ITV’s newest edge-of-your-seat series, Protection, made its debut on Sunday, 16 March, billed by the network as “gripping” and drawing from the real-life insight of a seasoned witness protection officer.

The show stars Siobhan Finneran as DI Liz Nyles and delves into the shadowy realms of crime and underhanded dealings. Alongside Finneran, the cast includes Katherine Kelly, Barry Ward, Nadine Marshall, Jodie Price, and Andrew Knott. The drama had its initial outing in the United States and Canada last year through BritBox.

The first instalment had ITV’s audience reeling with shock from several intense scenes, including one where a dog is shot, followed by a disturbing aftermath. Horrified viewers did not shy away from expressing their distaste for what they termed the “brutal” imagery on social media platforms.

Outraged comments surfaced online, with one viewer posting: “Oh the dog did get shot! OMG,” and another declaring: “Started watching #protection on @itv They shot the dog I’m done.”

Other reactions included a distressed fan lamenting, “Nooooo not the dog…,” and yet another proclaiming, “I’m sorry you can kill whoever you want but you can never ever ever harm the dog #Protection.”

Another perplexed spectator questioned on social media: “Why kill the dog? Whats he gonna do? Talk to the police?? #protection.” Someone else condemned the violence as “That was brutal! #protection.”

While Protection will keep unfolding on weekly episodes on ITV, eager followers have the option to devour the entire six-episode saga at once on ITVX for a full-on binge experience, reports the Mirror.

The comprehensive synopsis of the show reveals: “Based on the first-hand experiences of a long serving witness protection officer, Protection is about what happens when the system breaks down. It’s about a police officer, Detective Inspector Liz Nyles, who finds herself at the heart of such a breach; personally compromised by an affair with a colleague, but determined to fight back, and uncover the ‘true’ source of corruption within her unit. To redeem herself, the reputation of her lover, and to keep her witnesses safe.”

It continues: “Even if they don’t always deserve it. Navigating the morally-grey, clandestine world of witness protection, Liz’s mission to find the truth will take her deep into the heart of the criminal underbelly and beyond as she becomes more and more torn between caring for her family, her loyalty to her lover and her duty as a police officer.

“This is the story of a smart, tough cop, out of her depth in a world where nothing is as it seems. With a deft narrative that engages from the outset, Kris Mrksa creates suspenseful twists and with every hairpin turn perfectly navigates the story to ensure the audience won’t know who to believe and who is telling the truth.”

Protection will air on Monday, 17 March on ITV1 at 9pm. All episodes are available to stream on ITVX.