A Critically Acclaimed Psychological Drama Arrives Down Under: “The Affair” Now Streaming
A psychological drama series that has left audiences “blown away” is now readily accessible for streaming, offering a compelling look into the complexities of human relationships and memory. The show, starring acclaimed actors Ruth Wilson and Dominic West, first premiered in the US on Showtime back in October 2014 and continued its run for five seasons, concluding in November 2019. It has long been lauded by critics as a “masterpiece” and by viewers as something entirely unexpected, often proving to be “not at all” what they anticipated.
Now, Australian viewers can dive into the intricate narrative of this twisted drama, as the series has landed on streaming platforms. As of March 13, the first three seasons are available for eager audiences to explore.
What’s “The Affair” All About?
At its core, “The Affair” delves into the lives of Alison Lockhart (Ruth Wilson), a grieving waitress, and Noah Solloway (Dominic West), a teacher and writer, who embark on an extramarital affair. The show’s distinctive narrative structure is one of its most striking features. Episodes are typically divided into two halves, each presenting events from the differing perspectives of the characters involved. This stylistic choice not only offers a dual perspective but also highlights how individual memories can be subjective and complex, often diverging significantly from one another.
This approach creates a palpable sense of suspense and keeps viewers constantly questioning the reality of what they are witnessing. As the consequences of Alison and Noah’s infidelity unfold, the foundations of their existing relationships begin to crumble, leading to a cascade of emotional and psychological fallout.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Maura Tierney as Noah’s wife, Helen, and Joshua Jackson as Alison’s husband, Cole. Their performances add further depth and emotional weight to the already intricate storylines.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
“The Affair” has garnered significant praise from both critics and audiences. Across all its seasons, the series boasts an impressive 85% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences awarding it a respectable 77%.
Early seasons, in particular, have received standout reviews. Gabriel Tate of The Daily Telegraph described the performances of Wilson and West as “astonishing.” Sally Newall of The Independent offered an intriguing perspective, noting, “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 observed that the series “becomes less and less obvious and more and more interesting as it goes along.” Tim Goodman from The Hollywood Reporter further lauded the “emotionally fearless writing,” while Maureen Ryan of HuffPost expressed her appreciation for the element of surprise, stating, “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.”
Audience reactions mirror this enthusiasm. Many viewers have shared their experiences of binge-watching the entire series in just a few days, with many admitting they were “hooked” from the very first episode. Some have even gone as far as to declare it “the best drama ever created,” a testament to its enduring appeal and the reason behind its impressive five-season run, a rarity in today’s television landscape where shows are frequently cancelled prematurely.
When Can You Watch the Rest?
The release schedule for the remaining seasons of “The Affair” is as follows: Season 4 is slated for release in the summer, while fans will have to wait until 2027 for the highly anticipated fifth and final season. While the wait for the concluding season might seem long, given the show’s track record, it’s likely to be worth it, as “The Affair” continues to inspire passionate discussions and rave reviews online.
Controversies and Behind-the-Scenes Dramas
Created by Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi, “The Affair” quickly cemented its reputation as one of the most provocative and psychologically rich dramas on television, largely due to its innovative storytelling.
However, the latter seasons also attracted attention for reasons beyond the plot. Notably, Ruth Wilson, who won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Alison, did not appear in the final season. In 2020, Wilson disclosed that she departed the show because she “didn’t feel safe” at certain points during filming. She explained that there was “a lot of noise and anger surrounding” her experience and that she chose to step away to “protect” herself. She elaborated that even before the widespread awareness brought by the #MeToo movement, her instincts clearly indicated that something was amiss and that she did not feel secure.
In response to Wilson’s initial claims, co-creator Sarah Treem issued an open letter refuting the suggestion of a negative filming environment. Treem stated that she consistently endeavoured to protect Wilson and ensure that sex scenes were shot safely and respectfully. This statement came after reports emerged concerning “ongoing frustrations with the nudity required” from an unnamed actress, which had reportedly caused tension between the actress and the showrunner.
Dominic West, Wilson’s co-star, later commented on the matter. While admitting hesitation to become involved, he expressed his support for Wilson. In an interview in 2024, he stated, “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.” West, who received numerous award nominations for his performances in the series, including at the Golden Globes, did indeed feature in the fifth season.
Seasons 1-3 of “The Affair” are currently available to stream. Season 4 is expected in the summer, with Season 5 set to arrive in 2027.
