Joshua Jackson Cast as a Cowboy in Showtime's The Affair

Maura Tierney and Dominic West will also star

By Jenna Mullins Aug 26, 2013 10:51 PMTags
Joshua Jackson, MET GalaBilly Farrell/BFANYC/Sipa USA

Did anyone read past the headline where it says, "Joshua Jackson cast as a cowboy"? We didn't think so.

For those who did continue reading and want more information, the Fringe star has joined the Showtime drama pilot The Affair, the network announced today.

Jackson will play Cole, a tough cowboy who manages a ranch in Long Island that has been in the family for many generations. Cole's is married to Allison (played by Ruth Wilson), a pancake house employee who is trying to get her life back together after suffering a tragedy.

That is when the affair comes in. Allison will be drawn to a New Yorker named Noah (Dominic West), who is spending his summer on Long Island. Maura Tierney is also starring in the series as Helen, Noah's wife of 17 years, who does not take his infidelity lightly.

The Showtime pilot marks Jackson's first role on television since Fringe went off the air in January. Jackson's former costar Anna Torv also chose a cable network for her first post-Fringe role, signing on to play a lesbian in Ryan Murphy's HBO drama pilot Open.

The Affair is from In Treatment's Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi.

So, Joshua Jackson as a cowboy. Discuss.