In a quiet but significant move for British television, ITV has dropped every episode of the critically acclaimed drama series 'The Affair' onto its streaming service ITVX. The show, which has been hailed as 'brilliant' and 'the best TV show ever' by devoted viewers, is now available for binge-watching in the UK.
Award-Winning Drama Makes Its UK Streaming Debut
'The Affair' originally premiered in the United States on Showtime back in 2014, running for five successful seasons until its conclusion in 2019. The series stars Ruth Wilson, Dominic West, Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson in lead roles, exploring complex relationships and shifting perspectives with remarkable depth.
Created by Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi, the drama follows the entangled lives of Noah Solloway (Dominic West) and Alison Bailey (Ruth Wilson), who begin a passionate affair while both being married to other people. The innovative storytelling expands in season two to incorporate the viewpoints of their respective spouses, Helen Solloway (Maura Tierney) and Cole Lockhart (Joshua Jackson).
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Adoration
The series has garnered impressive critical scores, maintaining an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid 7.9 out of 10 on IMDb. During its original run, 'The Affair' won multiple awards and earned rave reviews for its nuanced writing and exceptional performances.
One enthusiastic viewer described the show as "drama at its best" with "superb writing and cast of actors." They elaborated: "I wished there were 10 seasons of this because it never gets old, it never gets tiring or dull or pointless like many other shows do. The script is beautifully written, all full of nuances and subtle details that make you pay attention."
Another fan commented: "What a brilliant show, gripping from start to finish. Watched all seasons and it certainly wasn't predictable at all. Going to miss it so much."
ITVX Release Schedule
ITV has confirmed that the first three seasons of 'The Affair' became available on ITVX starting Friday, March 13, 2026. The fourth season is scheduled to arrive on the platform this summer, with the fifth and final season landing in 2027.
The broadcaster stated: "Bringing The Affair to ITVX gives UK viewers the chance to experience the full scope of the series, from its early romantic entanglements to the darker, more complex revelations that challenge trust, perspective and truth."
The complete series consists of 53 episodes across five seasons, offering British audiences substantial content to discover or revisit. For viewers who missed the show during its original broadcast or subsequent international releases, this represents a significant addition to the UK streaming landscape.
One particularly devoted viewer shared their experience: "I have NEVER written a review on a show before! I am completely enthralled with this show. I binge watched the first two seasons because I wasn't aware of the show, my husband and I cancelled two outings to finish up the seasons."
They continued praising the production: "The acting amongst all the actors is so moving and realistic, especially Allison and Cole - it literally blows me away. The screenplay and directing is beyond phenomenal, a show unlike any other. I think this is my favourite show of all time!"
With its complex characters, innovative narrative structure, and emotional depth, 'The Affair' represents exactly the type of premium content that streaming services increasingly compete to offer their subscribers. Its arrival on ITVX strengthens the platform's drama offerings and provides British viewers with access to one of television's most discussed relationship dramas.
