ITV is set to air repeat episodes of a popular thriller this weekend, more than a year after it concluded. The four-part miniseries Playing Nice centres on two couples who discover that their now three-year-old sons were switched at birth.
Plot Overview
Pete (James Norton) and Maddie Riley (Niamh Algar) must decide whether to keep the child they have raised or swap to reclaim their biological son. The narrative quickly escalates from a custody battle into a perilous fight for control and survival, packed with numerous secrets and twists.
According to the official synopsis, the story is set against a sweeping Cornish landscape. Two couples learn that their toddlers were switched at birth in a hospital mix-up, facing a horrifying dilemma: keep the sons they have raised and loved, or reclaim their biological child. Living a waking nightmare, Pete and Maddie are thrust into the world of the other couple, Miles and Lucy.
The synopsis continues: '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.'
Cast and Production
The series is adapted from the bestselling book of the same name by J.P. Delaney. It features Andor's James McArdle and Downton Abbey's Jessica Brown Findlay as the other couple, Miles and Lucy Lambert. World on Fire star Posy Sterling also appears.
Filming commenced in Cornwall in November 2023, with key locations including St Ives, Padstow, Mawgan Porth beach, and Park Head.
Broadcast and Reception
Playing Nice originally aired on ITV and streaming service ITVX in January 2025. It swiftly became ITVX's best-ever drama launch at the time and ITV1's highest-rated new drama of 2025. Now the series is making a welcome return to screens, with the first two episodes airing on ITV3 from 11.50pm on Sunday, April 26. The final two instalments are available on ITVX.
The series proved a resounding hit with both audiences and critics. It holds a 63% rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with Digital Spy describing it as 'the kind of show that will plague your mind in an infuriating, all-consuming, perfectly addictive way'.
Viewers have continued to heap praise online. One person wrote on IMDb: 'The acting and scenery are all round amazing. James Norton delivers another outstanding performance. The storyline is strong and keeps you on the edge of your seat.'
Another enthusiast added: 'A must watch, I loved this! Had me hooked from the start and it had me up till the wee small hours. Devoured it in three nights!! A brilliant 4 episode series.'
A third remarked: 'Superb acting, gripping story - loved it,' while another fan similarly enthused: 'This is compelling, uncomfortable viewing that pulls you in and gets you involved. This got my Spidey senses tingling from the beginning, and slowly ratcheted up the fear factor.'
A fifth viewer shared the same sentiment: 'Every episode had me on the edge of my seat and wanting to scream... I was completely captivated. This story really gripped me from start to finish.'
Playing Nice will air on ITV3 on Sunday, April 26, at 11.50pm.
