"Thrilling" and soapy drama branded 'the beach read of television' lands UK streaming home

A "thrilling" US soap drama will be soon available to stream from ITVX. Mistresses first began life as a 2008 British TV show on BBC One, starring Sarah Parish (Merlin), Sharon Small (Trust Me), Shelley Conn (Bridgerton) and Orla Brady (VisionQuest).

The British series followed the lives of four female friends as they become involved in an array of complex and illicit relationships.

The UK version of Mistresses saw its third and final season in 2010. However, the show was popular enough that it spawned a few international versions, including one across the pond.

Related: Best streaming services

The US version of the show stars Charmed star Alyssa Milano in a lead role, followed by Yunjin Kim (Lost), Rochelle Aytes (White Chicks) and Jes Macallan (Legends of Tomorrow).

The series made its debut on ABC in 2013 before it was cancelled by the broadcaster after four seasons in 2016.

From 26 November, all four seasons will be available to watch on ITVX.

Describing the show as "thrilling", the synopsis says that Mistresses is about "the scandalous lives of a sexy and sassy group of four girlfriends, each on her own path to self-discovery".

"These four friends find support and guidance with each other as they brave their turbulent journeys and life's storms of excitement, secrecy and betrayal, all the while bound by the complex relationships they've created," it continues.

Over on Rotten Tomatoes, the show doesn't have a critical rating, but it received an overall audience rating of 63%.

Related: Toni Collette to lead new Apple TV+ drama with "hilarious chaos"

In reviews for season 2, The New York Daily News wrote: "Mistresses doesn't shoot for profound. It aims to be the 'beach read' television, and it does its job."

Meanwhile, USA Today added: "There are shows that seem out of place in summer - and shows that belong nowhere else. If you like, think of it as the TV version of a beach read."

Before its cancellation, the show had decided to move filming from Los Angeles to Canada, in turn losing Milano as the lead star. Her role was later taken over by Jennifer Esposito, though she didn't return for the fourth season.

All four seasons of Mistresses will be available to stream on ITVX from 26 November.

Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.

The new edition of Legends, a 100-page celebration of the world of K-pop, is here. Buy K-Pop in newsagents or online.