The ITV drama Playing Nice, starring James Norton, may have sparked debate among viewers when it premiered earlier this month, but it has set new records for the broadcaster. Adapted from J.P. Delaney's bestselling novel, the series revolves around two families who uncover that their babies were accidentally switched at the hospital.
The star-studded cast includes Grantchester's James Norton teaming up with Niamh Algar of Malpractice fame, James McArdle from Mare of Easttown, and Downton Abbey's Jessica Brown Findlay. The show made its debut in January and has now been hailed as the "best-ever drama launch" on ITVX according to Studio Canal, the show's producer.
On Instagram, they celebrated the landmark: "Congratulations to our partners at @itv and @rabbit.track.pictures - don't miss the thrilling series now streaming in the UK and coming soon internationally."
Despite some fans criticising a "ridiculous" twist in the story on social media, the drama details the complicated situation of Pete (played by Norton) and Maddie (Algar) along with Miles (McArdle) and Lucy (Brown) as they wrestle with the decision of whether to keep raising each other’s biological children or to switch them back, reports the Mirror.
As the new drama series kicked off, audiences flocked to Twitter to express their opinions on its debut episode, branding it "far fetched" due to the drastic decisions made by two couples. Fans voiced their disbelief over some plot points, especially regarding how family law is portrayed in the show.
One legal sector worker tweeted: "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."
Criticism didn't stop there; another viewer took to Twitter questioning the lack of confidentiality, "'Just started watching this and it's already ridiculous whatever happened to confidentiality? How did he find out where Theo lives?"
A third was puzzled by the absence of regulatory control, posing the question: "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 these critiques, other viewers were enthralled by the show's suspenseful narrative, as one admitted, "Really far fetched but I am absolutely hooked!", while another praised its intense story, tweeting: "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."
