The Affair

Watch The Affair

  • TV-MA
  • 2014
  • 5 Seasons
  • 7.9  (48,869)

The Affair is a drama television series that premiered on Showtime in 2014 and ran for five seasons until 2019. The show explores the emotional and psychological effects of an extramarital affair between Noah Solloway, a New York City schoolteacher and novelist, and Alison Bailey, a young waitress recovering from tragedy.

The series begins when Noah, a married father of four, heads to Montauk for the summer with his family. He meets Alison, whose husband Cole owns a local ranch. There is an instant attraction between Noah and Alison, who is still grieving the recent death of her young son. Despite both being married, they begin a passionate affair that ultimately devastates their respective families and relationships.

A distinctive storytelling technique used in The Affair is showing the events from both Noah and Alison's perspectives, with each character's version differing at times. This device highlights the unreliability of memory and the subjectivity of truth, as Noah and Alison recount the same experiences but remember them differently.

As the affair intensifies, Noah grows increasingly dissatisfied in his stale marriage to Helen, while Alison struggles to move on from her son's death. Yet despite the excitement of their new relationship, Noah and Alison must face the consequences of their actions on their pre-existing lives. The affair affects their marriages, careers, friendships and even leads to legal troubles.

The Affair explores themes of marriage, infidelity, grief, family dynamics, midlife crises and the human tendency to rewrite one's personal narrative. The coastal setting of Montauk and the luxurious beachside communities full of wealthy New Yorkers provide an aspirational yet troubled backdrop for the steamy drama.

With a talented ensemble cast featuring Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson, the critically acclaimed series earned multiple awards and nominations for its searing, nuanced portrayal of all sides of an illicit romance. The realistic and complex characterizations examine relationships, ethics, passion and the quest for happiness even in the face of tragedy.

Combining steamy scenes with profound emotional drama, the gripping plot and daring storytelling of The Affair captivated viewers seeking a thoughtful adult drama about love, lies and consequence.

The Affair is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (53 episodes). The series first aired on October 12, 2014.

The Affair
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Seasons
Episode 11
11. Episode 11
November 3, 2019
It's Whitney's wedding day and everything comes full circle.
Episode 10
10. Episode 10
October 27, 2019
As wildfires threaten Los Angeles, Helen and Noah are forced to run for their lives and confront old wounds along the way.
Episode 9
9. Episode 9
October 20, 2019
As controversy swirls around Noah, Helen and Whitney must decide where their allegiances lie.
Episode 8
8. Episode 8
October 13, 2019
Allegations against Noah surface and he seeks guidance on how to handle the situation. Helen celebrates a birthday and protects Sierra during an extremely trying time.
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
October 6, 2019
Noah and Whitney travel to Montauk. Joanie confronts a stranger.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
September 29, 2019
In Montauk for work, Joanie becomes acquainted with EJ. Together, they explore Joanie's family history, leading her to question the cause of her mother's death. Rattled, she starts to make some self-destructive decisions.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
September 22, 2019
Sierra struggles to balance motherhood with her burgeoning acting career. Sierra's mother visits uninvited. Helen works her first design gig and begins to focus on herself.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
September 15, 2019
Noah, Margaret and Stacey bond over their mutual distaste for Sasha. Noah attempts to sabotage Helen and Sasha's relationship. Whitney and Colin face the hardships of their relationship. Joanie visits the graveyard.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
September 8, 2019
Sasha proposes adjustments to Noah's script. Sasha's relationship with Helen blossoms, and Noah takes notice. Bruce's condition worsens. Joanie's business trip leads to violent encounters.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
September 1, 2019
Janelle struggles with her relationship and work, so turns to Carl for support. Production for Descent commences, and Sasha takes an interest in Helen. Helen takes her first steps towards acceptance.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
August 25, 2019
Noah embarks on his journey with the Descent movie by getting acquainted with his star, Sasha Mann. Helen mourns a tragic event. Sierra welcomes a new arrival. Joanie struggles with an upcoming birthday. Season premiere
Description
Where to Watch The Affair
The Affair is available for streaming on the Showtime website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Affair on demand at Showtime, Apple TV Channels, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, FuboTV, Microsoft Movies & TV, Sling, Google Play, Apple TV and Showtime Anytime.
  • Premiere Date
    October 12, 2014
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (48,869)