PROTECTION viewers have slammed the ITV crime drama as ‘amateur’ and ‘boring’.
The six-part series is based on the real-life experiences of a witness protection officer.
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The series stars Siobhan Finneran as DI Liz Nyles, delving into the grim world of crime and corruption.
Some viewers have been left dissatisfied and shared their thoughts online.
Taking to X, one user wrote: “#Protection on ITV has so many amateur moments in it.
“Becoming more unbelievable every episode.
“Siobhan Finneran is usually a great actress, but this has been more dinner lady vibes than a police protection officer.”
Another added: “Woke crap casting again, same boring personal lives, turned off #protection.”
While a third chimed in: “Are we all keeping up #Protection.”
A fourth simply wrote: “Getting worse… #Protection.”
Lead actress Siobhan is well-known for her roles in Downton Abbey, Happy Valley and Benidorm.
Further cast members include Coronation Street legend Katherine Kelly and EastEnders alum Ace Bhatti, who played Yusef Khan.
Meanwhile, some viewers were stunned upon recognising the actor who plays DI Richard Bewley.
The star, Andrew Knott, is a very familiar face to Gavin and Stacey fans.
He played Smithy’s friend Dirtbox between 2007 to 2024 in five episodes and appeared in the Christmas special last year.
Fans inquired on X: “Where have I seen DI Richard Bewley before?”
Another asked: “Why does he look so familiar?”
Crime dramas on ITVX
Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX – here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.
- Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood.
- The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother’s grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake’s novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James.
- Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth.
- The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby.
- Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant.
One savvy user commented on the social media site: “What’s occurring?!! It’s Dirtbox doing the interview!!”
“Thought I recognised Dirtbox!” noted a second.
“No way, it is!” exclaimed a third viewer.
Protection is available to watch on ITVX.
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