Drama fans are binging James Norton's new drama Playing Nice in one sitting

There's four episodes in total

Author: Alex RossPublished 8th Jan 2025

Following the release of record-breaking dramas such as Red Eye, Trigger Point and Mr Bates vs The Post Office in 2024, ITV/STV bosses were keen to start the new year with another hugely-antipcated drama, in the form of Playing Nice.

Starring Happy Valley star James Norton, the four-part psychological thriller first aired on Sunday 5th January, with all four episodes also now available on ITVX/STV Player.

What is it about?

Originally a best-selling novel by British thriller author JP Delaney, Playing Nice has been adapted for TV by Malpractice writer Grace Ofori-Attah. The drama is produced by Studiocanal and Rabbit Track Pictures, the production company co-founded by James Norton and Katie Hewitt.

ITV/STV say of the drama: 'Set against a sweeping Cornish landscape, two couples discover that their toddlers were switched at birth in a hospital mix-up, and face a horrifying dilemma: do they keep the sons they have raised and loved, or reclaim their biological child?

'Living a waking nightmare, Pete and Maddie are jettisoned into the world of the other couple; Miles and Lucy. At first it seems all four are agreed on a solution, but it soon becomes clear that hidden motives are at play. How far can each couple trust the real parents of their child – or even each other? As Pete and Maddie are stretched to breaking point, they realise they will stop at nothing to keep their family together'.

Is there a trailer?

Yes, the thrilling trailer was released at the beginning of December. Watch it below:

ITV Drama Commissioner Helen Perry said: “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...?' As Grace Ofori-Attah's superb script raises questions about the nature of parenting and how far we'll go for those we love.”

How many episodes?

Playing Nice is made up of four x 60 minute episodes.

When did it start?

The new series kicked off on Sunday 5th January at 9pm.

When is it on TV?

Episode one: Sunday 5th January

Episode two: Monday 6th January

Episode three: Sunday 12th January

Episode four: Monday 13th January

Can I watch all episodes now?

If you'd prefer to binge the show in one, all four episodes are available now on ITVX and STV Player now.

After watching the opening episode on Sunday night, many were unable to wait for the show to be on TV, going on to binge all episodes in one sitting. One user wrote online: 'Just watched the entire series, loved it'. (sic)

Another wrote: 'I've watched all ot and it was absolutely brilliant', with another adding: 'Binged it! Excellent 👏'. (sic) Somebody else then wrote: 'Fabulous program really enjoyed it👏 binged the lot on itvx 😂'. (sic)

Check out the first look photos from Playing Nice below:

Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


Playing Nice first look


What channel is it on?

Playing Nice airs on ITV1 and STV1 and is available to stream on ITVX and STV Player.

Who is in the cast?

The drama features four actors playing the main roles in the series, and it is certainly a stellar cast. Happy Valley star James Norton plays the role of Pete, whilst Deceit actress Niamh Algar plays his wife Maddie.

Downton Abbey's Jessica Brown Findlay plays Lucy, whist Mare of Easttown star James McArdle plays her husband Miles.

James Norton as Pete

Niamh Algar as Maddie

Jessica Brown Findlay as Lucy

James McArdle as Miles

No further casting has been announced just yet.

Where was it filmed?

Playing Nice is both set and filmed in Cornwall. Filming took place in early 2024.

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