ITV viewers savage James Norton’s ‘unrealistic’ new child swap drama Playing Nice as they spotlight one main flaw in ‘far fetched’ plot

ITV viewers have complained about the ‘unrealistic and far fetched’ plot of its new drama Playing Nice, starring James Norton. 

The Happy Valley actor, 39, is joined by a stellar cast including Niamh Algar from Channel 4‘s The Virtues Fame, James McArdle from HBO‘s Mare Of Easttown, and Jessica Brown Findlay, from Downton Abbey. 

The new series follows a harrowing tale of two families entangled in a nightmarish scenario when they learn that their young sons were mistakenly swapped at birth due to a hospital blunder.

But as viewers tuned in on Sunday, many shared the same complaint as they slammed the series’ plot. 

During the series, the families of the two boys make contact and meet without supervision from social services – even finding out each others’ addresses.

Viewers claimed none of this would ever be allowed to happen in the real world, which they said pulled them out of the drama.

Taking to social media, they said: ‘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…….’;

‘Gutted by how god damn predictable and unrealistic this show is. I was looking forward to watching it when I seen it advertised. It’s such an interesting concept for a show though two kids unknowingly switched at birth,’;

‘As unrealistic as it is, #PlayingNice is a bit good. Miles is a complete weirdo but there’s gonna be a big twist at one point. Oh and James Norton is [fire emoji],’;

‘Really far fetched but I am absolutely hooked!’; ‘Oh c’mon. As he’d happily let her babysit so soon onto her own. You really have to suspend belief with this story,’;

‘This is so unrealistic. He wants both kids ??!! Which ITV intern studying GCSE Performing Arts wrote that into the script?’;

‘Its sort of good, but far fetched at same time and loads of reality gaps, like where are social services too far fetched to be good, poor factual plot,’; 

‘Just started watching this and it’s already ridiculous whatever happened to confidentiality? How did he find out where Theo lives?’;

‘None of this would take place without local authority legals and a myriad of professionals,’;

‘Not very realistic at all but I suppose it wouldn’t make much of a series of it was done through the proper meetings etc guess I’ll have to turn the logical side of my brain off for this! Bearded dad is far too forward for my liking!’;

‘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?’

Set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall’s dramatic coastline, where filming took place earlier this year, Playing Nice promises to be visually appealing to viewers. 

The trailer, which was released this week, starts with a clip of James and Niamh dipping their feet in the sea as they spend some quality time with their son at the beach.

Then things take a gloomy turn as a Doctor can be heard saying in a voiceover: ‘There’s no easy way to say this, but we have reason to believe Theo is not your biological son.’ 

James looks perplexed as he says: ‘What are you talking about?’ before the Doctor shockingly reveals ‘We think you left the hospital with another couple’s son and they left with your son.’ 

James then meets his biological son’s father and mother and says to them that they wish to keep their son Theo, with the couple agreeing that they all want the same thing. However, things soon take a dramatic turn.     

The screenplay is written by Grace Ofori-Attah, known for ITV’s Malpractice, and adapts JP Delaney’s acclaimed novel for the small screen.

Playing Nice follows a harrowing tale of two families entangled in a nightmarish scenario when they learn that their young sons were mistakenly swapped at birth due to a hospital blunder. 

Faced with an agonising decision, they must choose between the children they’ve nurtured and their biological offspring. 

As the plot thickens, ‘hidden motives’ emerge, casting doubt on the trust between the couples and driving Pete (played by James) and Maddie (portrayed by Niamh) to the brink.

During the series, it initially appears that all four parties have found a common ground for a solution, only to uncover motives shrouded in secrecy. 

As suspicions rise, questions emerge about the trustworthiness of the child’s ‘true’ parents and even among each other.

Pete and Maddie find themselves at breaking point as they prepare to go to any length to ensure their family remains intact. 

ITV Drama Commissioner Helen Perry has lauded Playing Nice as an utterly captivating thriller. 

Helen remarked: ‘Playing Nice is an enthralling thriller with a knotty moral dilemma at its heart.’ 

‘The narrative will not only engage audiences but also provoke introspection, prompting them to consider their own reactions to such a predicament.’

She added: ‘Not only will viewers be hooked, they’ll be left questioning “What would I do…?” As Grace Ofori-Attah’s superb script raises questions about the nature of parenting and how far we’ll go for those we love.’

Helen went on to share her enthusiasm about the calibre of talent involved in the production, gushing: ‘We’re thrilled to have on board such a stellar cast and crew, and we’re delighted to be working with the team at STUDIOCANAL and Rabbit Track Pictures to bring this fantastic adaption to ITV1 and ITVX.’ 

Playing Nice aired on ITV and ITVX on Sunday.