The BBC’s new drama, Lord of the Flies, made its anticipated debut on Sunday night, and viewers have praised the four-part drama following the “excellent” first episode.

The series, which comes from Adolescence creator Jack Thorne, is the first television adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel about a group of schoolboys stranded on a tropical island following a deadly plane crash.

This faithful take on the 1954 novel follows the boys as they attempt to survive on an island without any adults. Each episode is told from the perspective of one of the core four characters: Ralph, Piggy, Simon and Jack.

The show has received four- and five-star reviews from critics, while audiences have hailed the drama’s performances and gripping story.

What are viewers saying about the show?

Taking to X, viewers hailed the series as “magnificent” and “riveting”, highlighting the performance of young actor David McKenna, who plays Piggy.

David McKenna plays Piggy© BBC/Eleven/J Redza
David McKenna plays Piggy

One person penned: “Just watched the new BBC Lord of The Flies, it was a magnificent, perfect production. The child actors were absolutely phenomenal. Special shout out to David McKenna who plays Piggy, superb outstanding performance,” while another added: “I loved this #LordoftheFlies adaptation. Beautifully filmed, well paced and great performances from the young cast. As I watched I just thought this is what the #BBC does brilliantly.”

A third viewer wrote: “Just watching #LordOfTheFlies on #BBC, one episode in and I think it’s excellent so far. True to Golding’s novel, great nods to the original movie and the kid playing #Piggy is brilliant. I feel a binge-watch coming.”

What is Lord of the Flies about?

group of young boys on island© BBC/Eleven/Lisa Tomasetti
The series marks the first TV adaptation of the classic novel

When a fatal plane crash leaves a group of schoolboys stranded on a Pacific island without any adults, they must decide attempt to survive.

The synopsis reads: “In an attempt to remain civil they organise themselves, led by Ralph and supported by the group’s intellectual, Piggy. But when Jack becomes more interested in hunting and vying for leadership, he soon begins to draw other boys away from the group and, ultimately, from hope to tragedy.”

Many of the cast members make their professional acting debuts in the show.

All episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer© BBC/Eleven/J Redza
All episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer

David McKenna stars as Piggy alongside Winston Sawyers as Ralph, Lox Pratt as Jack, Ike Talbut as Simon, and Thomas Connor as Roger.

Meanwhile, Noah and Cassius Flemyng play twins Sam and Eric, with Cornelius Brandreth as Maurice and Tom Page-Turner as Bill, alongside an ensemble of over 30 other boys.

All four episodes of Lord of the Flies are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.