Emma Laird and Ben Coyle-Larner star in the BBC’s new crime drama Mint, which is a compelling blend of gritty gangster drama and Romeo-and-Juliet-style romance.

Looking for a gripping new crime drama to binge-watch this week? The BBC’s new gangster romance, Mint, is now available to stream – and it’s worth a watch.

It’s Shetland meets MobLand in this atmospheric, beautifully-shot Scotland-set series, which follows Shannon, the romantic young daughter of a crime family, who falls for Arran, who belongs to the rival clan.

An intriguing blend of gritty gangster drama and Romeo-and-Juliet-style romance, this compelling series is a must-watch this week.

Emma Laird plays Shannon, the naïve and fiercely romantic daughter of the area’s dominant crime family© BBC
Emma Laird plays Shannon, the naïve and fiercely romantic daughter of the area’s dominant crime family

The series is written by acclaimed writer and director Charlotte Regan and comes from Fearless Minds (The Critic) and House Productions, known for producing gripping dramas such as Sherwood and the Oscar-winning film, Conclave.

What is Mint about?

A story of crushing heartbreak and tragedy, the story centres around Shannon, the 22-year-old daughter of a crime family that rules a town in Scotland.

She falls head of heels for Arran, a member of the rival crime family who has just arrived in town, and poses a big problem for Shannon’s family.

Arran (BENJAMIN COYLE-LARNER), Shannon (EMMA LAIRD) © House/Fearless Minds/BBC
The series is a blend of gritty gangster drama and Romeo-and-Juliet-style romance

The synopsis continues: “While Shannon and Arran are navigating their forbidden romance, elsewhere, things are imploding for Shannon’s family. Early in our series, Dylan decides to step down as the head of the family for mysterious reasons. Sam, Dylan’s second in command, steps up to take over, though his diverging tactics start to raise alarm across our series.

“In the wake of Dylan’s decision, instead of focusing on the crime world or the politics of succession, we’re swept into the distinct emotional worlds of Shannon’s family – her parents, Dylan and Cat, her older brother Luke and her indomitable grandma Ollie.”

Arran (BENJAMIN COYLE-LARNER)© House/Fearless Minds/BBC
Ben Coyle-Larner plays Arran

Who stars in Mint?

The series is brilliantly led by Emma Laird, who is mesmerising as Shannon, and Ben Coyle-Larner (better known as the musician Loyle Carner), who delivers a compelling performance as Arran.

Ollie (LINDSAY DUNCAN) © House/Fearless Minds/BBC
Lindsay Duncan stars as Shannon’s grandmother, Ollie

They are joined by Sam Riley (Firebrand, Control) as Shannon’s dad Dylan, Laura Fraser (Breaking Bad, Patience) as her mum Cat, Lewis Gribben (Somewhere Boy, Shetland) as her brother Luke and Lindsay Duncan (Truelove, Sherwood) as her grandmother, Ollie.

What have TV critics said about the show?

The series has been met with positive reviews from critics, with The Guardian describing the show as “the most outrageously beautiful TV show since Twin Peaks” in its four-star review, while the Financial Times highlighted Ben Coyler-Larner’s performance in the “stylish” drama.

Shannon (EMMA LAIRD)© House/Fearless Minds/BBC
The series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now

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Mint is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.