The critically acclaimed drama series The Affair, which has been hailed as an absolute masterpiece with astonishing performances, is now set to become freely accessible to viewers in the United Kingdom. Originally airing on Showtime from 2014 to 2019, this gripping narrative will soon be available in a brand-new way through ITV's streaming platform.
Plot and Cast Details
Created by Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi, The Affair delves into the complex and intimate relationship between Noah, portrayed by Dominic West, and Alison, played by Ruth Wilson. The central premise revolves around their illicit affair, which unfolds while both characters are married to other people. The supporting cast includes Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson, who portray Helen and Cole, the respective spouses of Noah and Alison, adding depth and tension to the storyline.
Streaming Availability on ITVX
ITV has successfully acquired the rights to this hit US drama, with the first three series scheduled to debut on ITVX from March 13. Following this initial release, series four will become available in the summer, and the fifth and final series is slated for 2027, ensuring a gradual rollout for fans and new viewers alike.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Throughout its original run, The Affair garnered significant praise from critics and audiences. It achieved major recognition, including winning a Golden Globe for Best Television Series - Drama. The Daily Telegraph notably described the lead performances by Dominic West and Ruth Wilson as astonishing, highlighting the show's emotional depth and compelling acting.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with one viewer declaring they binge-watched the entire series in just a few days, while another admitted being hooked from the very beginning. This enthusiasm underscores the series' lasting impact and appeal.
Additional Streaming News: Yellowjackets
In related streaming developments, another award-winning survival series, Yellowjackets, has also been made available for free on ITVX. This thriller, which premiered on Showtime in 2021 and is accessible on Paramount+, follows a high school football team whose plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness during the 1990s.
The series explores the trauma faced by the survivors over the subsequent decades, featuring an ensemble cast including Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, and Juliette Lewis as the adult versions. Their younger counterparts are portrayed by Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Sammi Hanratty, Courtney Eaton, and Liv Hewson.
Created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, the minds behind the hit series Narcos, Yellowjackets primarily picks up 25 years after the accident, detailing their fight for survival. With three seasons already released and a fourth in production, the first two seasons became available on ITVX from February 15. In October 2025, it was confirmed that season four would be the final installment, bringing the twisted narrative to a conclusion.
This dual release of The Affair and Yellowjackets on ITVX marks a significant expansion of free streaming options for UK audiences, offering access to highly praised and award-winning content from the United States.
