Playing Nice (2025)
A tense four-part ITV drama about two families torn apart by a devastating hospital mix-up and the impossible choices that follow.
Playing Nice - Series Information
- Original Title: Playing Nice
- First Air Year: 2025
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Grace Ofori-Attah
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 4
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 5, 2025 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: ITV1
- Alternative Titles: הבן שלנו (IL)
- Production Companies: ITV, StudioCanal UK, Rabbit Track Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Playing Nice - Plot
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?
Playing Nice - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold from the very first scene:
What if your child was their child?
Where to Watch Playing Nice
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Playing Nice - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Grace Ofori-Attah
Main Cast
- James Norton
- Niamh Algar
- James McArdle
- Jessica Brown Findlay
- Alban Guo
- Fraser Cornelissen
- Theo Ogundipe
- Sunetra Sarker
- Amy Morgan
- Cara Mahoney
Executive Producers
- Kitty Kaletsky
- Joe Naftalin
- J.P. Delaney
- James Norton
- Grace Ofori-Attah
- Kate Crowe
Playing Nice - FAQs
Is Playing Nice based on a true story?
Playing Nice is not based on a true story, but it is adapted from J.P. Delaney's 2020 psychological thriller novel of the same name. Delaney, who also served as executive producer on the series, crafted the story as a fictional exploration of identity, parenthood, and moral conflict.
Where can you stream Playing Nice?
Playing Nice is available to stream on BritBox, including via the BritBox Apple TV Channel and the BritBox Amazon Channel. All three options offer the series as part of a flatrate subscription. You can compare all available viewing options in your region on JustWatch.
Who are the main actors in Playing Nice?
The series stars James Norton as Pete Riley and Niamh Algar as Maddie Wilson, one of the two couples at the heart of the story. James McArdle and Jessica Brown Findlay play Miles and Lucy Lambert, the other couple. The cast also includes Sunetra Sarker, Amy Morgan, and Phil Davis.
Does Playing Nice have a satisfying ending?
Playing Nice builds to a tense, emotionally charged conclusion that resolves the central custody conflict while delivering a dark twist. Viewers who enjoy psychological drama with moral complexity have found the finale rewarding, though its unsettling final moments are designed to linger rather than offer easy comfort.
How many episodes does Playing Nice have?
Playing Nice consists of four episodes, all part of its single season. Each episode runs approximately 50 minutes, making the series a compact but intense watch that can comfortably be completed in one or two sittings.
Who created and wrote Playing Nice?
Playing Nice was created and written by Grace Ofori-Attah, who adapted J.P. Delaney's novel for television. Ofori-Attah served as both creator and screenwriter on the project. Executive producers include Kitty Kaletsky, Joe Naftalin, J.P. Delaney, James Norton, and Kate Crowe.
Is Playing Nice worth watching for drama fans?
Absolutely. Playing Nice delivers a taut, emotionally gripping four-episode story anchored by strong performances from James Norton and Niamh Algar. The Cornish setting adds atmosphere, and the central dilemma — which child do you keep? — keeps the tension coiled throughout. A compelling binge for fans of psychological drama.
What are similar shows to Playing Nice?
If Playing Nice hooked you, try Little Fires Everywhere for another emotionally charged drama about family identity and class conflict, or Behind Her Eyes for psychological suspense with unexpected twists. Adolescence and Eric are also strong picks for character-driven British drama with dark emotional undercurrents.
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