ITV Coldwater viewers left' let down' by new drama just minutes in

*Warning this article contains spoilers for the first episode of Coldwater*.

Viewers were left underwhelmed on Sunday night during the premiere of new ITV drama, Coldwater.

The six-part series chronicles the life of a family who relocate to the rural Scottish haven of Coldwater, following a violent incident in a London park witnessed by John, portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, who admitted to initially rejecting the role twice.

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However, it appears that the show failed to captivate audiences as they swiftly took to social media to voice their disappointment.

One viewer on X said: "Cold, stormy Sunday meant a sofa day - but my goodness the hype around #coldwater ended in such a let down! Had to switch off.. Great cast - storyline not so much."

Echoing these sentiments, another person responded: "I'm 15 mins in and seriously considering doing the same."

A third shared: "So far very uninspiring this drama. Just ridiculous decisions being made by people. All a bit odd. Onto episode 2."

Another added: "I was going to give #coldwater ago, but after that start I'm thinking twice."

One viewer commented: "Every character has been totally unbelievable so far #coldwater."

However, some viewers were singing the show's praises as one fan gushed: "11 minutes into streaming the 1st episode on ITVX and I've found myself gasping with shock with my hand over my mouth AND laughing out loud. Very promising and #AndrewLincoln is delivering as usual."

Another echoed: "#Coldwater has been gripping so far. It's definitely one of my favourite Andrew Lincoln performances since #TheWalkingDead!".

In other scene, John (Andrew Lincoln) and his wife Fiona (Indira Varma) are introduced to their new neighbours, Tommy (Ewen Bremner) and Rebecca (Eve Myles). While John takes an instant liking to Tommy, Fiona isn't as easily won over, reports the Daily Record.

Later, John goes for a late-night run and encounters a violent man in the woods, with whom he'd previously clashed with.

Things quickly spiral out of control, and John ends up attacking the man with a rock, leaving him seemingly lifeless. In a state of panic and covered in blood, he rushes home, where he runs into Tommy and confesses what happened.

Tommy appears supportive, advising John to clean himself up, get some rest and keep quiet about the incident. But it soon becomes clear there's more to this story.

The plot thickens when Tommy drives to the crime scene and finds the man still alive and seeking help. But instead of offering assistance, Tommy kills the man and takes him to a caravan, which he then sets alight.

A synopsis for the series reads: "When John's long-repressed rage finally explodes with disastrous results, he finds himself unexpectedly indebted to his new friend. But how long will it take for him to figure out just how dangerous Tommy really is?"

The second episode hints that John is battling to handle the shame of his actions, oblivious to the fact he didn't actually murder the bloke.

Though a strange hunting expedition shifts his outlook, it appears Tommy's grip over him is strengthening.

Coldwater is available to watch on ITVX.