Travis Kelce’s acting debut has left viewers with mixed feelings, as some couldn’t help but feel a bit “cringe” at his performance.

FX’s new series Grotesquerie, from the creator of American Horror Story and Monsters, Ryan Murphy, stirred up controversy among fans when they announced that Kansas City Chiefs tight end and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend would be joining the cast.

The thrilling new show follows detective Lois Tryon (played by Niecy Nash-Betts) who partners with local nun, Sister Megan (Micaela Diamond), to solve a string of gruesome crimes in their small town.

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

Ed is a compassionate orderly at the facility where Lois’ comatose husband Marshall (Courtney B. Vance) is being cared for, reports the Mirror.

He steps in to help when the manipulative Nurse Redd (Lesley Manville) tries to persuade Lois to give up her power of attorney over him.

By the end of the third episode, Lois and Ed are seen fleeing together after a drunk driving incident lands her in the hospital, suggesting that he will have a significant role in future episodes.

However, some fans have found Travis’ casting to be a distraction, confessing that his performance has somewhat diminished the quality of Grotesquerie.

One viewer expressed their thoughts on X (formerly Twitter): “lmao i just saw a clip of Struggling Boyfriend Travis Kelce in grotesquerie and his mama is right he can’t act.”

Another commented: “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.”

“travis kelce should leave acting roles to real actors cuz this is awful,” chimed in another.

On Reddit, a flustered fan posted: “Okay Ryan Murphy got a little too confident thinking he could turn Travis Kelce into an actor, next to Niecy he looks bad.”

And someone echoed the sentiment, adding: “He’s so unbelievably bad and his dialogue sucks. The scenes with him are uncomfortable to watch.”

Yet, not everyone was critical, as one X user defended Travis, insisting: “This man can ACT!!!! #Grotesquerie.”

Others quickly joined in support, saying, “Travis did an excellent job. Can’t wait to see more of the series”, and “So charming, his charm is so freaking exuding.”

Another was quite forthright, stating: “I’m gonna be p***ed off if Travis Kelce doesn’t get an Emmy nomination. I said what I said!!”

As critics and fans bicker, what remains a mystery is whether Travis Kelce will emerge as a surprise contender during the awards season or if he’ll stick to his football roots. Keep an eye on the Kansas City Chiefs sensation as time will reveal all.

Grotesquerie continues Wednesdays on FX in the US and Thursdays on Disney+.