ITVX has added the fourth series of the critically acclaimed drama The Affair to its free streaming platform, making the first four seasons available to UK viewers at no cost. The show, which originally aired from 2014 to 2019, has been hailed by fans as a “masterpiece” and “the best TV show ever.”
Plot and Premise
The Affair centres on a tumultuous romance between schoolteacher Noah Solloway, played by Dominic West, and grieving waitress Alison Bailey, portrayed by Ruth Wilson. Both are married when they meet at a diner where Alison works. The series explores desire, betrayal, and the emotional fallout of an extramarital relationship, as described in ITVX's teaser blurb as a “trailblazing psychological drama.”
The show is noted for its innovative narrative structure, presenting the same events from different characters' perspectives—a technique famously used by Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Created by Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi, the series ran for five seasons, concluding in 2019.
Fan and Critical Acclaim
Fans have taken to IMDb to praise the series. One user gave it a 10/10 rating, calling it “best TV show ever” and adding: “They don't make TV shows like this. This is drama at its best. Superb writing and cast of actors, so much talent in this one show. I wish there were 10 seasons of this because it never gets old, it never gets tiring or dull or pointless as many other shows do. Probably season 4 is my favourite because we have travelled so far with these characters that they feel like friends now or people we care about, so human and so fragile and imperfect and real.”
Another described it as a “beautiful story of cause & effects,” noting that the final season “deeply ties up the entire series in a nice, well-done bow.” A third viewer said they were “sucked in immediately and ended up binge watching” the show, praising its depiction of different perspectives. A fourth hailed it as an “absolute masterpiece,” adding: “Each scene is a masterpiece. One of just few productions, where every word matters and the only one so deeply psychological and thrilling at the same time. I watch everything, but The Affair is the only thing during which I switch off my phone.”
Availability and Content Warnings
The first three seasons of The Affair were added to ITVX in March, and the fourth season was added on Sunday, July 5. The broadcaster has confirmed that the fourth series would be added in the summer and the fifth in 2027. Additionally, all five seasons are available to stream on Paramount, and individual episodes can be purchased on YouTube.
The show carries a 15 certificate due to its hard-hitting content, including drug use, violence, and self-harm. Viewer discretion is advised.
