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A new BBC drama has already left audiences in tears just minutes into its debut, with many praising its raw and unflinching portrayal of loss. Babies aired on BBC One on Monday night (March 30), and within moments, viewers were sharing their reactions - describing the show as both "heartbreaking" and impossible to ignore. The six-part series, written and directed by two-time BAFTA winner Stefan Golaszewski, centres on a couple navigating the devastating reality of pregnancy loss. At the heart of the story are Lisa, played by Siobhán Cullen, and Stephen, played by Paapa Essiedu - a couple in their 30s desperate to start a family.

The opening episode wastes no time pulling viewers into their world. After dealing with the heartbreak of losing a pregnancy, the couple are briefly lifted by the news they are expecting again. But the hope is short-lived. Arriving for their 12-week scan, they are told the devastating news - there is no heartbeat. What follows is a quiet but intense exploration of grief, as the couple attempts to process their loss while carrying on with daily life.

At one point, Lisa tearfully reassures Stephen: "We can do this," before adding: "This isn't going to change us."

Their journey is set alongside another couple, Amanda and Dave - played by Charlotte Riley and Jack Bannon - whose own relationship struggles begin to surface, adding further tension to the story.

But it's Lisa and Stephen's story that has struck the deepest chord. Viewers flooded social media within minutes of the episode airing, many admitting they were overwhelmed by how real it felt.

One wrote: "What a beautiful, heartbreaking, honest and raw depiction of infertility and baby loss. From someone who has been there, outstanding. Bravo, everyone!"

Another added: "You just want to hug her," while a third said: "Watching #Babies and these two are so adorable."

For some, the show proved too close to home. One viewer shared: "Don't think I can bring myself to watch #Babies on @BBCOne. I'm glad it's being shown, though. I went through the hell of infertility due to my endometriosis. After 10 surgeries and 4 failed IVFs we decided to end our fertility journey."

Another penned: "I'm looking forward to this new BBC drama 'Babies', although I think it might bring up feelings for me as someone who cannot have children and who tried for many years to try and get pregnant."

Speaking to Metro, the core cast and its creator admit that, while the story carried a huge responsibility, it was a vital one to tell.

"I always feel a responsibility to a story when I'm working on something, but that sense is slightly heightened given some of the things that my character goes through,' explains Siobhán, 36. "You just want to make sure that you're telling a story that's truthful and honest."

Babies is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.