Channel 5’s new drama The Night Caller debuted on Sunday night but the physiological thriller appears to have left viewers divided, with some vocal social media users slamming the show’s “slow” feel.
Many who tuned in ended up criticising the opening episode, while some went as far as to “switch off” before the debut instalment had finished.
A synopsis for the new drama reads: “One day Tony plucks up the courage to ring Lawrence on-air and soon becomes a ‘friend of the show’ – for the first time in years, he feels listened to.
“But, as time passes, he starts to interpret Lawrence’s ‘world view’ in dangerous ways.”
While the intriguing premise seemed to attract plenty of viewers, many of them were left unimpressed by the end of the episode.
However, others enjoyed the slow-burn feel of the intense drama, with many who tuned in leaving their own reviews on X, formerly Twitter.
The drama tells the story of a lonely cab driver who becomes obsessed by a night-time radio show
Channel 5
One person who couldn’t finish the full episode admitted: “I’m going to blow if I watch it for much longer. I’m off! #TheNightCaller.”
“#TheNightCaller another show I was looking forward to but my god its slow and dull. They set them up with trailers so you want to watch but really dont deliver! It was the same with #Douglasiscancelled which was dire,” a second shared.
A third viewer penned: “You know those drama’s when you’re afraid you’ll miss something if you go & pop the kettle on, this isn’t one of them.”
“Seems a bit slow so far. Will hold on though,” another more patient viewer commented.
“#TheNightCaller 40 minutes in and still waiting for something to happen,” someone else echoed.
However, the slower pace didn’t turn everyone off from the series, with some leaving glowing reviews.
“I’m impressed so far by the #TheNightCaller. It’s very good acting, and the cinematography is amazing. I’m not sure who the production company was, but well done,” one praised.
“A slow burner but its starting to ramp up. Enjoying this,” someone else remarked. (sic)
Some viewers enjoyed the slow pace of the opening episode of The Night Caller
Channel 5
The new series stars Robert Glenister, famed for his roles in Hustle and Spooks, while Sean Pertwee, Suzanne Packer and other names make up the rest of the cast.
Similar Channel 5 dramas have seen a similar mixed response of late, with viewers of The Cuckoo back in April also disappointed by the series.
The drama, starring Jill Halfpenny, was deemed “far-fetched” and “ridiculous” by several viewers.