Karen Pirie viewers slam drama over sound issue: ‘Can’t hear a word!’

Karen Pirie teaser trailer

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The gripping ITV detective drama aired its first episode on Sunday night. With a two-hour debut on screens, the series comes from Val McDermid’s popular book, which was originally set in the 1970s and 2000s. But the ITV adaptation has been updated to the 1990s and 2022. Despite an in-depth introduction to the story, which delves into a historic murder case, some viewers struggled to take in the plot as they complained of “sound issues” on the show, with some claiming they couldn’t “hear a word”.

A promising run-up to the drama meant plenty of viewers were tuned in to catch the first episode.

Leading the cast is Outlander actress Lauren Lyle, who famously played Marsali Fraser, as well as peaceful protestor Jade Antoniak from BBC’s Vigil.

She has taken on the titular role of Karen Pirie, “a young and fearless Scottish investigator with a quick mouth and tenacious desire for the truth.”

However, just minutes into the opening episode, viewers expressed some disappointment.

Twitter user @apwilliamstech wrote: “Can’t tell if they’re mumbling or it’s just the way they recorded the sound. Weird. #KarenPirie.”

@pitabread15 echoed this, writing: “Poor muffled sound spoiling what looks like a good show #KarenPirie.”

@Jakesmummmm asked: “Why is the sound on these drams always so bad? #karenpirie.”

“I haven’t understood a word so far #KarenPirie,” @LindaSu77744658 posted.

Alan_NorthBucks remarked: “#KarenPirie Not a good start…can hardly understand a word. Sound quality is awful. @ITV.”

@welshjaci tweeted: “Can’t understand a word! #karenpirie @ITV.”

@paisley000 added: “Have volume turned up high on @ITV new drama #KarenPirie the sound quality is so poor!”

Others didn’t seem to notice an issue though, with @danrowley26011being among those to applaud the episode, stating: “Never bother with much telly but enjoying this #KarenPirie adaptation so far.”

For those who were able to enjoy the first episode, it’s likely they will have been further gripped by its explosive ending.

With a cliffhanger involving the death of one of the key characters, many people watching were left stunned.

The series will consist of two further episodes, with a new instalment released each week.

The final episode will be broadcast on Sunday, October 9, in the same time slot.

However, viewers will also be able to watch before the airdate on ITV Hub.

Now that the first episode has made its debut, the three-episode boxset will be released on the streamer.

Following the two-hour opening episodes, the next two instalments are slightly shorter, around an hour and 30 minutes each.

Talking about starring in the upcoming series, Lauren Lyle said: “I am completely overjoyed to be bringing the formidable force that is DS Karen Pirie to life through Emer Kenny’s slick adaptation.

“The world Emer [Kenny, writer]has created using the backbone of Val McDermid’s much-loved books is electrifying and hooked me immediately.

“I couldn’t ask for a more creative, supportive and energetic team to be joining. I’m so thankful to Val, Emer, World Productions and ITV for welcoming me wholeheartedly on board.”

Karen Pirie continues on Sunday at 8pm on ITV.

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