Channel 4 Trespasses viewers issue same complaint minutes into new drama

Channel 4 viewers issued the same complaint as they tuned in to watch Gillian Anderson's new series, Trespasses.

While some viewers said they loved the new drama, others were unimpressed by the "dodgy" Irish accents.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice their frustrations, one fan said, At times, I can't understand a word people are saying .... It's not just the accents, it's the dodgy sound quality too #trespasses."

Another commented, "Think I need subtitles on. #Trespasses."

A third added, "#trespasses channel four..... I see what you did there!!!! Getting down n dirty to Into the mystic by Van the man!!! Giving you points for this x, but some of the accents are again shocking!" (sic)

Someone else tweeted, "Crikey! I've only just recognised Gillian Anderson in #Trespasses. Her #Belfast accent sounds authentic. Struggling to understand when actors speak too rapidly."

Another went on, "Is it common to say 'I'm going to the bathroom' in Northern Ireland? I always assumed that was purely an American phrase."

Sharing hopes for the series, one viewer wrote, "Looking forward to watching the TV adaptation of #Trespasses on C4. Enjoyed the book when I read it this summer. Lola Petticrew was incredible in Say Nothing, so I have high hopes!"

Another commented, "God, it's fantastic. I'm so glad that it lives and breathes like the book."

The story of Trespasses is set in a town outside Belfast in the 1970s.

The four-part series is based on Louise Kennedy's breakout debut novel and stars Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen and Gillian Anderson. The book is a forbidden love story, set against the backdrop of the Troubles.

The synopsis reads, "Working behind the bar of her family pub, serving a mixed crowd including locally stationed soldiers, Catholic schoolteacher Cushla meets Michael, an older Protestant married man, who often defends IRA suspects and is friends with cultured Bohemians who enrage and intrigue her.

"Worlds apart, Cushla knows a relationship like this spells all kinds of trouble, but they are irresistibly drawn to each other.

"In a place where loose lips cost lives and danger lurks in the shadows, amid the fear and paranoia, this illicit affair between the pair ignites and burns bright."

Trespasses is available to watch on All4.