The Affair

:

Season 1
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 12, 2014
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 233 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 179 out of 233
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 233
  3. Negative: 40 out of 233
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User Reviews

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  1. GinaK
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    The Affair is my favorite TV show. I often watch it multiple times each week and even read the Recap in the NY Times were many people write in and comment. You soon find out that everyone sees the show and characters a little differently – as differently as the characters see themselves. The audience members notice the most amazing details, and many people interpret events and actions inThe Affair is my favorite TV show. I often watch it multiple times each week and even read the Recap in the NY Times were many people write in and comment. You soon find out that everyone sees the show and characters a little differently – as differently as the characters see themselves. The audience members notice the most amazing details, and many people interpret events and actions in their own way. It’s one of the aspects that make the show so much fun. Also the acting is wonderful. And for mystery fans, there are many of those too – not only the mysteries of personality and fate – but also a more immediate one – who killed Scotty?… Expand
  2. ecifelli
    Jul 26, 2015
    10
    The best series on tv--maybe ever. High praise, I know, but this cast, this writing, this honesty, this drama--all combined, edited, and directed with love, care, and balance is the most rare thing imaginable on television. There are absolutely no emotional shortcuts. Everything is complicated yet simple at the same time. Great show.
  3. fartbreath2010
    Aug 15, 2015
    10
    The Golden Globes were right - this show is fabulous. Great acting, great story, addictive - once again, network tv can't deliver like this cable gem
  4. Elofson
    Oct 10, 2015
    10
    The series (season 1 so far) is just fantastic. It beats everything that I've watched in the drama genre for many, many years. It's deep, nuanced, it's free from cliches, and it's about real people. The whole cast is great, but Ruth Wilson stands out. She is incredibly expressive, and yet she never overacts. She is sensitive, she is cute, she is sexy, she is ordinary, she is lovely, she isThe series (season 1 so far) is just fantastic. It beats everything that I've watched in the drama genre for many, many years. It's deep, nuanced, it's free from cliches, and it's about real people. The whole cast is great, but Ruth Wilson stands out. She is incredibly expressive, and yet she never overacts. She is sensitive, she is cute, she is sexy, she is ordinary, she is lovely, she is vulnerable, she is stubborn. She doesn't have to speak, just looking at her face is enough. In it one can read a thousand words. When I started to watch the show I didn't know anything about it, but I immediately was captured. And I had never heard about Ruth Wilson before either. So I checked the internet and to my delight I found out that The Affair had won the Golden Globe for Best TV Series, Drama
    And Ruth Wilson had won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Series, Drama. Wonderful.    … Expand
  5. dierregi
    Oct 5, 2016
    8
    This first series is very intriguing. The way the two married leads, Noah and Alison, start their affair is quite realistic. Pushed by personal problems, frustration and boredom, they fight weakly their physical attraction before falling into bed.

    From a rational point of view it is a bad idea: Noah is a married guy with 4 kids (none of them particulalry likable), and hardly an    This first series is very intriguing. The way the two married leads, Noah and Alison, start their affair is quite realistic. Pushed by personal problems, frustration and boredom, they fight weakly their physical attraction before falling into bed.

    From a rational point of view it is a bad idea: Noah is a married guy with 4 kids (none of them particulalry likable), and hardly an irresistible Romeo. Besides, he is way less attractive than Cole, Alison's hudsband.

    Alison is also a flawed character, borderline depressive and wrapped up self-pity. Not long-term relationship material. It was interesting to see how their affair developped into what both want desperately to be a great love story.

