ITV’s Explosive New 6-Part Affair Thriller Is Already Being Called “Britain’s Answer to Harlan Coben” — From the Writer Behind Fool Me Once and The Stranger, This Messy, Passion-Fueled Saga Might Be the Most Addictive Watch of the Year! 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.
Calling all Harlan Coben fans! ITV has a new relationship drama in the works, and it’s definitely one to add to your watchlist. The series comes from acclaimed screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst, who adapted a string of Coben’s hit thrillers for Netflix, including Fool Me Once, Stay Close and The Stranger. His latest series, Adultery, focuses on two ordinary families and messy complications and is described as “naturally authentic and bristling with passion”.
As a huge fan of Danny Brocklehurst, I’m particularly excited for Adultery. The screenwriter has an impressive list of writing credits behind him, including Brassic, Ten Pound Poms and several Harlan Coben adaptations, of which I particularly enjoyed the twisty-filled Fool Me Once. If anyone knows how to keep viewers on the edges of their seats, it’s Danny. Keep reading to find out all we know about Adultery so far.
© Matt Squire/NetflixWhat is Adultery about?
The six-part series introduces viewers to 15-year-old Jess, who has found love with her schoolmate Ollie. The youngsters “can’t keep their hands off each other, as love’s young dream becomes all-consuming”, according to the synopsis. But when Jess’s dad, Tom, meets Ollie’s mum, Beth, in the most unexpected of circumstances, the two families’ lives are potentially turned upside down forever.
The synopsis continues: “Will Tom and Beth be able to control their desires, unlike their lovestruck teenagers? Adultery raises questions about class, grief and the effects of social media, as it takes the viewer on a rollercoaster story of passion, parenthood and peril, as our protagonists Tom and Beth embark upon a passionate and intense love affair that threatens to uproot their whole lives.
Creator Danny said of the series: “This is a drama about passion, and I’ve passionately wanted to write it for some time. I’m thrilled to be partnering with ITV and Poison Pen to bring audiences a show about how love and sex have the capacity to lift us to the highest highs and the lowest lows.”
© David Fisher/ShutterstockWho stars in Adultery?
ITV has yet to announce the cast of the upcoming series. However, Digital Spy published images of Vigil star Romola Garai filming on location in Manchester, alongside Andrew Knott (Protection, Ackley Bridge). While it’s yet to be revealed who else will star in the show, stay tuned, as we’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more.
© ITVWhen will Adultery be released?
ITV has yet to confirm when the show will arrive on our screens. But with filming currently underway, it could be a little while longer until the series is broadcast. But we’d expect the drama to be released next year at the earliest. Adultery will air on ITV1 and STV and will be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player.
