ITV comedy sparks outrage as police bosses demand change of 'offensive' and 'dangerous' title
The ITV drama is set to air later this month
ITV
ITV's upcoming comedy series Piglets has sparked a huge backlash before it has even hit screens after the Police Federation issued a lengthy statement voicing concerns about it.
The series pokes fun at the policing profession, with the title playing on the slang word for police officers "pigs," which is largely viewed as a disrespectful and derogatory slur.
Piglets is set in a fictional police training college, following new officers as they start their careers in the police.
While it isn't due to air until later this month, the Police Federation has responded to the name, deeming it "dangerous" during a time of "threats and violence against officers".
Tiffany Lynch, acting National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, stated: "The new ITV show titled 'Piglets' is highly offensive to police officers risking their lives to protect the public every day providing an emergency service.
“It is a disgusting choice of language to use for the title of a TV programme. I find it incredulous that this has passed through checks and balances at an organisation made up of people who at any time have or may need the support and assistance of the police.
The trailer and name of the show have sparked a backlash
ITV
"Our colleagues are working hard and keeping people safe under relentless negative pressure at the moment, insulting our new in service officers is unhelpful."
Lynch went on to warn: "The name of this show is also inflammatory against a landscape of rising threats and violence against officers.
"We should not be put at further risk for viewing numbers, our officers deserve respect, not humiliation for the job they are undertaking.
"It is actually incredibly dangerous to incite more negativity and misinformation against a public sector service that’s already under so much pressure."
New Intel 🚨 Arresting new comedy Piglets - coming soon to ITV and @ITVX 👮 pic.twitter.com/yXUVXXbBX5
— ITV (@ITV) June 29, 2024
Mukund Krishna, CEO of the Police Federation of England and Wales, added: "The programme's title is an insult to our brave and hard-working members.
"At a time when the service is fighting to attract and retain officers, ITV’s actions are totally undermining. The Federation will be writing to Ofcom and ITV to register its disgust and demanding a change."
The programme follows six different aspiring police officers and the staff who are tasked with training them for the tough job.
The cast includes Peak Practice's Sarah Parish and Friday Night Dinner star Mark Heap as Superintendents Julie Spry and Bob Weekes.
An ITV spokesperson told GB News: "Piglets is a fictional new comedy about a police training academy and the title is not intended to cause any offence, it's a comedic and endearing play on words to emphasise the innocence and youth of our young trainees."
Many have also taken to social media to blast the show's title, with some agreeing that the slur is likely to create further tensions.
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Tiffany Lynch, Acting National Chair said:
— Police Federation (@PFEW_HQ) July 5, 2024
"The new ITV show titled 'Piglets' is highly offensive to police officers risking their lives to protect the public every day providing an emergency service."
Read the full statement below:https://t.co/TkxPM8dLwm https://t.co/KjwVo3AiBP
One person wrote: "Can you tell us the reason behind coming up with the idea and production of this show with an offensive title. Would really be interested to hear what response you come back with."
"Don't mind a comedy but actively using a slur isn't acceptable," another complained.
"This is just totally wrong not a good name to use," another commented, while someone else penned: "This is really very poor."
"Poor and offensive from ITV. But let’s be honest, not surprising. Shameful that @ITVX thinks it’s acceptable," another fumed.
However, others defended the show, with one person arguing: "It's no different to 'The thin blue line' , a host of other comedies or the 'Police Academy' franchise. Don't much like the title but hardly a priority to get in a strop about. Sort out pensions, workloads and leadership, then worry about a six part drama. And yes I did 30."
"When we stop being able to laugh at ourselves we have become too serious," another agreed. (sic)
It isn't the first recent ITV drama to receive negative feedback, with Red Eye viewers deeming the show "woke claptrap" when it aired in April.