'Such a hard watch': Tip Toe viewers left 'hooked' after 'terrifying' first episode with horrific opening scene
'Very, very difficult to get through'
Tip Toe, David Morrissey and Alan Cumming’s “terrifying” new Channel 4 drama, already has viewers hooked – but they do have one concern.
The new series, written by Russell T. Davies, revolves around two neighbours: Leo (Cumming), a queer man who runs a gay bar in Manchester, and Clive (Morrissey), a bigoted, embittered electrician.
If you watched Davies’ It’s a Sin, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Tip Toe is going to be an upsetting, even traumatic watch.
That much is clear from the show’s opening scene. However, whatever comes next could be even worse.
***Warning: spoilers ahead for Tip Toe***
Tip Toe hailed by fans: ‘Excellent but unsettling’
Tip Toe has already sparked a big reaction on social media, with viewers left impressed – but thoroughly shocked – by the first episode.
“Finished the first two episodes of Tip Toe. Russell T Davies is a genius,” one user wrote on X.
“Russell T Davies has done it again. Amazing telly, a true reflection of life right now. Excited but worried about what’s going to happen next,” another wrote.
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your television news
If your in the uk, please please watch #TipToe on channel 4
As a gay woman myself it’s heartbreaking because it shows the reality of being part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Wow Russell t Davis has done it again 👏🏻
— Sasha Louise 🖤 (@louise_sasha20) May 31, 2026
“Tip Toe is such a hard watch. But it feels really important as to what’s actually happening to the LGBTQ+ community right now,” a third commented.
Another fan called it “absolutely brilliant”, while a fifth user posted: “God, this script is on fire. A stunning performance from Paul Rhys as Melba.”
In our review of Tip Toe, we called it “year-defining television” and “the most gut-wrenching TV show Davies has ever made”.
‘I’m going to find this upsetting’
The series opens, presumably, at the end of the series: we see Leo’s body hanging from a lamppost, as Clive and other characters stand on the street below.
The exact circumstances that lead to Leo’s death aren’t clear yet. However, it sets the tone for Tip Toe early, and viewers are already worried about what will happen in the coming episodes.
“I can’t help but thinking it will be upsetting to watch. As a society we have truly gone backwards,” one wrote.
“Wow… now that’s a first episode with a punch,” another tweeted. “Very, very difficult to get through… it’s very scary, it feels very real,” one viewer wrote on Facebook.
“Very edgy and also very funny. I have a feeling I’m going to find it upsetting but it’s already gripping me,” another commented.
One viewer also called it a “terrifying battle cry”.
“The opening shot with Alan hanging from lamppost was chilling and unexpected, what on earth could have happened to end like this. I want to know… but don’t. Great acting,” another wrote.
Read more: The best movies you can watch for free on Channel 4 now
