ITV's 'addictive' drama based on best-selling novel with 'fascinating' plot

Set in the picturesque county of Cornwall and based on the best-selling novel by J. P. Delaney, ITV's Playing Nice is the ideal TV drama to immerse yourself in this weekend.

The four-part series first graced our screens back in January and was an immediate hit with telly enthusiasts, who labelled the plot as "fascinating" and dubbed the show as "addictive".

Playing Nice was shot in the scenic Cornwall in 2023, with filming locations featuring St Ives and Padstow, as well as Mawgan Porth beach and Park Head.

ActorJames Norton, renowned for his roles in Happy Valley and Grantchester, takes on the lead role of Pete Riley, while Niamh Algar stars as Maddie Wilson, James McArdle portrays Miles Lambert and Jessica Brown Findlay plays Lucy Lambert.

Playing Nice was adapted for the small screen by Grace Ofori-Attah and produced by StudioCanal and Rabbit Track Pictures, which is James' production company. He also holds the title of an executive producer on the series.

The ITV programme boasts a rating of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and received numerous glowing reviews upon its release, despite the plot being slightly shocking, reports Cornwall Live.

"Playing Nice is a tense drama with a fascinating plot," one fan penned online, while another said: "I loved it, the acting was fabulous and would watch it again (through my fingers at some points). Fabulous drama!".

A third ITV viewer remarked: "I came across this after seeing it mentioned on social media. Curious, I decided to check it out, and wow - it's incredibly addictive! The engaging storyline had me hooked."

Another viewer concurred, stating: "I would highly recommend, a must-watch.. the setting, the story, the characters are brilliant and a few twists and turns. Worth the watch!".

The full synopsis for Playing Nice reads: "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."

Playing Nice can be streamed on ITVX