ITV’s new drama Playing Nice premiered on Sunday night to mixed reviews from viewers, introducing characters Pete (played by James Norton) and Maddie (portrayed by Niamh Algar).
In the opening scenes, the couple were rocked by the revelation that their son was not their biological child due to a heart-wrenching hospital error. Instead, they’ve been unknowingly raising Miles’ (James McArdle) and Lucy’s (Jessica Brown) child.
The drama centres on the difficult decision faced by both families after finding out their sons were accidentally switched at birth: whether to keep the child they’ve loved and raised or to swap them for their biological son.
However, as the narrative developed, it failed to captivate some viewers, who described the initial episode as ‘far fetched’, with the following episode leading certain fans to tune out.
Criticisms escalated on social media, with one particular viewer picking apart the storyline for its unrealistic portrayal of a sensitive legal scenario, stating frustration at the lack of supervision during the families’ meeting and their apparent ease in discovering each other’s addresses, reports the Mirror.
One annoyed Twitter user commented: “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 disgruntled fan shared: “‘Just started watching this and it’s already ridiculous whatever happened to confidentiality? How did he find out where Theo lives?”.
Likewise, another viewer shared their scepticism: “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?”
Despite the doubts from some viewers, many are captivated by the show’s unpredictable developments. A fan expressed their engagement: “‘Really far fetched but I am absolutely hooked!”
Another viewer commended the series: “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.”
In advance of the premiere, James Norton discussed his character’s intensive emotional journey. He asserted: “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.
“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.”
James also hinted about the reflective odyssey viewers are set to embark upon regarding notions of parenting and the innate versus acquired traits debate.
Expanding on this theme, he remarked: “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.