At the moment, you’d be forgiven for never wanting to leave the sofa. TV has never been better. From Game of Thrones and Scandal to Catastrophe and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, it seems like we’re living in a golden age of brilliant telly. 

Our latest addiction is The Affair starring Ruth Wilson and Dominic West. Compelling and deeply unnerving, it explores the emotional and psychological fallout from an extramarital affair.

Here are our 5 reasons why you must start watching immediately.

1 – The plot device

Each episode is told from two perspectives. Noah (Dominic West) and Alison (Ruth Wilson) each relate their version of things so we see two accounts of the same events. This device plays with distorted memory, misdirection and intrigue to brilliant dramatic effect.

2 - Ruth Wilson

The British actress plays Alison, a waitress at a local diner in the Hamptons who is in the process of putting her life back together after losing her young son. Noah’s account of the affair depict Alison as free-spirited, sexy and seductive while her narrative portrays a vulnerable, troubled but strong-willed woman struggling with grief. Wilson plays both versions so convincingly and has one of the most captivating faces you’ll see on screen. She bagged a Golden Globe for her performance earlier this year.

3 – Pacey Witter klaxon 

Our favourite Dawson’s Creek alum plays Alison’s husband, Cole. While it’s hard for us to see Joshua Jackson with any other woman but Joey Potter, it’s great to have Jackson back in our living rooms every week.

4 – Rule Brittania 

LA is stuffed with great actors but the two lead roles are occupied by Brits. Oscar season was dominated by British talent on the big screen and now the small screen is catching up.

5 – Dominic West

As if we’d forget him. West plays Noah, a writer and schoolteacher who is happily married with four kids until he meets Alison. Against your betters instincts, you can’t help willing him to pursue her. West is charming, understated and it helps that he's pretty easy on the eye too.

The Affair is on Sky Atlantic on Wednesdays at 9pm

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Hannah Swerling
Content Director
Hannah Swerling is ELLE's Content Director. She is a shameless TV addict and serial T-shirt buyer, never leaves the house without her headphones and loves Beyoncé more than you.