A critically acclaimed drama that captivated audiences on a subscription service is coming to ITV for free, and it's already earned an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The first two seasons were even more lauded, each scoring a stunning 90%.

For those who missed it the first time around on Showtime between 2014 and 2019, ITVX will make the first three series available from March 13, with series four arriving this summer and the fifth and final series concluding the saga in 2027. The show, aptly named The Affair, explores the emotional and psychological effects of cheating among two couples.

It follows Alison, a young diner waitress struggling to keep her life and marriage together after a personal tragedy, and Cole, her devoted but overwhelmed rancher husband.

Into their world steps Noah, a settled teacher and aspiring novelist, spending the summer at his in-laws' Hamptons estate with his wife, Helen, and their four children.

When Noah meets Alison, sparks fly. For her, he is a thrilling escape, and for him, she comes as a welcome distraction.

Viewers watch as a passionate affair eventually tears rifts into two marriages, one of which was already fragile, the other seemingly unshakable.

The Affair won a Golden Globe for Best Drama Series in 2015, and Ruth Wilson secured the award for Best Actress for her role as Alison. Maura Tierney later won Best Supporting Actress for playing Helen.

Fans raved about the show's impact. One wrote on Reddit: "What a ride! It was an absolute masterpiece. It's not a typical drama series. It's really good."

They said it was captivating because it was relatable, depicting real-life events that could happen to anyone. "I don't have a favourite season or episode, but the whole series was just amazing," they added.

Some questioned whether "masterpiece" was too strong a word, but defenders argued the show's storytelling was truly groundbreaking.

Events are told from two or four perspectives, but one fan said that, unlike Skins or True Detective, it was more memory-driven and a "unique concept".

"If that isn't groundbreaking, I don't know what is. I would say it is a masterpiece, especially the first two seasons," they concluded.