    I loved following the the two "different" stories, the details are so accurate... for instance in Noah's narration, Alison is always wearing shorter and tighter clother. He is focussing a lot more on the phyisical side of their relationship and lying a lot about his actions. Alison is more "romantic" but also unable to see that Noah is mainly an escape route from her gloomy obsession.    … Expand
  6. Chris12
    Oct 25, 2014
    10
    Great pilot. Great pace. Great cast. Lets see if Reiner can pull off this pace for the life of the show. If things fall into place Showtime has yet another crushing binge worthy series.
  7. Modeyv2
    May 5, 2015
    10
    Amazing series, I got here from Luthor, as Ruth Wilson is also in it, she deserved all the awards that were given from this series to her, the acting is great. For people who don't understand the variation between the two stories, this show is supposed to represent what each character wants to tell and wants to hide, using the two story lines to puzzle together what each character wants toAmazing series, I got here from Luthor, as Ruth Wilson is also in it, she deserved all the awards that were given from this series to her, the acting is great. For people who don't understand the variation between the two stories, this show is supposed to represent what each character wants to tell and wants to hide, using the two story lines to puzzle together what each character wants to hide from the detective, creating an interesting plot that has immersed me dearly, cannot wait for season 2 which should be out later this year (2015).… Expand
  8. vickyparis
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    If you love the way this is filmed, rush to get this book :The One by Vivienne Harris-Scott! I had weird feeling of Déjà-vu when I was watching the pilot of this serie...it reminded me of her book, and the way each character present his side of the story as they fall in love. Same as I was with the book where she masterfully describes what went on in her characters heads and hearts, IIf you love the way this is filmed, rush to get this book :The One by Vivienne Harris-Scott! I had weird feeling of Déjà-vu when I was watching the pilot of this serie...it reminded me of her book, and the way each character present his side of the story as they fall in love. Same as I was with the book where she masterfully describes what went on in her characters heads and hearts, I felt glued to the TV watching this. I always find it fascinating when time is actually taken to examine closely how people live and are psychologically affected by an actual event. Same scene, totally different effect! I already know I'll be saving the 10 episodes and be ready for as many seasons as Showtime gives us! Dominic West is just perfect in this role but the really outstanding one is Ruth Wilson. She plays the undermined waitress to a tee, and when we see her in "real time" at the police station, I get flashbacks of Luther's Alice and get chills...Brilliant show. I hope they started course!… Expand
  9. notforbreakfast
    Oct 31, 2014
    9
    "The Affair" puts the truth on trial: the central dynamic between Alison and Noah doesn't seem forced, great writing and acting make for a strong first three showings, but what makes the show so engrossing is the idea that the differing perspectives of the two leads reveal the difficulty of determining the objective truth of something.
  10. Ravens1294
    Dec 27, 2014
    8
    I never thought a show about an affair and the events after one would be this interesting. First of all, the acting is phenomenal all around. The 2 leads deliver outstanding performances and their characters are so interesting. The writing is great, direction is on point and the season is actually rather intense. The first 5 episodes split each episode with a POV of the same event and it'sI never thought a show about an affair and the events after one would be this interesting. First of all, the acting is phenomenal all around. The 2 leads deliver outstanding performances and their characters are so interesting. The writing is great, direction is on point and the season is actually rather intense. The first 5 episodes split each episode with a POV of the same event and it's amazing to see the event in their biased view point. The last 5 episodes had a POV on different events, but the show still felt the same. The Affair got better as it went along and the season finale was just amazing. It was the most intense and intriguing episode to date and it sets up an outstanding season 2. Definitely one of the biggest surprises of the year and for good reason.… Expand
  11. DanniBoi
    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 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    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.    … Expand
  12. MarianoAlexion
    Oct 14, 2014
    10
    Amazing cast. Perfectly shot. Intriguing, well crafted story. The two-side story is perfectly made, and i love the fact that some details change in each other´s vision. Certainly the best new show of Fall.
  13. lindag
    Dec 15, 2014
    10
    I love the show but it drives me crazy that the wife and mistress look a lot alike, maybe that is intentional. Also that they both have Marge Simpson upper lips!
  14. seagullcanfly
    Nov 4, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love the format of this show, not knowing what story to believe or what version of events really happened. But a good four or five episodes in, I'm starting to feel that they're dragging out how the affair started. When watching this, I have to ask myself, "What's at stake? What does it really matter that two people are having an affair?"

    As it continues, there's enough hints that there's something else that happens, and without wanting to spoil anything, the show is taking its time letting us know what that's about in a way that just does not seem natural. Characters artificially leave out the names of the people they're talking about when you want to know what happened to whom.

