Channel 4's new thriller Summerwater has sparked a mixed reaction from viewers, with some describing it as 'stressful' and 'too weird' while others praised its intrigue. The series, which premiered on Sunday, stars Shirley Henderson, known for her roles in Harry Potter and Bridget Jones, alongside Dougray Scott, Daniel Rigby, Valene Kane and Jamie Sives.
Based on Sarah Moss's 2020 novel, the six-part drama unfolds over 24 hours in the Scottish Highlands, following interconnected storylines of holidaymakers from multiple perspectives. Director Robert McKillop employs techniques such as scenes rolling in and out of focus to create an otherworldly atmosphere, as noted by Daily Mail TV critic Christopher Stephens, who gave the show a four-star review.
Viewers took to social media to share their reactions. One wrote on X: 'I am so lost, my anxiety is also through the roof, what a stressful programme.' Another said: 'I stuck with #summerwater for 20 minutes in the hope of something captivating. Too way out of it for me, goodbye.' A third commented: 'What weirdness is this?! #summwater?'
However, not all feedback was negative. One viewer remarked: 'Summerwater - wow. Very good first episode... This is very intriguing.' Another described it as 'good but very strange.' The series airs Sundays on Channel 4 and is available to stream on channel4.com.
