ITV Playing Nice fans 'switch off' as they brand James Norton's new drama 'ridiculous'

ITV's new drama Playing Nice has sparked a wave of criticism from viewers following its debut on Sunday night. The series introduces audiences to Pete (played by James Norton) and Maddie (portrayed by Niamh Algar), who are devastated to discover that their son is not biologically theirs due to a heart-wrenching mix-up at the hospital, with their actual child being raised by another couple, Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy (Jessica Brown).

The gripping narrative sees both families grappling with the excruciating decision of whether to keep the child they have nurtured or to switch them for their biological son. Despite the dramatic premise, the show failed to captivate some viewers, with criticisms emerging over the first episode being deemed 'far fetched', leading to a drop-off in interest during the second episode.

Dissatisfied fans took to Twitter to express their disbelief, particularly pointing out the implausible scenario where the two affected families meet without any legal supervision and are aware of each other's addresses.

One disgruntled viewer tweeted their frustration, commenting: "I work in the legal sector (family), so I know exactly how this situation would work from the beginning, the ridiculousness of it so far has put me off taking it seriously, if I knew NOTHING about the law, it might be quite compelling."

Another viewer expressed their incredulity, saying: "'Just started watching this and it's already ridiculous whatever happened to confidentiality? How did he find out where Theo lives?"

Some viewers raised eyebrows at the show's plotline with one person taking to social media to express disbelief: "I cannot believe for a second that both couples would just be allowed to meet one another without professional mediation or supervision. Have the hospital authorities just shared addresses and told them to get on with it?".

On the flip side, numerous fans are loving the twists and turns of the series, with one enthusiast saying: "'Really far fetched but I am absolutely hooked!"

Another fan hailed the drama: "What a gripping drama that masterfully explores the complexities of family dynamics and moral dilemmas, reflecting the nature of family, trust, and the lengths we go to protect those we love."

James Norton, who stars in the drama, opened up about his role before the first episode aired, revealing the intense emotional journey his character undergoes, reports the Mirror.

He commented: "The role is emotionally challenging to play, and it takes you to a dark yet unusual place. Stories about bereavement, heartbreak or grief are more familiar."

The actor described how this unique storyline delves into different kinds of agonies, explaining: "This is a story which encapsulates all of those various forms of pain, but to find out that your child is not your own, is not an experience which people have often."

In discussing how the unfolding narrative will impact viewers, James suggested that it could make them contemplate deep questions about parenting and the debate between nature versus nurture.

Adding further insight into what audiences can expect, James stated: "Initially, we want them to really feel that panic, that feeling of dread that Maddie and Pete have.

"I want them to appreciate their relationship with their children or their own parents and to know that they are their own relationships, biological or not."

Playing Nice is available to watch on ITVX.