. Thanks to Broad City, "pegging" has entered the mainstream lexicon.
It's hard to play favorites, especially when so much of the good stuff isn't available on YouTube, but these small-screen sex scenes stand out from the rest. Was it good for you?
Danny & Alex, London Spy
Ben Whishaw and Edward Holcroft steam up the screens in this British spy drama. The scene drew some viewer complaints, but they weren't from us.
Jamie & Claire, Outlander
She’s conflicted because of her overwhelming attraction to the young Scot and the fact that she’s technically married to someone else in the 20th century. He’s nervous because he’s a virgin. They figure it out in no time flat on their wedding night.
Chuck & Blair, Gossip Girl
This limo scene started one of the greatest relationships of our time. #Chair forever.
Jon Snow & Ygritte, Game of Thrones
It turns out Jon Snow does know something.
Pictured: Kit Harington and Rose Leslie in Game of Thrones
Connor & Paxton, How To Get Away With Murder
"He did this thing to my ass that made my eyes water," Pax said after their copy room hookup.
Kate & Sawyer, Lost
It's animalistic and hot, except you can't help but wonder how Kate's armpits are still hairless when she's been imprisoned on a deserted island for so long.
Nicky & Morello, Orange Is the New Black
In which Nicky makes Morello see God.
Pictured: Natasha Lyonne and Yael Stone in Orange Is the New Black
Libby & Robert, Masters of Sex
One second, they're discussing the roles to which society confines them, the next, they’re making rapturous love on the kitchen floor.
Pictured: Caitlin Fitzgerald and Jocko Sims in Masters of Sex
Olivia & Fitz, Scandal
Let's be honest: There were a lot of scenes to showcase from Scandal, because Olivia and Fitz's chemistry is off the charts. There was that time on the campaign trail, "If you want me, earn me," and the cabin in Vermont. We're choosing the phone sex, though, because how often do you witness truly hot phone sex on TV?
Alisha & Future Simon, Misfits
Do Brits do TV sex better? A very important case study.
Kalinda & Lana, The Good Wife
Kalinda employs a creative manipulation technique here. Alas, the uncooperative Lana is left with some proverbial blue balls.
Rachel & Mike, Suits
Only when Rachel finally learns Mike's big secret and the truth is out can they give into their intense feelings for each other in the file room.
Sons of Anarchy, "Fucktage"
Almost every member of the SAMCRO gang is getting it on in the explicit opening montage of an episode called "Faith and Despondency." Also note Wendy engaging in some battery-operated self-loving.
Pictured: Charlie Hunnam in Sons of Anarchy
Marnie & Desi, Girls
It's nice to see Marnie trying new things.
Pictured: Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Allison Williams in Girls
Noah & Alison, The Affair
Four episodes in, we finally get to see the titular affair. It does not disappoint.
Pictured: Dominic West and Ruth Wilson in The Affair
Charlotte & Harry, Sex and the City
She can't believe he'd find her sexy in her glasses. The bachelor pad in which he's squatting is repulsive. Neither of things matter because it's on.
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