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 as of April 2026.
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What it is: Mint is a new eight-episode BBC One crime drama created by Charlotte Regan, blending dark humor with a Romeo-and-Juliet-style love story set against a gangland backdrop. Critics have highlighted its stylish visuals and female-centered perspective. This overview comes from recent reviews and press coverage around the show's launch.[2][5][9]
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Release and availability: The series premiered on BBC One with the first two episodes airing on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 9pm, with all eight episodes available on BBC iPlayer earlier in the day. Multiple outlets confirm the simultaneity of TV broadcast and streaming release.[3][2]
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Critical reception snapshot: Early reactions are mixed. Some reviewers praise its visual flair, contemporary reinvention of crime drama, and emotional stakes, while others describe the romance as uneven or emotionally thinner than the surface suggests. A range of outlets—from tabloids to opinion-based sites—reflect divergent takes on its narrative impact.[6][7][9]
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Notable buzz and framing: Coverage emphasizes Mint’s bold departure from typical gangster tropes, its focus on female viewpoint characters, and its daring stylistic choices, including magical realism elements referenced by some early watchers and critics. Public chatter ranges from enthusiastic on the show’s ambition to critiques of pacing or tonal balance.[4][7][6]
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Where to watch: All eight episodes are streaming on BBC iPlayer, with new viewers able to binge early releases and latecomers catching up on weekly airings via BBC One. This aligns with the platform distribution described by press coverage.[2][3]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent individual reviews and summarize their ratings and key points, or assemble a quick pros/cons snapshot based on the critics’ notes. I can also fetch updated viewer reactions from social media or coverage in specific outlets you trust.