Mint viewers 'switch off' new BBC drama within minutes of first episode
BBC viewers were left underwhelmed by the bold romance story on Monday night during the premiere of the new series, Mint
www.mirror.co.ukHere’s the latest on BBC drama Mint.
Overview
- Mint is a BBC One drama created by Charlotte Regan, with Emma Laird and Benjamin Coyle-Larner (Loyle Carner) leading the cast. It premiered in April 2026 and is available on BBC iPlayer for streaming.[1][3]
Recent reception
- Reviews have been mixed-to-positive, highlighting its stylish, romance-inflected approach to crime drama and its bold visual sensibility. The Guardian praised Regan’s direction and the payoff, while The Times commended the performances and ambition, noting that style can sometimes trump substance. The Telegraph emphasized the show’s focus on family fault-lines and its unpredictable storytelling.[3][9][1]
- Audience reactions have been polarized. Some viewers praised the series’ atmosphere and modern twist on gangster narratives, while others found the romantic premise bold but uneven in execution. Reports of early viewer disengagement appeared in coverage from a couple of outlets, though others defended the show as a fresh take for BBC One.[4][5][7]
Where to watch
- Mint streams on BBC iPlayer and airs on BBC One in the UK, with all eight 30-minute episodes available for binge-watching after the premiere.[8][3]
Notable elements
- The show blends romantic drama with crime family dynamics, described as having a psychedelic, almost magical-realist vibe in some early analyses. It centers on Shannon, a young woman navigating love within a turbulent gangster household, which is a departure from typical straight crime dramas.[6][1][3]
If you’d like, I can pull a few up-to-the-minute headlines from a specific outlet (e.g., BBC, Guardian, or Telegraph) or summarize a couple of current review quotes to give you a sharper snapshot. I can also tailor recommendations if you’re deciding whether to start Mint based on tone or pacing.
Citations:
- Mint cast and release details:[1][3]
- Critical reception highlights:[9][1]
- Streaming and availability:[3][8]
- Early audience reactions and additional context:[5][4]