SS-GB: BBC Nazi drama criticised for 'mumbling' as viewers say it is the 'worst since Jamaica Inn'
Even before it had aired, SS-GB had courted controversy, with publicity images for the BBC's new drama set in Nazi-occupied London showing Buckingham Palace draped in swastikas.
But in the end, it was not the shocking alternative history that frustrated viewers, but the fact that they could not hear what the characters were saying.
The programme on Sunday evening was beset by sound quality issues, prompting complaints that the dialogue was inaudible.
Chris lasted ten minutes of SS-GB before having to turn it off because of the insidious mumble-speak pervading British drama right now.
— Bevis Musson (@bevismusson) February 19, 2017
So far in SS-GB I've found it easier to understand the Germans than anyone mumbling in English
— Allan Smith (@AllanSmith80) February 19, 2017
Ss-GB impossible to hear a word they are saying. Mumble mumble growl growl. No patience for this on a Sunday night.
— Annie (@toady) February 19, 2017
It is the latest "mumbling" row for the BBC, which has also had problems with dramas including Jamaica Inn and the crime series Quirke.
Some were forced to turn their subtitles on to understand the dialogue, while others said the show had been "ruined by the mumbling", adding: "I think this is the worst since Jamaica Inn."
SS-GB stars Sam Riley and Kate Bosworth. It considers what would have happened if the Nazis had won the Battle of Britain.
Watching SS-GB. Can't understand a word the leading actor is saying.............
— Peter Morris (@pgmtheatre) February 19, 2017
10 mins into SS-GB and had to resort to subtitles #stopmumbling
— Sue (@knitmare) February 19, 2017
Writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, the Bafta winners behind Bond films Spectre, Skyfall and Casino Royale, are behind the adaptation of Len Deighton's 1978 alternate history book of the same name.
Wade said: "It constantly makes you think: 'What would I have done?' This example of alternate history is particularly interesting because it's so close to what might have happened."
When you have no idea what's going on cos mumbling... #SSGBpic.twitter.com/MYUu5sDwsd
— Emily Haynes (@Heinzy94) February 19, 2017
FFS, clearly a lot of work has gone into #SSGB but it's ruined by the mumbling . I think this is the worst since Jamaica Inn.
— Victoria Isherwood (@VicIsherwood) February 19, 2017
Three years ago, the BBC received "relentless complaints" after viewers said they were unable to make out what was going on in Jamaica Inn because of mumbled dialogue.
And last year Happy Valley suffered similar issues, with people at home saying the show was "spoilt by the sound, too much whispering and mumbling".