The new psychological thriller Playing Nice filmed and set in the picturesque Cornwall, is ready to make its debut this week.
The Happy Valley star James Norton will star alongside Niamh Algar as two couples discover their 3-year-old sons, Theo and David, were switched at birth due to a hospital blunder.
An agreement is reached between the couples, but how long before this intricate pact unravels?
Originally penned by British thriller author JP Delaney, Playing Nice has been adapted for the small screen by Malpractice writer Grace Ofori-Attah.
the limited series showcases the stunning Cornish landscape, with filming having taken place along the Cornwall coast in 2023 and 2024. Here’s everything you need to know about Playing Nice, from the storyline, cast, to the TV release schedule.
Happy Valley star James Norton will star alongside Niamh Algar from Channel 4’s The Virtues as two couples discover their children were switched at birth in a mix-up. (Image: ITV)
What is the plot of Playing Nice?
A plot synopsis from 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 (James Norton) and Maddie (Niamh Algar) are thrust into the lives of the other couple; Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay)
“While initially it appears all four agree on a solution, hidden motives soon surface. How much can each couple trust the biological 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.”
James McArdle and Jessica Brown Findlay are set to star in the four part series Playing Nice (Image: ITV)
The gripping drama is a product of Studiocanal and Rabbit Track Pictures, the production house co-founded by James Norton and Katie Hewitt.
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.”
New ITV drama Playing Nice is an adaptation penned by Grace Ofori-Attah (Image: ITV)
When can you catch Playing Nice on TV?
Playing Nice will premiere on ITV1 and STV at 9 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, with the second instalment airing at the same time on Monday, January 6.
Subsequent episodes are slated for both Monday and Sunday in the same primetime slot on Sunday, January 12 and Monday, January 13.
Playing Nice comprises four episodes, each running under an hour. All episodes will be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player from Sunday, January 5.
James Norton will star alongside Niamh Algar, James McArdle and Jessica Brown Findlay in Playing Nice (Image: ITV)
Who stars in Playing Nice?
James Norton takes on the role of Pete, a father grappling with the shocking revelation that his child was switched at birth. The English actor boasts a rich portfolio including Happy Valley, Grantchester, War and Peace and McMafia.
Irish actress Niamh Algar, known for her roles in The Virtues, MotherFatherSon, Raised by Wolves, Censor and Pure on Channel 4, stars as Maddie, the wife of Pete.
James McArdle takes on the role of Miles, a man who discovers his child was swapped at birth and seeks custody of both boys. The Scottish actor has previously graced screens in The Mare of Easttown, Andor, Sexy Beast and Ammonite.
Jessica Brown Findlay, famed for her stint on Downton Abbey, portrays Miles’ wife. Her acting repertoire also includes Black Mirror, Harlots, Life After Life and England Is Mine.
The ensemble cast is rounded off with Cara Mahoney, Posy Sterling, Lucy Phelps, Phillippe Spall and Akbar Kurtha.