Television viewers have said new Channel 4 drama The State should have been delayed in the wake of the attack in Barcelona.

The four-part series created by Peter Kosminsky follows a group of British men and women who have been radicalised and travel to Syria to join Islamic State.

There has already been a call for it to be delayed from Bethany Haines, daughter of David Haines, who was executed by the group in 2014.

Writing in the Daily Mail at the weekend, the 20-year-old said it should be postponed following the attack.

“The last thing those families need is a drama about Islamic State on TV at the same time their lives have effectively been torn apart by that same group,” she said.

After the first instalment aired on Sunday night, many viewers agreed.

One person wrote on Twitter: “Kudos to channel 4 on the stupidest decision to have ever been made. Glamourising Isis? Are you for F***ing real? #thestate.”

“Kinda think @Channel4 #thestate should have been delayed in light of recent events. #badtaste,” said another.

One posted: “Also distasteful to air so soon after #Barcelona & #Turku attacks as many still without answers on whether loved ones are safe.”

However others disagreed, saying the drama far from glamorised life in Islamic State.

“People saying #thestate glorifies or attempts to legitimize fighting for IS must have a skewed idea of propaganda, it’s utterly terrifying,” pointed out one viewer.

“If you watched #TheState and your main takeaway was that it glorifies ISIS I think it’s fair to say you missed the point,” said another.

Many also said that while The State was uncomfortable viewing, it was brave programming.

“#TheState on #channel4 – defo thought provoking. Brave decision to air this given recent events & uncomfortable viewing at times too…” tweeted one person.

“Excellent brave TV,” said another. “Didn’t think it glorified. Just exposed the lies at the heart of this death cult. We know how it ends.”