THE Undeclared War viewers have slammed the new Channel 4 drama as "utter dire" – with many switching off just minutes into the first episode.
The new six-part series, created by seven-time Bafta winner Peter Kosminsky, attempts to take a wide-ranging, holistic approach to the 21st-century TV thriller.
The setting is April 2024, when Saara joins Government Communications Headquarters, commonly known as GCHQ, on the very day that Britain comes under cyber attack.
Malware in BT Openreach, which provides the infrastructure for most of the UK internet, knocks out all rail signals, online banking and ATMs.
Cunningly, it leaves social media intact so that bots can spread populist discontent by blaming the government.
Thankfully, it’s all only fictional, with the likes of Mark Rylance, Adrian Lester and Simon Pegg fronting Channel 4’s newest prestige TV series.
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Lester and Pegg put in admirable performances as uptight political power players who, despite their very different ideas about how to protect Britain, are ultimately on the same side.
However, those watching the series were soon left switching off just minutes into the first episode as dozens labelled it as "unwatchable".
Taking to Twitter, one person penned: "The Undeclared War was rubbish. Cliche galore. What was with the weird music choice that went on for way too long in the beginning all about, too?"
Echoing their comments, someone else said: "I didn't have high hopes to begin with for The Undeclared War, however, it was actually far worse than I had dared to hope."
While a third remarked: "Fair to say that I doubt I shall be watching any more of The Undeclared War. Completely unwatchable."
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Simon, also known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, revealed the terrifying truth behind the drama.
Appearing on The One Show on Thursday evening, Pegg revealed the series is based on facts – terrifying presenters Alex Jones and Ronan Kemp.
The Undeclared War box set is streaming on All 4 now.
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