Think you’ve seen every kind of affair drama? Think again — ITV’s upcoming six-part series, written by Danny Brocklehurst, the mastermind behind Netflix juggernauts Fool Me Once, Stay Close and The Stranger, is already being hailed as “authentic, explosive, and bristling with raw passion.” Following two ordinary families whose worlds are shattered by lies, obsession, and a secret relationship that spirals violently out of control, this isn’t a glossy soap but a twist-driven emotional avalanche packed with betrayal, guilt, lust, and compulsive suspense.
Early buzz says it could be Britain’s most addictive thriller of the year — the kind you start out of curiosity and finish in a breathless, white-knuckle blur.
In a television landscape saturated with crime procedurals and supernatural spectacles, few upcoming series dare to plunge so deeply into the raw underbelly of human desire and its devastating consequences. “Adultery,” the bold new six-part drama from ITV, promises to do just that. Created and written by the acclaimed Danny Brocklehurst — whose adaptations of Harlan Coben novels have dominated global streaming charts — this provocative tale weaves romance, thriller elements, and family drama into a taut, unpredictable narrative that explores the perilous intersection of passion and parenthood.
At the heart of the story are two seemingly unremarkable families whose lives collide in the most unexpected way. The series opens with 15-year-old Jess, a vibrant teenager navigating the intoxicating rush of first love with her classmate Ollie. Their romance is all-consuming, filled with stolen moments and youthful intensity that feels both innocent and overwhelming. But when Jess’s father, Tom, crosses paths with Ollie’s mother, Beth, under surprising circumstances, an immediate and irresistible spark ignites between the adults. What begins as a forbidden attraction quickly escalates into a full-blown, passionate affair that threatens to unravel everything — marriages, families, friendships, and futures.
Tom, portrayed with magnetic charisma by Dominic Cooper, is a devoted but flawed family man grappling with the mundane rhythms of middle age. Cooper brings layers of quiet vulnerability and simmering intensity to the role, capturing a man whose life is upended by desires he never anticipated. Opposite him, Romola Garai embodies Beth with a potent mix of strength and fragility. Fresh from acclaimed stage work, Garai delves into a woman haunted by grief and longing, her performance promising to reveal the complexities of a character torn between duty and ecstasy.
The supporting cast adds further depth and tension. Shelley Conn and Matthew McNulty play the respective spouses, injecting nuance into roles that could easily fall into stereotype — portraying partners who sense the shifting dynamics but struggle to confront the truth. Their performances ground the story in relatable domesticity, making the ensuing chaos all the more shattering.
Brocklehurst, a BAFTA-winning writer known for his sharp dialogue and masterful plotting, draws from his proven track record in twisty, character-driven thrillers. Having co-created the irreverent comedy Brassic and penned emotional journeys like Ten Pound Poms and No Return, he excels at blending high-stakes suspense with authentic human emotion. Here, he explores timeless questions: What happens when attraction overrides reason? How far would you go for a second chance at feeling truly alive? The series probes deeper issues too — class divides, the lingering shadows of loss, and the amplifying role of social media in modern relationships, where secrets spread like wildfire and judgments come swift.
Directed with precision, the first three episodes helmed by Will Sinclair build the simmering tension, while Daniel O’Hara takes the reins for the final trio, ramping up the pace as consequences mount. Filmed in and around Manchester, the series captures the gritty realism of northern British life — rainy streets, cozy homes hiding turmoil, and public spaces where chance encounters change everything. The visual style contrasts intimate, charged close-ups during romantic scenes with wider shots that emphasize isolation and exposure, heightening the sense of peril.
What sets “Adultery” apart is its refusal to moralize outright. Instead, it presents a nuanced portrait of flawed individuals making choices that feel achingly real. The affair isn’t glamorized as a fairy-tale escape; it’s depicted with all its messiness — stolen hotel rooms, panicked lies, and the gut-wrenching guilt that follows. As the relationship intensifies, so do the stakes: whispered confessions turn into reckless risks, and the ripple effects threaten to destroy the young lovers’ innocence alongside the adults’ stability.
The teenage romance between Jess and Ollie serves as a poignant parallel and catalyst. Their pure, unfiltered passion mirrors the adults’ reawakened desires but also highlights the generational differences in navigating love in a digital age. Social media amplifies everything — from viral rumors to invasive scrutiny — adding a contemporary edge that feels urgently relevant.
Brocklehurst’s scripting shines in the dialogue: sharp, witty exchanges give way to raw, vulnerable monologues that expose inner turmoil. Moments of levity punctuate the drama, preventing it from becoming overwhelmingly dour, while escalating twists keep viewers guessing. One episode might end on a tender, illicit embrace; the next plunges into confrontation and fallout.
Produced by Ben Stephenson’s Poison Pen Studios in association with ITV Studios, the series benefits from a transatlantic perspective that blends British authenticity with broad appeal. Stephenson, with his history of commissioning groundbreaking dramas, has assembled a team committed to smart, audience-engaging storytelling.
As anticipation builds, “Adultery” is poised to spark conversations about fidelity, forgiveness, and the thin line between love and obsession. In an era where relationship dramas often lean toward fantasy or farce, this one grounds itself in emotional truth, making the betrayals hit harder and the passions burn brighter.
For fans of Brocklehurst’s Coben adaptations, expect those signature surprises — revelations that reframe everything seen before. Yet this original story feels even more personal, a deep dive into the “highest highs and lowest lows” of forbidden love.
Set to air on ITV1 and stream on ITVX, “Adultery” arrives at a perfect moment, when viewers crave intelligent, binge-worthy dramas that linger long after the screen fades. It’s not just about the affair; it’s about the human cost of chasing what sets your soul on fire, even when it risks burning everything down.
Whether you’re drawn to the sizzling chemistry, the moral dilemmas, or the heart-pounding suspense, this series demands attention. Start watching casually if you dare — but be prepared to devour all six episodes in one gripping sitting. In a crowded field, “Adultery” stands out as a bold, unapologetic exploration of desire’s destructive power — and perhaps, its redemptive potential too.
