Start date and trailer released for James Norton's new drama Playing Nice
Based on the best-selling novel
Following the release of record-breaking dramas such as Red Eye, Trigger Point and Mr Bates vs The Post Office in 2024, it seems ITV/STV bosses are 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 already has drama fans excited thanks to the trailer, and now there's finally a start date.
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 does it start?
The new series kicks 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
All four episodes will be available to binge on ITVX and STV Player from 5th January.
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 will premiere on ITV1 and STV1 and 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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