Taylor Swift's boyfriend Travis Kelce splits fans with 'cringe-inducing' acting debut in new horror series

Travis Kelce's debut acting performance has left audiences split, with many viewers finding it hard to resist a "cringe".

FX's new series Grotesquerie, from the creator of American Horror Story and Monsters, Ryan Murphy, had already stirred controversy among fans with the announcement of the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and Taylor Swift's boyfriend joining the cast.

The thriller centres on detective Lois Tryon (played by Niecy Nash-Betts) who partners with local nun, Sister Megan (Micaela Diamond), to investigate 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 caring for Lois' comatose husband Marshall (Courtney B. Vance), stepping in when the domineering Nurse Redd (Lesley Manville) attempts to persuade her to give up her power of attorney over him, reports the Mirror.

By the conclusion of the third episode, Lois and Ed are fleeing together after drink-driving lands her in hospital, suggesting he'll have a significant part in future episodes.

Regrettably, some fans have found Travis' casting distracting, confessing that his performance has lowered the quality of Grotesquerie.

One viewer commented 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 commenter expressed their affection but not for Travis' acting skills, saying: "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."

Another was more direct, remarking, "travis kelce should leave acting roles to real actors cuz this is awful," while an embarrassed fan on Reddit added, "Okay Ryan Murphy got a little too confident thinking he could turn Travis Kelce into an actor, next to Niecy he looks bad."

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To which another Reddit user chimed in with criticism about the ease of watching his performance, "He's so unbelievably bad and his dialogue sucks. The scenes with him are uncomfortable to watch."

Nonetheless, some staunch supporters countered with one insisting, "This man can ACT!!!! #Grotesquerie."

Encouraging replies included one person stating, "Travis did an excellent job. Can't wait to see more of the series" and another commenting on his charisma: "So charming, his charm is so freaking exuding."

Moreover, a fervent admirer took it a step further, writing, "I'm gonna be p***ed off if Travis Kelce doesn't get an Emmy nomination. I said what I said!!"

Questions arise whether Travis Kelce will capture attention during the next awards season or perhaps take heed of his critics' advice and remain focused on his football career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Only time will unveil the NFL star's path in the limelight.

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