Marriage drama comes to Sky this May

Sky Atlantic has acquired the UK rights to air Showtime’s Golden Globe Award-winning drama The Affair, starring Dominic West (The Wire) and Ruth Wilson (Luther) .

The Affair explores the emotional and psychological effects of an extramarital affair. The provocative drama is told separately from the male and female perspectives, using the distinct memory biases to both misdirect and intrigue. Wilson plays Alison, a young woman waiting tables at a popular Hamptons diner, trying to piece her life back together in the wake of a tragedy. Her husband Cole, played by Joshua Jackson (Fringe), struggles to keep it all together, with his wife and with the financially-strained ranch that has been in his family for generations.

Their emotionally-charged marriage becomes even more complicated when Alison begins an affair with Noah (West), a New York City public school teacher and aspiring novelist who is spending the summer at his in-laws’ estate out in the Hamptons. Maura Tierney (ER) plays Helen, Noah’s college sweetheart, best friend, mother of his children, lover and wife of 17 years.

Zai Bennett, Director of Sky Atlantic commented: “I’m delighted we have secured The Affair for Sky Atlantic. Its intricate storytelling and phenomenal acting sit perfectly on the channel, further cementing our channel’s position as the home of quality drama in the UK.”

Award-winning playwright and writer/producer Sarah Treem (House of Cards, In Treatment) wrote the original script from a story created with Hagai Levi.

The Affair will air on Sky Atlantic this May. Sky also have the UK rights to air the recently announced second season.