ITV's Piglets 'hit with Ofcom complaints already' as viewers 'concerned' (original) (raw)

ITV aired its new controversial comedy Piglets which already had some people riled up, dubbing it as “inflammatory" and “insulting” - and now viewers have shared their thoughts

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Piglets first look trailer

ITV’s new controversial show Piglets has already ruffled a few feathers.

The new comedy series kicked off on Saturday night (July 20) and follows a group of new police academy recruits, and the staff who have to knock them into shape. Piglets stars Sarah Parish, who plays tough superintendent Julie Spry, while Mark Heap plays Bob Weekes, her dopey sidekick.

However, even before the series aired, people were left riled up, as the Police Federation expressed its outrage over the show. They dubbed it as "inflammatory" and “insulting”. The term 'pig' is sometimes used as a derogatory way to describe police officers - but the show is said to not be satirical or political.

As MailOnline reports, The Police Federation have even announced plans to file a complaint with Ofcom and ITV regarding the show. And with the first episode premiering on Saturday (July 20), viewers were quick to react and share their thoughts

The ITV comedy Piglets has ruffled a few feathers (

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ITV)

On X, formerly known as Twitter, one person said: “I thought this was supposed to be funny I haven't laughed once yet.” Someone else added: “quite concerned by the name of the show - seems to be alluding to a long forgotten 70s insult for the police which doesn't need digging up!”

A third proclaimed: “I’ve managed 15 mins. This is really dated crappy comedy more suited to ITV2 10 years ago. Is it AI written?”

However, other fans praised the new ITV show, with one writing: “Decided to watch #Piglets on @ITVX and I’m obsessed! This will be demolished in one go!” A second penned: “Binge watched today and gutted it only had 6 episodes!”

The show follows a group of new police academy recruits

Slamming the show, Tiffany Lynch, Acting National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “The new ITV show titled 'Piglets' is highly offensive to police officers risking their lives to protect the public every day providing an emergency service.

“It is a disgusting choice of language to use for the title of a TV programme. I find it incredulous that this has passed through checks and balances at an organisation made up of people who at any time have or may need the support and assistance of the police.

The Police Federation is not happy with the show (

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(Image: ITV))

“Our colleagues are working hard and keeping people safe under relentless negative pressure at the moment, insulting our new in service officers is unhelpful.

“The name of this show is also inflammatory against a landscape of rising threats and violence against officers. We should not be put at further risk for viewing numbers, our officers deserve respect not humiliation for the job they are undertaking.

“It is actually incredibly dangerous to incite more negativity and misinformation against a public sector service that's already under so much pressure.”

A spokesperson for the show is reported to have said: "Piglets is a fictional new comedy about a police training academy and the title is not intended to cause any offence, it's a comedic and endearing play on words to emphasise the innocence and youth of our young trainees."

Piglets is now available to watch on ITVX