Viewers split over The Split: ‘unrealistic’ legal practices and tiny text messages v “the best script and acting of 2018”

How did BBC drama The Split fare in the court of public opinion? Screenwriter Abi Morgan's new series about a family of high-flying female divorce lawyers has split viewers, with some ruling in favour of the first episode – and some already declaring their intention to break up with the show.

• Meet the cast of BBC divorce drama The Split
• First look: BBC divorce drama The Split is sharp, smart and entertaining

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwieTMH8EY

The drama stars Nicola Walker as Hannah, who has left the family firm to join one of their competitors. That, of course, has massive implications for her relationship with her mother and sister – and things get even more dramatic when their long-lost dad (Anthony Head) turns up after an absence of 30 years.

Not everyone was a fan of episode one.

https://twitter.com/amayzingrey/status/989040386764103682

https://twitter.com/nosrepat/status/988892571580751874

https://twitter.com/LeffeAt49DS/status/989009980480212992

However, the show's fans put forward a robust defence...

https://twitter.com/thegaryshow/status/988723458979790848

https://twitter.com/terrettcorey/status/988885456296267776

https://twitter.com/Turner65Flower/status/988897569978929152

https://twitter.com/SerenaEvelyn/status/988896586041364483

This being a divorce drama, lawyers and non-lawyers alike joined forces to give their expert opinions on the accuracy of Morgan's script. And their verdict was not promising.

https://twitter.com/Running_Lawyer/status/988872034364030978

https://twitter.com/kateinN8/status/988880515070676992

https://twitter.com/rhobbs42/status/989041327852740608

https://twitter.com/NicolaWalkerFan/status/988979429819863040

Many viewers were also left frustrated when key parts of the plot were told via text message – but for those without giant TVs, the words were too small to read. (For the record, Hannah's attractive Danish colleague texted asking if she was awake. And, as she lay next to her husband Stephen Mangan, she replied "yes".)

https://twitter.com/rmoomin84/status/988885368576593920