The BBC's new crime drama Mint, a Glasgow-set gangster romance with a Romeo and Juliet twist, has reportedly lost viewers rapidly since its debut. The series, created by Charlotte Regan, follows star-crossed lovers Shannon (Emma Laird) and Arran (Benjamin Coyle-Larner, known as rapper Loyle Carner) from rival crime families.
Despite strong performances from the cast, including Lindsay Duncan as the formidable grandmother Ollie and Sam Riley as crime boss Dylan, the show's magical realism elements—such as characters floating in mid-air—have proven divisive. Some viewers have struggled to engage with the genre-bending style, which blends nostalgic VHS footage with hallucinatory dream sequences.
The series features a compelling story of forbidden love, power, and loyalty, with brutal violence including a sword fight at the horse races. However, early ratings suggest a significant drop-off in audience numbers after the first episode, raising questions about its long-term appeal.
While critics have praised the visual style and Patrick Jonsson's enchanting score, the show's unconventional approach may be limiting its mainstream success. The BBC has not yet commented on the viewership figures.
