9) The Affair
Showtime’s The Affair often gets overlooked in the ever-growing landscape of quality television. It doesn’t carry the enticement of top-billed talent, nor the allure of a far-reaching, grandiose epic. What began as simply an affair within the confines of Montauk during its initial run has barely breached the borders of Long Island, even though it’s now three seasons deep. But that’s not to say Noah (Dominic West) and Alison’s (Ruth Wilson) entanglement hasn’t resulted in entertaining, widespread consequences.
In its previous season, The Affair’s ambitions resulted in the show suffering somewhat of a regression. Although highly addictive, the series felt like it had abandoned its emotional core. In its third season, however, The Affair has chiseled its narrative and reinvigorated its characters, returning the program to its former glory.
Dominic West continues to enrapture as Noah Solloway, becoming more in touch and at peace with who his antihero really is with each passing episode. Joshua Jackson and Maura Tierney, meanwhile, are thriving in their expanded storylines and the show has greatly benefited from the additions of Brendan Fraser and Irene Jacob.
If you’ve made the mistake of overlooking this one, as many people have, be sure to rectify that ASAP.