"Game of Thrones" and "House of Cards" didn't take home the award for Best TV Drama Sunday night at the Golden Globes.
Instead, it was Showtime's juicy new series, "The Affair."
The show ended up being one of the big winners of the night, as lead actress Ruth Wilson beat out fellow network star Claire Danes ("Homeland"), Robin Wright ("House of Cards"), and Julianna Margulies ("The Good Wife") for Best Actress in a TV Drama.
The series, from Sarah Treem ("House of Cards" co-executive producer) and Hagai Levi ("In Treatment"), chronicles the emotional effects of an extramarital affair between waitress Alison (Wilson) and novelist and teacher Noah (Dominic West).
Alison’s marriage to her rancher husband Cole (Joshua Jackson) is emotionally and financially fraught. Noah has been married to his wife Hellen (Maura Tierney) for 17 years, and he is struggling to complete a new novel. Although he is happy in his marriage, he's frustrated because he's dependent on his in-laws' wealth.
When the couple and their four kids spend their summer at his in-laws’ estate, he meets Alison, and the two form an undeniable attraction for one another.
The show, which premiered in October, has received praise for its compelling story about a generally taboo subject — extramarital affairs — as well as for the excellent performances from its leading actors.
Compared to other Showtime series, "The Affair" posted lower Season 1 ratings than the network's previous hits, "Homeland" and "Masters of Sex."
With less conversation surrounding the series, it was a dark horse, unlike its category competitors "Game of Thrones" and "House of Cards."
However, two Golden Globes are likely to help the series garner more viewers in its second season, and potentially help raise its profile come Emmy season.
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