    Yet, there's something about the way the show is shot. Almost always they are very close shots, close to the actors. They do enough editing with filters to suggest the impermanence of memory which can also lead to the unreliability of the narration from either viewpoint.

    But as someone who lives on Long Island, just on the other shore, I feel that the show makes the same mistake it accuses Noah of making. It romanticizes the town to make it seem like everyone rides around in bicycles with baskets, works at farmer's markets, and goes to town hall meetings. The Affair gets little things right. I noticed a jar of honey on a countertop that is only sold out here. And it's right to criticize Riverhead, understanding that it is the place you'd go to go "bowling."

    However, I have a very hard time taking any show seriously when it is also inherently self referential. We are watching a show about an author who is having an affair, and that author in the show is writing a book about a guy who is having an affair.

    The actors are very strong and the show at the least is attempting to do something I haven't seen before, but it needs work.    … Expand
  15. zouz123
    Oct 22, 2014
    9
    Nice show, good actors. Didn't understand where things were going at first, but after watching the 2nd episode, things turned out to be quite complex. A story of how a simple and unanticipated affair could turn everything upside down. Highly recommended to those who like to see the world through different point of views, as it is well applied by the director.
  16. CelticView
    Oct 28, 2014
    9
    Great acting, deliberately paced, beautifully shot. Intriguing disparity between the two tales - hope I'm not let down because I feel this is really going somewhere.

    Best show on TV at the moment.
  17. nicholasbert
    Oct 15, 2014
    7
    A show recounting two sides of the same story, realistically different depending on who tells it. At a glance, you can tell there is the backbone for a compelling - even if slightly disturbing - season. We don't yet see "the affair" proper, but we already know it's bound to lead to some heavy consequences.

    Characters are realistic, especially Noah who acts as the spinning wheel of his    A show recounting two sides of the same story, realistically different depending on who tells it. At a glance, you can tell there is the backbone for a compelling - even if slightly disturbing - season. We don't yet see "the affair" proper, but we already know it's bound to lead to some heavy consequences.

    Characters are realistic, especially Noah who acts as the spinning wheel of his family but doesn't want to be considered a hero for it. When you add to it a good cinematography and some genuine dialogue, you're all set for a good start.    … Expand
  18. truerock
    Sep 22, 2019
    9
    If you described "The Affair" to me - I would assume I wouldn't particularly care for it. If you gave me plot summaries of the episodes, I would not find them particularly interesting. To me, the characters are generally unlikable. Every time a new season of this series comes around, I think I am probably not going to like it so much as I did previously. Nevertheless, I find that thereIf you described "The Affair" to me - I would assume I wouldn't particularly care for it. If you gave me plot summaries of the episodes, I would not find them particularly interesting. To me, the characters are generally unlikable. Every time a new season of this series comes around, I think I am probably not going to like it so much as I did previously. Nevertheless, I find that there are episodes or parts of episodes that just blow me away. In my opinion, this is one of the best series I have experienced.

    The acting, directing, editing and writing at times are absolutely superb.    … Expand
  19. Goganga
    Nov 17, 2015
    10
    The Affair is my favorite TV show! The best series on tv ever! It beats everything that I've watched in the drama genre for many, many years.
    Delicate, intense, sophisticated, damn studied in dialogues and psychological aspects that concern humanity, relationships, emotions .... no special effects, shooting or pursuit, no serial killer here ... but the adrenaline and the force the story    The Affair is my favorite TV show! The best series on tv ever! It beats everything that I've watched in the drama genre for many, many years.
    Delicate, intense, sophisticated, damn studied in dialogues and psychological aspects that concern humanity, relationships, emotions .... no special effects, shooting or pursuit, no serial killer here ... but the adrenaline and the force the story is entrusted to the power of empathy .... So if you do not have empathy or sensitivity to human feelings stay away from this wonder!    … Expand
  20. damman
    Dec 21, 2015
    10
    I love this show. At first I thought it was for women but I will tell you it's for men and women. The acting is great and the story is really easy to follow. I felt bad for some of the characters when they would go through a difficult time during the Affair but I could see why the Affair happen. I hope their will be another season beside season 3. Great TV this is the reason why I haveI love this show. At first I thought it was for women but I will tell you it's for men and women. The acting is great and the story is really easy to follow. I felt bad for some of the characters when they would go through a difficult time during the Affair but I could see why the Affair happen. I hope their will be another season beside season 3. Great TV this is the reason why I have Showtime channel.… Expand
  21. AnoopJoseph
    Jun 22, 2015
    8
    THE AFFAIR (SEASON 1, 2014): WORTH WATCHING

