UMVA has learned that ITV has axed its divisive police comedy Piglets after two seasons, amid criticism over its title and mixed reviews.
The show, which premiered on ITV2 in 2024, followed a group of police recruits as they navigated their new roles. Created by the team behind the surreal Channel 4 comedy Green Wing, Piglets featured Mark Heap and Sarah Parish as the no-nonsense leaders of the police training college.
Despite initial hopes for the show, the second series reportedly failed to impress, leading ITV to announce that there are currently 'no plans' for a third season. The broadcaster expressed gratitude to the cast and crew for their hard work, allowing viewers to stream all episodes on ITVX.
The show's title sparked controversy from the outset, with the Police Federation complaining that the word 'pig' is a derogatory term for police officers. The Federation's Acting National Chair, Tiffany Lynch, called the title 'disgusting' and 'highly offensive', citing concerns about the show's potential impact on police morale and safety.
The criticism was not limited to the title, as viewers labelled Piglets an all-time bad sitcom. The show currently holds a 43% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting the mixed reception it received.
ITV's decision to axe Piglets has been met with little surprise, given the show's poor performance and the controversy surrounding its title. The show's demise marks the end of a tumultuous run for Piglets, which had hoped to find a loyal audience but ultimately fell short.
![This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 6 January 2026 From Moniker Pictures Piglets SR2: Ep3 on ITV2 and ITVX Pictured: Supt. Bob Weekes [Mark Heap] and Insp. Julie Spry [Sarah Parish]. This photograph is (C) Moniker Pictures and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Publicity. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Publicity. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SEI_278403074-3832.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)