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Channel 5 audiences were all making the same observation as The Teacher returned for a third series.

The anthology drama featured Sheridan Smith in the opening series back in 2022 with Kara Tointon fronting the second series two years later in 2024.

The most recent chapter commenced on Monday (March 30) evening with Unforgotten actress Victoria Hamilton as outspoken drama teacher Helen Simpson, who possesses over 30 years of teaching experience and runs afoul of her pupils' convictions at an exclusive private boarding school.

Recently-appointed Head of Drama Helen swiftly clashed with pupil Cressida Bancroft (Alice Grant) as a fresh term began at Cheetham Hall.

Cressida quarrelled with Helen for accusing her of being a woke warrior to gain popularity and the pair disputed over non-binary pupil Dee Rainford-Thomas' (Ellis Jupiter) correct pronouns.

Cressida subsequently set out to turn the world against Helen, before directing her attention towards Helen's family, including her son Sam Simpson (Olly Rhodes).

Within minutes of the opening episode, audiences shared their reactions on social media with some fans left questioning if they'd watched the programme before.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan wrote: "Why do these dramas feature hard working parents who don't understand or have time for their rude stroppy teenager children? Tiresome. #theteacher."

Another contributed: "Is this a repeat? I feel I've already seen this before! #theteacher." A third individual wrote: "Five minutes in and I seriously am not gonna be able to watch this."

While a fourth social media user posted: "The other 2 series were great. Not feeling this one as much #theteacher."

Nevertheless, some viewers were thoroughly enjoying the new series, with one posting: "This is brilliant #TheTeacher" and another remarked: "Tuned in @channel5_tv for #TheTeacher new drama looks great."

Later in the episode, Helen detained Cressida and Dee with devastating consequences.

Following a confrontation with Helen, which resulted in the teacher declaring "you'd be better off dead", Dee took their own life.

Before the credits rolled it was disclosed that Cressida captured their heated exchange on camera. Will she blackmail Helen with the footage?

Fans don't have to wait long to discover what happens next as the remainder of the series will air consecutively on Tuesday (March 31) Wednesday (April 1) and Thursday (April 2) at 9pm.

The Teacher is available to watch or stream on 5

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