Channel 5 The Feud viewers ‘switch off’ minutes into new drama as they spot ‘stupid’ distraction: ‘Beyond disappointed!’
Channel 5’s new series The Feud left some viewers threatening to “switch off” just minutes into the debut episode as they blasted “wooden” acting.
The drama brings together an ensemble cast of familiar faces, including star Jill Halfpenny, as a suburban street deals with a high-stakes neighbour row.
Halfpenny, known for her roles as Rebecca Hopkins on ITV’s Coronation Street and Kate Mitchell on EastEnders, leads as Emma Barnett alongside her onscreen husband, John, played by Spooks alum Rupert Penry-Jones.
While attending a summer street party, the couple revealed they were planning a major extension to their kitchen – causing tension in their tight-knit community.
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Among those resisting were older couple Derek (James Fleet) and Barbara Abshire, played by Only Fools and Horses star Tessa Peake Jones, who argued the move would harm their “precious tree”.
The Barnetts were also snooped on by suspicious neighbour Nick, played by The Thick of It and The Inbetweeners’ Alex Macqueen, after making their announcement.
The row begins to spiral when Nick’s CCTV footage of the extension build, still awaiting planning permission, is posted to the street’s group chat.
Joining the star-studded cast is Corrie star Chris Gascoyne, who plays a surly builder, Derry Girls’ Jamie-Lee O’Donnell as a police officer, and EastEnders and Gavin & Stacey star Larry Lamb.
The relatable drama and cast of fan-favourites could unfortunately not save the show for many fans, who took to social media to share their thoughts.
“I had to switch off. Had enough after 15 mins… shame because C5 are normally pretty good with the dramas,” one wrote.
Another viewer despaired: “Beyond disappointed with @channel5_tv #thefeud. Acting feels wooden, forced and something from drama school.”
“I usually love these CH5 dramas, But #TheFeud is really hard to watch, The acting seems so poor! And I feel like I know what’s going to happen already,” a third admitted.
Take a trip behind the scenes of your latest drama obsession 📸 🎥 They’re all great friends on set, but in #TheFeud… not so much 👀
Watch | Stream on 5 #JillHalfpenny #RayFearon #LarryLamb #AlexMacQueen pic.twitter.com/50rEZwkm8I
— Channel 5 (@channel5_tv) April 14, 2025
Others took issue with the show’s “annoying background music”.
“That stupid continual background music is driving me mad ! So unnecessary #TheFeud,” another fumed.
Despite the complaints, others found themselves sucked in to the debut episode.
“Oof!…#TheFeud right up my street! I thought I was going to like Jill Halfpenny’s character but I don’t. Great cast. This is gonna be a goody,” one glowed.
Another shared: “I rather enjoyed the first episode. Good cast of dodgy characters and a brisk pace. The flashforward opener was a great hook. #thefeud”
One viewer even found the drama almost too gripping, fearing they may have to tune out.
“I may have to opt out of #theFeud – it’s actually a good solid start, but there’s so much micro- and macro-aggression washing about in it & I’m realising I’m just not in the mood for ALLLL THE STRESS. Even fictional,” they conceded. (sic)