The Affair, a World War II-era drama focusing on a black soldier in England and his affair with a white woman whose husband is away at war, was released to moderate acclaim. At the time of its debut, critics praised the performances of Courtney B. Vance as Travis Holloway and Kerry Fox as Maggie Leyland, highlighting the show's exploration of complex racial and marital dynamics during a tumultuous period. However, some viewers found the pacing slow and the narrative somewhat conventional for a period drama. Over time, The Affair has developed a modest but dedicated fan base who appreciate its sensitive handling of serious themes and strong character work. While it has not achieved widespread cult classic status, it is often regarded as an underrated gem that offers a nuanced look at personal and societal conflicts of its era, rather than a dated relic.