Critically Acclaimed Psychological Drama 'The Affair' Arrives on ITVX for Free Viewing
The highly praised psychological drama series The Affair, which has been hailed by critics and audiences as an absolute masterpiece, is set to become available for free streaming in the United Kingdom very soon. Starring acclaimed actors Ruth Wilson and Dominic West, the series originally premiered on Showtime in the United States in October 2014 and ran for five compelling seasons until November 2019.
Streaming Schedule and Availability Details
UK audiences will finally be able to access this gripping drama when it lands on ITV's streaming platform, ITVX. The release will be staggered, with seasons 1-3 becoming available starting March 13. Season 4 is scheduled to follow in summer, while fans will need to wait until 2027 for the final season 5 to arrive on the platform.
This phased release strategy means viewers should pace their viewing, as the complete series won't be immediately accessible. However, the anticipation is likely to be worthwhile given the show's enduring popularity and critical acclaim.
Plot and Unique Narrative Structure
The series follows the complex story of grieving waitress Alison Lockhart, portrayed by Ruth Wilson, who enters into an extramarital affair with teacher and writer Noah Solloway, played by Dominic West. What sets The Affair apart is its innovative storytelling approach, where episodes are typically divided into two distinct parts.
This structure allows the narrative to switch between characters' perspectives, revealing how each protagonist remembers events differently. This thrilling stylistic choice creates suspense and constantly challenges viewers to question what is real as the consequences of the affair unfold and relationships begin to crumble.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
The series has earned impressive critical scores, boasting an 85% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes across all seasons, with audiences awarding it 77%. Early seasons received particularly strong praise, with Gabriel Tate of the Daily Telegraph describing Wilson and West's performances as astonishing.
Sam Wollaston of The Guardian noted that The Affair becomes less and less obvious and more and more interesting as it goes along, while Tim Goodman from The Hollywood Reporter praised the emotionally fearless writing. Audience members have been equally enthusiastic, with many declaring it the best drama ever created and admitting to binge-watching the entire series in just days.
Cast and Behind-the-Scenes Details
The ensemble cast includes Maura Tierney as Noah's wife Helen and Joshua Jackson as Alison's husband Cole. Created by Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi, the series established itself as one of television's most provocative and psychologically rich dramas thanks to its unique narrative approach.
The later seasons generated headlines for reasons beyond the plot, particularly when Ruth Wilson did not appear in the final season. Wilson, who won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Alison, revealed in 2020 that she left the show because she didn't feel safe at certain points during production, citing concerns that predated the #MeToo movement.
In response, creator Sarah Treem disputed claims of a negative environment, stating she had worked to protect Wilson and shoot intimate scenes safely. Co-star Dominic West later voiced support for Wilson, confirming that everything Ruth has said is absolutely right regarding her experiences on set.
Legacy and Streaming Opportunity
The five-season run of The Affair represents a significant achievement in contemporary television, where many series are cancelled before reaching their narrative potential. Its availability on ITVX provides UK viewers with their first opportunity to legally stream the series for free, making this critically acclaimed drama accessible to a wider audience.
With its complex characters, innovative storytelling, and exploration of memory and truth, The Affair remains a standout example of psychological drama that continues to resonate with viewers years after its initial release.
