Channel 5's latest psychological thriller The Fortune launched on Tuesday, but viewers quickly took to social media platform X to voice their disappointment with the premiere episode.
The four-part drama stars Eleanor Tomlinson, best recognised for her portrayal of Demelza in BBC's Poldark, as Amanda Blakefield, a woman whose life is thrown into turmoil after receiving a substantial inheritance from a complete stranger.
Within minutes of the broadcast beginning, audience members were sharing their frustrations online, with many expressing regret at their initial excitement for the series.
The programme, originally announced under the title The Family Secret, explores hidden truths and their consequences, yet the opening instalment failed to impress a significant portion of those watching at home.
One viewer bluntly declared "This is absolute s****," whilst another posted: "'#TheFortune," alongside a gif that read: "well that was f***ing dreadful."
Several users took aim at the programme's pacing and dialogue, with one writing: "It's just the exaggerated sighs, the pauses... the wistful looks and god awful script!"
Another commenter posted: "Channel 5 either do b****y brilliant dramas or shockingly bad am/dram. ...#thefortune is tipping ever so slowly to the latter.... ludicrous."
One disappointed viewer admitted they had hoped to enjoy the series, writing: "Oh I really want to like this but so far I'm struggling."
The Fortune premiered on Tuesday on Channel 5
|CHANNEL 5
Despite the wave of criticism, not all viewers were entirely negative about the premiere. One user offered a more optimistic take, simply posting: "So far looking good."
Another commenter appeared to find some merit in the production, though their praise was limited to the lead actress.
They wrote: "Mrs Poldark the only thing saving this so far.... #thefortune channel 5," referencing Ms Tomlinson's previous role in the popular BBC period drama.
The thriller centres on Amanda, portrayed by Ms Tomlinson, who finds herself drawn into the mysterious world of the Worrall family after receiving an unexpected inheritance from someone she has never encountered.
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Viewers were divided by Channel 5's The Fortune
|CHANNEL 5
Former Coronation Street star Paula Wilcox plays Amanda's mother, a character living with dementia, whilst Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis takes on the role of Amanda's husband Jimmy.
The cast also features Denis Lawson, Callum Woodhouse from All Creatures Great and Small, and EastEnders actress Nina Wadia.
Ms Wilcox reflected on the role last week during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine, where she shared why the character's storyline resonates with her.
"It's terribly upsetting," the actress said of dementia, with My Kelly responding: "It's a horrible, cruel disease."
Channel 5 The Fortune viewers slammed the 'awful script'
|CHANNEL 5
The presenter continued: "You were saying you maybe couldn't have done this a wee while ago when it was still so raw, because it's close to home, right?"
"It is quite close to home," Ms Wilcox confirmed, adding: "So it was quite painful to think about it for quite a while. People change so much, you don't really know what's going on.
"This was interesting, because of the in and out nature of [her character's] dementia - you so want her to be able to explain what she knows, and she does, she starts to, and suddenly you've lost her again, and she's looking out into the garden and thinking about trees. That's exactly my experience with my mum."
The Fortune comprises four hour-long instalments, with the second episode airing tomorrow evening at the same time.
Viewers will then need to wait until the following week for the concluding two episodes, scheduled for Tuesday, June 9 and Wednesday, June 10.