    Series Review Starting with an apology if you have already seen this series. The Affair is an American television drama series created by Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi , which premiered its first season on Showtime last year. It is some kind of mixed genre of drama, crime and mystery. Just happened to complete the debut season of the series    THE AFFAIR (SEASON 1, 2014): WORTH WATCHING

    Series Review

    Starting with an apology if you have already seen this series. The Affair is an American television drama series created by Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi , which premiered its first season on Showtime last year. It is some kind of mixed genre of drama, crime and mystery. Just happened to complete the debut season of the series few days back and I found it quite interesting.

    It is clearly understood from the title itself that the series is about an "affair ". It is about an extramarital relationship between a writer cum teacher Noah Solloway and a waitress named Alison Bailey. Noah is a happily married person with four children, but the family background of Alison is vague. Both have their own reasons for engaging in such a relationship. It is not that they are not happy with the present family and this series explores the reasons for engaging in this relationship despite being happy with their own families. Alison's reasons are quite a mystery though and the viewers will discover it as the episodes go by. The events took an unexpected turn with the death of a character. Each and every episode shows the story of affair separately from the Noah's and Alison's perspective.

    If there are any factors which keep this series not bored despite a slow dramatic start in the initial episodes those are the strong script and powerful performances of leading actors .Dominic West portrays the role of Noah and character of Alison is handled by Ruth Wilson for which she got Best Actress award in a Television Series Drama at 72nd Golden Globe Awards 2015.

    Creators and technical staffs behind the camera have done a good work. They have already renewed the series for a second season which will be aired soon. The theme song "Container" written and performed by Fiona Apple is so good.

    This series has also won the award for the Best Television Series in Drama genre at 72nd Golden Globe Awards 2015."The Affair " is rated 95% ( certified 'Fresh') in rotten tomatoes and has a metascore of 85 ( Universal acclaim) in Metacritic. Season 1 contains 10 episodes of around one hour duration each.I found this Golden Globe winning series as a worth watching one and I am waiting for its second season.

    http://anoopjoseph90.blogspot.in/2015/06/the-affair-season-1-2014-worth-watching.html    … Expand
  22. NewMetacritic
    Dec 25, 2015
    8
    It would work just the same for me if the Noah Sollaway character was named Jimmy McNaulty. It's the same guy, except that he upped his game. You accept the many imperfections of NcNaulty because in the end he is dedicated to his work and is good at it. He is also a not-so-bad human being way down. West and Wilson are
  23. calliekoo
    Sep 2, 2018
    8
    I do like the show tho I have to say the first season was the best. I had to deduct 2 points because the actress' who play Helen and Allison can be hard to watch because of all the lets call it repairs done to their faces. Allisons veneers and duck mouth is hard to look at but what even more hard to look at is Helens duck mouth. For goodness sake girls quit doin whatever it is u aeI do like the show tho I have to say the first season was the best. I had to deduct 2 points because the actress' who play Helen and Allison can be hard to watch because of all the lets call it repairs done to their faces. Allisons veneers and duck mouth is hard to look at but what even more hard to look at is Helens duck mouth. For goodness sake girls quit doin whatever it is u ae doin! Also the sex scenes are getting to be the same old same old positions where the girls are being hoisted up on the tables.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best TV Season of 2014
43
#43 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
4
#4 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Sioux City Journal
    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.
    Read full review
  2. Denver Post
    Reviewed by: Joanne Ostrow
    Oct 13, 2014
    80
    As was the case with the controversial "In Treatment," those with no patience for self-analysis or a psychologically minded view of relationships may find The Affair slow going. But the mystery element should keep even impatient viewers guessing.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Oct 13, 2014
    90
    It's a terrific idea lyrically written and perfectly cast.
    Read full review
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