Channel 4's highly anticipated new drama, Trespasses, has been met with a wave of viewer complaints following its debut on Sunday night, with many audiences struggling to comprehend the show's Irish accents.
Social Media Erupts with Frustration
While the series, based on Louise Kennedy's acclaimed novel, has garnered praise from some quarters, a significant number of disgruntled viewers took to social media platform X to voice their difficulties. The primary grievance centred on the authenticity and clarity of the accents, with some also citing poor sound quality.
One frustrated viewer posted, "At times, I can't understand a word people are saying .... It's not just the accents, it's the dodgy sound quality too #trespasses." This sentiment was echoed by another who simply stated, "Think I need subtitles on. #Trespasses."
A third commenter offered a mixed review, noting, "#trespasses channel four..... I see what you did there! Getting down n dirty to Into the mystic by Van the man!!! Giving you points for this x, but some of the accents are again shocking!"
Praise for Anderson Amidst the Criticism
Not all feedback was negative. Some viewers expressed admiration for the performances, particularly that of lead actress Gillian Anderson. One surprised fan tweeted, "Crikey! I've only just recognised Gillian Anderson in #Trespasses. Her # Belfast accent sounds authentic. Struggling to understand when actors speak too rapidly."
Another viewer questioned a specific line of dialogue, asking, "Is it common to say 'I'm going to the bathroom' in Northern Ireland? I always assumed that was purely an American phrase."
There was also considerable excitement from fans of the original book. One viewer penned, "Looking forward to watching the TV adaptation of #Trespasses on C4. Enjoyed the book when I read it this summer. Lola Petticrew was incredible in Say Nothing, so I have high hopes!" Another enthused, "God, it's fantastic. I'm so glad that it lives and breathes like the book."
The Plot of the Controversial Drama
The four-part series is set in a town outside Belfast in the 1970s during the Troubles. The story follows Cushla, a Catholic schoolteacher played by Lola Petticrew, who works in her family's pub.
The official synopsis details a forbidden romance: "Working behind the bar of her family pub, serving a mixed crowd including locally stationed soldiers, Catholic schoolteacher Cushla meets Michael, an older Protestant married man, who often defends IRA suspects and is friends with cultured Bohemians who enrage and intrigue her."
"Worlds apart, Cushla knows a relationship like this spells all kinds of trouble, but they are irresistibly drawn to each other. In a place where loose lips cost lives and danger lurks in the shadows, amid the fear and paranoia, this illicit affair between the pair ignites and burns bright."
The drama, which also stars Tom Cullen, premiered on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Trespasses is available to stream on All4.
