Travis Kelce's acting debut causes stir online with fans 'left cringing'

Travis Kelce's first foray into acting has elicited mixed reactions , with some viewers finding it hard to avoid a "cringe".

FX's new series Grotesquerie, led by American Horror Story and Monsters producer Ryan Murphy , had already sparked debate among fans when it revealed the casting of Kansas City Chiefs tight end and Taylor Swift's boyfriend.

The thrilling drama follows detective Lois Tryon (played by Niecy Nash-Betts) who teams up with local nun, Sister Megan (Micaela Diamond), to crack a series of horrific crimes terrorising their small town.

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In the third episode, which aired this Wednesday, Travis' character was finally introduced as Ed Lachlan .

Ed is a caring orderly at the facility looking after Lois' comatose husband Marshall (Courtney B. Vance), stepping in when the overbearing Nurse Redd (Lesley Manville) tries to convince her to relinquish her power of attorney over him.

By the end of the third episode, Lois and Ed are on the run together after a drink-driving incident lands her in the hospital, suggesting that he will have a significant part in upcoming episodes.

However, some fans have found Travis' casting to be a distraction, admitting that his performance has somewhat lessened the quality of Grotesquerie.

One viewer commented on X: "Lmao I just saw a clip of Struggling Boyfriend Travis Kelce in Grotesquerie and his mama is right he can't act."

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One fan remarked, "With all due respect, Mr. Travis Kelce, we love you so much for your authentic lovely personality that seeing you act serious is kind of cringe. There are so many fake people in the world, please just be you."

Criticism also came in thick and fast, with another adding, "travis kelce should leave acting roles to real actors cuz this is awful." On Reddit, a post read, "Okay Ryan Murphy got a little too confident thinking he could turn Travis Kelce into an actor, next to Niecy he looks bad."

Voicing their opinion, another Redditor said, "He's so unbelievably bad and his dialogue sucks. The scenes with him are uncomfortable to watch."

Yet, despite the critics, Travis enjoyed some backing, with a supporter on X sharing, "This man can ACT! ! ! ! #Grotesquerie."

Further encouragement came via comments such as "Travis did an excellent job. Can't wait to see more of the series", and another fan expressing, "So charming, his charm is so freaking exuding."

The jury is still out on whether Travis Kelce will shake up the awards season or heed his critics and stick to his prowess on the football field with the Kansas City Chiefs.

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