ITV has officially confirmed the new broadcast date for the acclaimed drama series The Affair, following an unexpected last-minute schedule alteration that left viewers confused and disappointed. The network has moved swiftly to reassure fans that the wait will be brief, with the show now set to premiere this week.
Unexpected Programming Switch Causes Confusion
Last Friday, March 13, television enthusiasts eagerly anticipated the ITV debut of The Affair, the 2014 drama starring Ruth Wilson, Dominic West, and Dawson's Creek alumnus Joshua Jackson. However, in a surprising turn of events, the scheduled 9pm slot was instead filled by an episode of the game show Beat The Chasers, leaving many fans puzzled and frustrated by the sudden change.
While the specific reason for this last-minute programming decision remains unclear, ITV has provided clarification to Reach Plc, confirming that viewers will not have to endure a prolonged delay. The network has rescheduled the series to ensure it reaches audiences promptly.
New Broadcast Details and Streaming Options
The Affair will now make its highly anticipated ITV debut on Friday, March 20, at 9pm. According to the current plan, the network intends to continue airing episodes of this hit series every Friday night, providing a consistent viewing schedule for its audience.
For those unwilling to wait for the weekly broadcasts, an alternative viewing option is available. The first three seasons of The Affair have recently been added to ITV's streaming platform, ITVX. This allows impatient viewers to binge-watch these initial episodes at their convenience, although it should be noted that seasons four and five have not yet been released on the service.
Series Synopsis and Critical Acclaim
The Affair centers on the illicit romance between married teacher and author Noah Solloway, portrayed by Dominic West, and waitress Alison Lockhart, played by Ruth Wilson, who is grappling with her own personal tragedy. A distinctive narrative technique sees episodes typically split into two parts, presenting the same events from different perspectives. This innovative storytelling approach has been widely praised for adding depth and complexity to the drama.
The series has garnered significant critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. On IMDb, one enthusiast hailed it as "the best TV show ever," commenting, "They don't make TV shows like this. This is drama at its best. Superb writing and cast of actors, so much talent in this one show."
Another viewer echoed this sentiment, stating, "Love this series, the way the episodes play out showing both sides of the story from two different perspectives is brilliant. The acting is superb!" A third fan described the show as "gripping from start to finish," noting that it "certainly wasn't predictable at all." Further praise came from another who called it their "favorite show of all time," applauding the "great, exciting, realistic, fun, mind blowing" stories.
With its compelling narrative structure and strong performances, The Affair promises to be a standout addition to ITV's programming lineup. Mark your calendars for its premiere on Friday, March 20, at 9pm on ITV.
