ITV Unveils Thrilling First Look at Playing Nice

Image: ITV Press

By Jon Donnis

ITV has released the official trailer and a set of fresh images for its upcoming psychological thriller Playing Nice, which is set to premiere in January 2025. This gripping four-part series brings together a stellar cast, including BAFTA nominees James Norton (Happy Valley, A Little Life) and Niamh Algar (Mary and George, The Virtues), Olivier nominee James McArdle (Sexy Beast, The Mare of Easttown), and BIFA nominee Jessica Brown Findlay (The Flatshare, Downton Abbey).

Based on the best-selling novel by JP Delaney, Playing Nice has been adapted for television by Malpractice writer Grace Ofori-Attah. The story is as heartbreaking as it is compelling, centring on two couples who discover their toddlers were switched at birth in a devastating hospital mix-up. Pete (played by James Norton) and Maddie (played by Niamh Algar) find themselves drawn into the lives of Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay), the biological parents of the child they have raised as their own.

At first, both couples seem committed to working together to resolve this unimaginable situation. But as hidden motives and deep-seated fears come to light, trust quickly erodes. What begins as a shared journey descends into an emotional battle, as the couples grapple with questions of loyalty, identity, and the lengths they are willing to go to protect the children they love. For Pete and Maddie, this nightmare forces them to confront how far they're prepared to go to keep their family together, even as their own relationship is pushed to its limits.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall, Playing Nice is as visually striking as it is emotionally charged. The series is directed by Kate Crowe (Great Expectations, Taboo) and produced by STUDIOCANAL and RABBIT TRACK PICTURES, the latter co-founded by James Norton and Kitty Kaletsky. The production team includes an impressive roster of talent, with executive producers such as Kitty Kaletsky, James Norton, Joe Naftalin, Grace Ofori-Attah, and the author of the original novel, JP Delaney. Nick Pitt (Black Mirror, His Dark Materials) serves as the series producer.

Commissioned by ITV's Head of Drama Polly Hill and Drama Commissioner Helen Perry, Playing Nice will air on ITV1 and STV, with streaming available on ITVX and STV Player. STUDIOCANAL is handling the show's global distribution, ensuring it will reach audiences worldwide.

With its powerful performances, intricate storytelling, and emotional depth, Playing Nice is shaping up to be one of the standout television events of early 2025. It's a series that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats while exploring the complex moral dilemmas of an unimaginable situation.