• Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 12, 2014
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 28
  2. Negative: 0 out of 28
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Buy on

Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    Oct 14, 2014
    60
    Reiner keeps the interest level high but The Affair requires much more buy-in than the pilot cares to offer.
  2. Reviewed by: Diane Garrett
    Oct 6, 2014
    60
    The “Rashomon”-style storytelling elevates the series from being just another conventional story about a middle-aged affair. But, that can't completely make up for overwrought moments in the opening episode.... But the biggest problem for The Affair is that neither Noah nor Alison is particularly appealing.
  3. Reviewed by: Zach Hollwedel
    Oct 10, 2014
    55
    It is hard to find a suitable middle ground, when neither protagonist wants to implicate him/herself. That--this puzzle of what really happened--might be the genius of the show, but it's also frequently its great frustration. If audiences aren't fully engaged while watching Noah's point of view, then having to rewatch everything a second time around from Alison's perspective will be painful.
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 233 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 40 out of 233
  1. Oct 13, 2014
    0
    This show is based around marital infidelity for no apparent reason other than boredom. No abuse, lack of attention from one's spouse, drugsThis show is based around marital infidelity for no apparent reason other than boredom. No abuse, lack of attention from one's spouse, drugs or alcoholism. And it appears there is a terrible legal consequence. The leads are humorless pouters with no chemistry. They are each married so someone who is better looking, has a more pleasant personality and seems to love them. This is truly depressing and I regret having even watched this one episode. Full Review »
  2. Oct 12, 2014
    10
    More that meets the eye.....

    This show is made in a brilliant and very interested way and intriguing plot. In a glance you will be thinking
    More that meets the eye.....

    This show is made in a brilliant and very interested way and intriguing plot. In a glance you will be thinking is all about sex, but the funny thing and what really takes you more deep than just the name of the show is the fact that how misleading it is as well (obviously there will be an affair in the long run).

    But to the bear basics of the involvement in this two people that are having their own story behind their lives. It makes you wonder not when they will be having the affair, but the pure essence of why and what happen to them and in that vacation besides the affair that leads them to do apparently more than just that, in the way on how the plot ends (I wont spoil anything btw).

    It takes you to the pure excitement being witness of their affair and how it grows, but it is way more than that, because you are seeing also and experience both points of view that sometimes makes you think what is the true and which is not.

    P.s.I even wonder (btw this is just a crazy though) if this show will go much further than the vacation location, like maybe after the vacation ends and if the problem that is not yet known will continue hunting him or her or both after the vacation ends meaning beyond the affair and such. Because clearly I think this will be a show that maybe will be more than just the affair. I don't know it maybe just me.

    And I am thinking this just by the answer Alison give at the end of the plot.... but anyways yeah great story development so far. and acting is very incredible so far I might add, will see.
    Full Review »
  3. Dec 14, 2014
    3
    Started getting irritating when the different views (by the main characters) of the same events are totally different. Some differences dontStarted getting irritating when the different views (by the main characters) of the same events are totally different. Some differences dont even make sense man. Full Review »