It’s not every day that a drama series described as a “masterpiece” and lauded for its daring storytelling lands on a free streaming platform, but that’s exactly what’s happened with The Affair. The acclaimed psychological drama, starring Ruth Wilson and Dominic West, originally premiered on Showtime in the US back in October 2014 and quickly carved out a reputation for itself as one of the most provocative and emotionally rich series on television. Now, years after its initial run, UK audiences have a new opportunity to experience its twists and turns — and, for the first time, they can do so without paying a penny.
On March 13, 2026, the first three seasons of The Affair became available to stream for free on ITVX, ITV’s growing on-demand platform. In a move that’s both exciting and, for some, a little confusing, ITV also aired the first episode on ITV1 at 9pm that same evening. But here’s the catch: while the debut episode graced traditional broadcast, the rest of the available episodes are only accessible via the streaming service. This shift from a scheduled linear broadcast to a staggered streaming release has left some viewers scratching their heads. As reported by Metro and Entertainment Daily, many have found themselves typing into search bars: “Why is The Affair not on ITV tonight?” The answer, it turns out, is all about how we watch TV in 2026.
For those unfamiliar, The Affair is a psychological drama that follows Alison Lockhart (Ruth Wilson), a grieving waitress in the Hamptons, and Noah Solloway (Dominic West), a married teacher and writer. Their extramarital relationship sets off a chain reaction, unraveling the lives of everyone around them. What sets the show apart is its unique narrative style: episodes are split between characters’ perspectives, offering conflicting memories and interpretations of the same events. This approach keeps viewers constantly guessing — what’s real, and what’s simply perception?
The show’s supporting cast is equally impressive. Maura Tierney plays Helen, Noah’s wife, while Joshua Jackson portrays Cole, Alison’s husband. The series was created by Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi, both of whom brought experience from acclaimed projects like House of Cards and Scenes from a Marriage. According to ITV, bringing The Affair to ITVX “allows UK viewers to experience the full scope of the drama — from the early romantic entanglements to the darker revelations that follow.”
Across its five seasons (which originally ran until November 2019), The Affair racked up an impressive list of accolades. The show boasts an average Rotten Tomatoes score of 85%, with the first two seasons each notching up a remarkable 90% and the first season peaking at 91%. It also won a Golden Globe for Best Television Drama, while Ruth Wilson and Maura Tierney took home awards for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively.
Critical praise has been effusive. Gabriel Tate of the Daily Telegraph called Wilson and West’s performances “astonishing.” Sally Newall of the Independent wrote, “The Affair feels raw, both sexy and unsexy… but real, in a slick stylised package amped up with an evocative soundtrack. Everything’s a contradiction, but I’m warning you, you’ll fall for it.” Sam Wollaston of The Guardian noted, “The Affair becomes less and less obvious and more and more interesting as it goes along.” Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter praised the “emotionally fearless writing,” while Maureen Ryan of HuffPost admitted, “I was glad I didn’t know where The Affair would go before I sat down to watch it. Not knowing much about it unquestionably added to my appreciation of it.”
Audiences have been just as enthusiastic. On social media, viewers have described binge-watching the show in a matter of days and being “hooked” from the very first episode. Some even go as far as to call it “the best drama ever created,” which might explain why the series managed to run for five seasons — a rarity in today’s television landscape.
But the show hasn’t been without controversy. Ruth Wilson, who won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Alison, left before the final season, citing safety concerns on set, particularly around the filming of sex scenes. In a 2020 interview with Stylist, Wilson explained, “It was before #MeToo and before Harvey Weinstein – and yet my instincts were very clear and strong about what I felt was wrong, about what was going on, and what I didn’t feel safe about.” She added that there was “a lot of noise and anger surrounding” her experience, and she ultimately stepped away to “protect” herself.
Showrunner Sarah Treem responded with an open letter, stating, “On a continuous basis throughout Ruth’s time on the show, I tried to protect her and shoot sex scenes safely and respectfully,” after reports surfaced about ongoing frustrations with required nudity. Dominic West, who appears in season 5, later voiced support for Wilson. In a 2024 interview with The Sunday Times, West said, “We talked a lot about it, and I suppose I did experience it. I don’t really like talking about it but … yeah, everything Ruth has said is absolutely right.”
For UK audiences, the current streaming arrangement means that, as of March 13, 2026, seasons 1-3 are ready to binge on ITVX. Season 4 is slated to arrive in the summer, while the fifth and final season will land in 2027. This staggered release pattern mirrors broader trends in television, as broadcasters increasingly prioritize on-demand viewing over traditional, appointment-based programming. While some fans lament the absence of a fixed broadcast slot — and the ritual of tuning in at the same time each week — others appreciate the flexibility to watch at their own pace. As Entertainment Daily points out, ITVX is quickly becoming a hub for major international dramas, not just catch-up TV.
The cast’s star power is another draw. Ruth Wilson is known for roles in Luther, Mrs Wilson, and His Dark Materials, while Dominic West has appeared in The Wire and The Crown. Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson add further depth, supported by a strong ensemble including Julia Goldani Telles, Jake Siciliano, Victor Williams, John Doman, and Kathleen Chalfant. Over five seasons, the show delivers a total of 53 episodes — with 32 available to stream right now, each running about an hour.
For viewers wondering why The Affair isn’t on ITV tonight, the answer is simple: the future of TV is on demand. The series’ move to ITVX means the story is still there, just waiting for you to hit play — and if you’re willing to be patient, the rest will follow soon enough.
With its intricate storytelling, complex characters, and willingness to tackle difficult themes, The Affair continues to captivate, challenge, and reward those who dive in. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, now’s your chance to experience the drama that’s had everyone talking — on your own terms, and at your own pace.