'Scary' Jekyll and Hyde adaptation sparks hundreds of complaints to Ofcom
HUNDREDS have complained to broadcast watchdog Ofcom about ITV's new series Jekyll and Hyde, which many deemed too "scary" to be shown before the watershed.
ITV's Jekyll and Hyde attracted 212 complaints from viewers
The drama, which debuted last night at 6.30pm, featured scenes involving murder and violence hours before the 9pm cut-off point to show adult content.
Based on the classic Robert Louis Stevenson novel, it follows the story of Dr Robert Jekyll, who lives with a monster, Hyde, suppressed within him.
"Ofcom has received 212 [complaints] about Jekyll and Hyde, which aired on ITV on Sunday. We will assess these complaints before deciding whether to investigate or not," a spokesman said today.
Meanwhile, the broadcaster itself also received 280 complaints following the series opener, which drew in an audience of 3.4 million.
The adaptation was shown hours before the 9pm watershed
The new show featured scenes involving murder and violence
The first episode featured a half-human half-dog creature called a Harbinger, the physical transformation of saintly Jekyll into evil Hyde, and the brutal murder of Robert's foster parents in Ceylon.
It also showed a violent bar fight and a punch-up in an alleyway.
One Twitter user asked: "ITV why are you showing Jekyll and Hyde pre watershed? Too violent and scary when young children still up."
Another viewer tweeted: "Can not believe Jekyll and Hyde is on at 6.30pm. It's after the watershed stuff, not for the eyes of young children."
Jekyll and Hyde Promo
Tom Bateman and Richard E Grant star in the programme
One person added: "Not on to show Jekyll and Hyde pre-watershed @itv and @lv. Scared my kids."
But some leapt to the programme's defence, with one viewer writing: "Jekyll & Hyde is no scarier or creepier than Doctor Who. I don't get all of the comments saying it should be on after the watershed."
An ITV spokesman said: "ITV issued a warning before the transmission of Jekyll and Hyde advising parents that it included some violence and scenes that younger children may find scary."
Jekyll and Hyde continues on ITV at 6.25pm on Saturday.
Jekyll and Hyde Based is based on the classic Robert Louis Stevenson novel