The premiere of Channel 5’s new series, *The Feud*, received a mixed reception, with some viewers expressing immediate disappointment and even threatening to abandon the show within its opening minutes.
The drama centers on escalating tensions in an idyllic suburban street as neighbors clash over a contentious property dispute.
Leading the ensemble cast is Jill Halfpenny, known for her roles in *Coronation Street* and *EastEnders*, who portrays Emma Barnett. She shares the screen with Rupert Penry-Jones as her husband, John Barnett. The conflict ignites when the Barnetts announce plans for a significant kitchen extension during a neighborhood summer gathering.
This announcement immediately divides the community. Among those voicing strong opposition are Derek and Barbara Abshire (played by James Fleet and Tessa Peake Jones, respectively), an established couple concerned that the construction would negatively impact a cherished tree on their property.
Adding to the rising tension is Nick (Alex Macqueen), a watchful neighbor who begins discreetly monitoring the Barnetts’ activities. The situation takes a dramatic turn when Nick shares CCTV footage of the ongoing extension work—still pending planning permission—on the street’s online group chat.
The cast includes a roster of recognizable faces, including:
- Chris Gascoyne as a disgruntled builder
- Jamie-Lee O’Donnell as a local police officer
- Larry Lamb, known from *EastEnders* and *Gavin & Stacey*, in an undisclosed role
Despite the presence of well-known actors and what should be a relatable narrative, many viewers expressed dissatisfaction online.
“I had to switch off. After just 15 minutes… it’s disappointing because Channel 5 usually excels at dramas.”
Another lamented:
“Beyond disappointed… The acting feels wooden and forced, like something straight out of a drama school production.”
A third viewer commented, “I typically enjoy these Channel 5 dramas, but *The Feud* is difficult to watch. The acting seems subpar, and the plot feels predictable.”
Not all feedback was negative. Some viewers found themselves drawn in by the drama’s premise.
“Oof! Right up my street! I wasn’t sure about Jill Halfpenny’s character initially, but the cast is excellent. This has the potential to be great.”
Another praised the show’s brisk pacing and opening sequence, noting, “I rather enjoyed the first episode. It features a good collection of questionable characters, and it moves at a fast pace. The flashforward opener was a clever hook.”
One viewer even admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of the narrative, suggesting they might need to pause viewing due to its stressful nature.
“I may have to opt out of *The Feud* – it’s actually a solid start, but there’s so much micro- and macro-aggression washing about in it. I realize I’m not quite ready for all that stress, even if it’s fictional.”
Some viewers also expressed annoyance with the show’s background music.
“That irritating, constant background music is driving me mad! It’s so unnecessary.”
Despite the criticisms, *The Feud* appears to have secured a foothold with some audiences, setting the stage for what promises to be a contentious and potentially captivating series.
