When a new comedy series quietly lands on a major streaming platform, it rarely comes with as much baggage—or as many laughs—as ITV’s Piglets. The show, which returned for its second series on ITVX just days ago, continues to spark heated debate while drawing in devoted fans. Set in the unlikely comedic backdrop of a British police training college, Piglets has become a lightning rod for controversy, praise, and everything in between.
The premise is deceptively simple: six wildly different recruits arrive at a police academy, each hoping to survive the rigors of training and perhaps even become officers. They’re shepherded—sometimes gently, often not—by Superintendent Julie Spry (Sarah Parish) and Superintendent Bob Weekes (Mark Heap), whose no-nonsense approaches clash and complement in equal measure. Supporting them are Head of Admin Melanie (Rebecca Humphries), and trainers Mike (Ukweli Roach) and Daz (Ricky Champ), all tasked with transforming this batch of hopefuls into something resembling a police force.
But it’s not just the plot or the cast that has people talking. From its very debut in July 2024, Piglets was embroiled in controversy. The show’s title—a direct nod to the derogatory slang “pig” used for police officers—immediately drew fire from the Police Federation of England and Wales. According to The Mirror, the Federation described the name as “highly offensive” and “insulting,” setting the tone for a public debate that would only intensify as the series gained traction.
Despite—or perhaps because of—this uproar, Piglets quickly found an audience. The first six episodes racked up 5.6 million views, a figure that would make even the most established comedies envious. Yet, with popularity came scrutiny. Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, received several complaints from viewers who took issue with the show’s irreverent tone and provocative branding. The backlash was enough to make headlines, but it didn’t slow the show’s momentum. ITV responded by quietly renewing Piglets for a second series, which has now landed on ITVX with little fanfare from the network itself.
One new addition to the cast for this latest run is Maddy Smedley, best known to reality TV fans as a standout from The Traitors. Smedley took promotion into her own hands, posting on Instagram earlier this week: “So apparently, ITV aren’t really promoting Piglets series two, so this is the advert for it.” She went on to encourage her followers to check out the show, adding, “I worked my butt off on that show, so this is the advert now, like it or lump it. Let me know what you think of the show, and thanks for your time.” It’s a refreshingly candid approach in an industry often obsessed with hype and polish.
The recruits themselves—Steph (Callie Cooke), Leggo (Sam Pote), Geeta (Sukh Kaur Ojla), Afia (Halema Hussain), Dev (Abdul Sessay), and Paul (Jamie Bisping)—bring a mix of backgrounds and personalities to the screen. Their dynamic is at the heart of the show’s appeal, as they stumble, bicker, and joke their way through the absurdities of police training. While the humor can be broad and sometimes silly, it’s precisely this approach that has won over a legion of fans.
And make no mistake, the fans are vocal. Piglets has become a darling on IMDb and other online platforms, with viewers praising its comedic timing and the chemistry among the cast. One reviewer gushed: “This show is an absolute riot. While it may not be for everyone, the hate this show gets is completely unjustified.” Another wrote, “It’s a simple comedy with funny characters that mesh together perfectly, combining to create one of my favourite shows from this year. I can’t recommend this show enough. I’d love to have more of this show to watch.”
Others have highlighted the show’s ability to balance lightheartedness with sharp character work. “I thought this was absolutely brilliant, well written, funny and such a mixed bunch of characters who gel well together for this type of show. A much needed comedy show in today’s TV world!” one fan posted. Another echoed the sentiment: “Piglets has a lot of laughs and is a lot of fun. Yes, it’s silly, which is why it’s so good. Who doesn’t like laughing at silly jokes and puns and references??? It’s a classic comedy and we need more of this on TV.”
Some viewers admit that the show takes a little time to settle into its groove. “This took an episode or two to grow on me, but glad I stuck with it and how refreshing to just have a comedy with no hidden messages or agendas. 20 min episodes are just right for this kind of show and make it a binge worthy treat. A bit like some great comedy shows [like] Here We Go and The IT Crowd, you will pick up on other funny things when you watch it again.” It’s high praise, considering the company.
Still, the controversy lingers. The Police Federation’s condemnation of the title hasn’t faded from memory, and the Ofcom complaints remain a talking point in discussions about the boundaries of comedy and respect. Some argue that the show’s willingness to poke fun at police culture is a breath of fresh air in a landscape often dominated by procedural dramas and reality TV. Others see it as a step too far, trivializing a profession that’s already under intense public scrutiny.
ITV, for its part, has stayed relatively quiet. There’s been little in the way of official promotion for the second series, leaving the cast and fans to do much of the heavy lifting. It’s a strategy that’s both puzzling and, perhaps, telling—suggesting the network is content to let the show find its audience without courting further controversy.
For those curious to see what all the fuss is about, Piglets is available to stream now on ITVX. The show’s blend of irreverence, heart, and sharp wit may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly made its mark. Whether you find it “highly offensive,” laugh-out-loud funny, or somewhere in between, it’s hard to deny that Piglets has become one of the most talked-about comedies in recent British television.
With a cast willing to champion their own work and a fan base that’s both passionate and growing, Piglets looks set to remain a fixture—controversy and all—in the ever-evolving world of TV comedy.