ITV's much-anticipated psychological thriller, Playing Nice, is set to stir both emotion and debate as it explores the painful dilemmas faced by two couples who discover their sons were switched at birth.
Premiering on January 5, 2023, at 9pm on ITV1, Playing Nice stars acclaimed actors James Norton and Niamh Algar, alongside James McArdle and Jessica Brown Findlay. This gripping four-part drama delves deep not only within the intricacies of parenting but also taps poignantly on broader societal issues.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall, the show follows Pete (Norton) and Maddie Riley (Algar), who learn to their horror—after their three-year-old son Theo is taken to the hospital—that he was swapped at birth with another family’s child, David. This devastating news breeds uncertainty about their parental identities and ignites questions about love, connection, and what it truly means to be parents.
Describing her character, Algar states, "She is quite headstrong... madly in love with her partner, Pete, and adores their little boy. A bit of a firecracker at times, but she finds her match in Miles, played by James McArdle." Her portrayal of Maddie captures the turmoil many parents may feel when confronted with the prospect of losing their child, and the emotional impact it has on their relationship.
The series prompts viewers to question their own parenting beliefs: would they choose to keep the child they’ve raised or return to the biological one? According to ITV drama commissioner Helen Perry, "Playing Nice is an enthralling thriller with a knotty moral dilemma at its heart. Not only will viewers be hooked, they'll be left questioning 'What would I do...?"
The production showcases not only stellar performances but also the benefits of working with female collaborators. Algar praised director Kate Hewitt, saying, "She has this incredible presence... it’s amazing to see a woman who is working with a child balance the two." This sentiment highlights the importance of female perspectives within the industry.
Throughout filming, the cast formed close bonds, taking weekend surfing lessons together and immersing themselves within the local community. "Cornwall and Newquay... really felt like we got a real sense of the innate community. It's so surf driven, so outdoors driven," Algar commented about their time spent there.
Alongside the main narrative, Playing Nice tackles significant themes surrounding postpartum depression, coercive control, and the societal pressures faced by mothers versus fathers. "You don’t choose to have postpartum depression. It's something beyond someone's control... I think it's important we talk about it," Algar articulated, touching on stigmas often faced by women.
The story diverges from the original novel by JP Delaney, taking unique twists to enrich the television adaptation with current social narratives. "Anyone who’s read the novel will find the TV series refreshing because it isn’t exactly the same story," Algar explained, fueling excitement among viewers familiar with the book.
With so many pressing themes, Playing Nice isn’t just another psychological thriller; it’s poised to be both compelling and enlightening. Don’t miss the chance to see it when it airs on ITV1, and prepare to question how far you would go for the ones you love.