Is This Psychological Drama Masterpiece Really Free Soon?

The acclaimed psychological drama series, The Affair, will soon be available for free streaming on ITVX, allowing UK audiences to experience its riveting narrative. Starring Ruth Wilson and Dominic West, the show dives into the complexities of infidelity and its consequences, gaining praise for its innovative storytelling and character development. Seasons 1-3 will be accessible from March 13, 2024, with the fourth season following in summer and the fifth expected in 2027.

Last updated: 13 March 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Affair is making its way to the UK streaming platform ITVX, where Seasons 1-3 will premiere on March 13, 2024. This announcement has excited fans who have long awaited the chance to view the series without a subscription. The fourth season is set to arrive later in the summer, while the highly anticipated fifth season is scheduled for 2027. This staggered release format allows audiences to savour the intense storytelling and character arcs of the earlier seasons while building anticipation for the later developments.

Key takeaways

• The Affair will be available to stream for free on ITVX from March 13, 2024.
• The Affair explores complex themes of love, betrayal, and memory through its dual perspective storytelling.

Timeline: how we got here

The Affair premiered in the US on Showtime on 12 October 2014, quickly gaining attention for its unique storytelling. It ran for five seasons, concluding on 3 November 2019. Following its success, fans in the UK have eagerly awaited access to the series, which is now finally set to be available on ITVX starting 13 March 2024. The staggered release of the seasons allows for a gradual engagement with the story, with Season 4 set for summer 2024 and Season 5 not arriving until 2027.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

With the scheduled release of The Affair on ITVX, UK viewers will finally have the opportunity to watch the critically acclaimed series for free. Seasons 1-3 will be available from March 13, 2024, followed by Season 4 in summer 2024, and Season 5 not expected until 2027. This release is a significant development for fans who have been keenly following the show since its original airing.

What was already established

The Affair has been praised for its deep exploration of human emotions and relationships, particularly the impact of infidelity. Critics have highlighted the show's unique narrative structure, where episodes are typically split into two parts, presenting events from different characters' perspectives. This method allows viewers to engage with the story on multiple levels, challenging their perceptions of truth and reality.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The arrival of The Affair on ITVX offers UK audiences a chance to engage with a critically acclaimed series without the barrier of subscription fees. This access could lead to increased viewership and discussions around the themes of the show, particularly those related to relationships and personal integrity, which may resonate strongly with viewers.

Businesses and jobs

The release could potentially stimulate interest in related sectors, such as streaming services and merchandise associated with the show. Additionally, it may lead to increased job opportunities in the media sector as networks and platforms look to capitalise on the popularity of established series.

Policy and regulation

As streaming services continue to grow in popularity, the release of The Affair on ITVX may lead to discussions around content regulation and the responsibilities of platforms in providing diverse and meaningful viewing options. Policymakers and industry stakeholders may need to consider how to balance viewer access with content standards.

Numbers that matter

• 85%: The show's critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong approval from reviewers.
• 77%: The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a generally positive reception from viewers.
• 5 seasons: The total number of seasons The Affair has aired, showcasing its sustained popularity.
• 2014 to 2019: The original airing period of the show, highlighting its longevity in the competitive television landscape.
• 2027: The expected release year for Season 5, which may keep fans eagerly anticipating its conclusion.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Infidelity: A breach of trust in a romantic relationship, typically involving a sexual relationship with someone outside the partnership.
• Streaming: The delivery of content over the internet, allowing users to watch shows and films on demand.
• Rotten Tomatoes: A website that aggregates movie and television show reviews, providing scores based on critic and audience feedback.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Viewers can prepare for the release of The Affair by creating accounts on ITVX and familiarising themselves with the platform. Engaging with promotional content and trailers can also enhance the viewing experience.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Seasons 1-3 become available, viewers may wish to discuss episodes on social media and engage with online communities focused on the show. This interaction can provide deeper insights into character motivations and themes.

Signals to watch

• Viewership numbers and audience engagement metrics after the release on ITVX.
• Critical responses to Seasons 4 and 5 as they become available.
• Discussions surrounding the show's themes and character arcs on social media platforms.

Practical guidance

Do

• Watch the show with an open mind, prepared for its complex themes.
• Engage with online discussions to enhance understanding of the narrative.
• Take notes on character developments to track their evolution through the series.

Don’t

• Rush through the episodes; allow time to digest the intricate plot twists.
• Assume the story will follow a conventional narrative; be prepared for surprises.
• Overlook the significance of the dual perspectives in the storytelling.

Checklist

• Sign up for ITVX before the March 13 release date.
• Set a reminder for the release of Season 4 in summer 2024.
• Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to The Affair.
• Consider watching the series with a friend for shared insights.
• Reflect on the themes of trust and betrayal as you watch.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While The Affair has received significant praise, viewers should be mindful of the emotional and psychological themes it explores, particularly around infidelity and personal trauma. Individual reactions to the content may vary, and some may find it challenging to engage with the subject matter. Additionally, the show's evolution over its five seasons may lead to differing opinions about the quality and direction of the narrative, particularly in its later seasons.

Bottom line

The Affair presents a compelling opportunity for UK audiences to delve into a thought-provoking series that challenges perceptions of love and betrayal. As it arrives on ITVX, viewers can expect to engage with a narrative rich in emotional depth and complexity, making it a worthwhile addition to their streaming options.

FAQs

When will The Affair be available on ITVX?

The Affair will be available for streaming on ITVX from 13 March 2024, starting with Seasons 1-3.

How many seasons of The Affair are there?

The Affair consists of five seasons, with Seasons 1-3 available now, Season 4 coming in summer 2024, and Season 5 expected in 2027.

Why did Ruth Wilson leave The Affair?

Ruth Wilson left The Affair citing concerns about her safety on set, describing an environment that she felt was not conducive to her well-being.