ITV The Hack viewers distracted by 'lamentable' David Tennant feature as true-life drama debuts: 'It's riling me!'

The drama premiered on Wednesday evening, with the seven-part series set between 2002 and 2012.

The show intertwines two real-life stories, the first following Davies' life and the second, which runs parallel, details the investigation into the unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan.

The series began with Mr Tennant's character narrating as the scene opened, breaking the fourth wall.

This feature alone left some complaining, but as the episode went on, more criticism flooded social media about Mr Tennant's attempt at an English accent.

Taking to X, one penned: "A lot of bad fake hair in this. And Tenant’s accent. Lamentable. Couldn’t they have dealt with this subject a bit more seriously? #TheHack."

"Really like this so far, even if David Tennant's 'English' accent should get the Dick Van Dyke Award at the next Emmys #TheHack," a second quipped.

Another joked: "Remember that drama when no one knew what Anna Maxwell Martin's accent was supposed to be? #thehack is giving those vibes."

Someone else agreed: "Oh David Tennant the actor you are. That Scottish accent is FIGHTING to come out but ur doing amazing babes #TheHack."

"#TheHack looks good, BUT Tennant's accent is riling me already," shared another viewer.

Others were put off by the show's style and the character breaking the fourth wall, with one adding: "I'm not being funny I love David Tennant as an actor but this drama is boring for me can't see me watching the rest of the episodes #TheHack."

"Is it going to be like this all the way through? David Tennant turning and talking the camera? Because it's annoying me already #TheHack," another admitted.

However, others were full of praise for Mr Tennant, with one writing: "Wow! David Tennant is excellent in #TheHack (not that I expected anything less!)."

"The main thing I feel from the first episode of #TheHack is that David Tennant is doing a great job with a very complex story," another enthused.

Written by BAFTA, Tony and Olivier award-winning screenwriter Jack Thorne, The Hack is stars Mr Tennant, Robert Carlyle and Toby Jones, and is produced by the team who created Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

An ITV synopsis reads: "Set between 2002 and 2012, the drama deftly interweaves two real life stories, the work of investigative journalist Nick Davies, played by David Tennant, the story of the investigation into the unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan, led by former Met Police Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Cook, played by Robert Carlyle.

"Toby Jones plays former Editor-in Chief of The Guardian, Alan Rusbridger."

On the drama, Mr Thorne commented: "This is a strange and deceptive piece of our recent history.

"One with so many layers to it. I thought, as someone who is interested in politics, I understood everything that happened. I did not."

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He continued: "It's a fight for the truth that really shocked me. That is why it matters to tell this story now in an age where the truth seems more in danger than ever.

"It is a true honour to be bringing this story to the screen alongside David, Robert, Toby, Lewis, Patrick, Joe and Abi.

"I hope we find a way to do justice to the complexity of what happened and of celebrating the incredible reporting that sits underneath it."