Viewers of the new ITV drama Playing Nice have voiced their dissatisfaction with the show's unrealistic and far-fetched plot, following its debut on Sunday night. Starring James Norton and Niamh Algar, the four-part series reveals the turmoil of two families who discover their sons were mistakenly swapped at birth due to hospital blunders.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cornwall, where filming took place, Playing Nice has left many audiences scratching their heads. The show features Pete and Maddie, played by Norton and Algar, as they face the shocking reality of swapping their little boy Theo with another couple's child.
Social media has been abuzz with viewers expressing their concerns over the show's premise. Critics and fans alike have pointed out glaring issues, especially the scene where the two families meet without any form of supervision. One viewer noted on social media, 'I cannot believe for a second 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?'
Another added, 'Surely, there would be some kind of professional mediation or social worker/lawyer present in a neutral zone—not 'oh pop round for some champers and let’s chat about everything' kind of situation!'
Despite these criticisms, some viewers found the drama captivating, with one stating, 'It’s unrealistically engaging,' adding they were hooked by the plot's twists and turns.
The screenplay for Playing Nice is adapted from JP Delaney's book, with Grace Ofori-Attah leading the writing. ITV's Drama Commissioner, Helen Perry, has described the series as 'an enthralling thriller with a knotty moral dilemma at its heart,' raising questions about parenting and human instincts when faced with such drastic situations.
Yet, the contrasting reactions highlight the significant divide among viewers. Many felt the storytelling lacked credibility, with one observing, 'These couples are behaving as if their McDonald's orders were mixed up, not their children from birth!'
The mixed reception continued with professional critics, with The Independent's Nick Hilton labeling it 'whiplash-inducing' and 'overripe.' He remarked on the performances, noting Norton seemed 'trapped on ITV' instead of thriving on the big screen. Hilton concluded the show missed the opportunity to explore the 'interpersonal challenges of unriddling an unthinkable situation.'
Meanwhile, The Guardian critics went even harsher, branding the show 'mind-bendingly bad' and criticizing its reliance on insidious ambience rather than strong storytelling or character development. 'It’s the worst of modern television: witless mystery overly reliant on nice houses,' wrote Rachel Aroesti.
Despite the scathing reviews, viewers remained divided. Some commented on the scenic elements of Cornwall contributing to the show's allure, with one fan exclaiming, 'Putting my beloved Cornwall and James Norton on my screen at the same time is a winner.'
Even as these mixed reviews surface, some dedicated fans have expressed their excitement about the show, stating, 'Binging all of Playing Nice was fantastic. So glad it ended the way it did because I’ve never felt such hatred for another character before!'
The show's debut has sparked discussions around its plot execution and the portrayal of sensitive issues like parental bonds and child custody. Viewers are prompting introspection on how they would handle such dilemmas.
Overall, Playing Nice has ignited debates not just about its narrative flaws but also about the nature of drama on television. The question many are left pondering is: how far are audiences willing to suspend disbelief for the sake of entertainment?
With so many voices weighing on the show’s merits and faults, one thing is certain: Playing Nice has created significant buzz, whether for its successes or its failures.