ITV Irish gangster drama called ‘phenomenal’ despite previous ratings struggle-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Some viewers have just discovered the gripping series Love/Hate and declared it the best gangster show they’ve seen in years.

The drama was first broadcast on Ireland’s public service broadcaster, RTÉ One, between 2010 and 2014, with some episodes also being aired on Channel 5. However, the recent interest comes after the five series arrived on ITVX earlier this year.

After audiences had the chance to watch it, they dubbed it even better than Kin – an Irish crime drama, which has enjoyed international success.

‘Love/Hate currently on ITVX is an absolute belting series, watched it a few years ago, when my Irish fiancée told me about it, better than Kin in my opinion too,’ said Wayne Brown.

Paul Wylie added: ‘The Irish say it’s better than Kin and I agree with them.’

‘ITV fans claim gripping Irish crime thriller is ‘better than Kin’. I absolutely agree as Love/Hate is phenomenal,’ wrote Angela Thompson.

Love/Hate has received high praise (Picture: ITV/RTE)

Lynsey Roddy asked: ‘If you’ve not watched ‘Love/Hate’ yet what have you been doing?’

‘Love/Hate on ITV player. Best Irish gangster show in years,’ stated Kev Blarney.

The series is set in Dublin (Picture: ITV/RTE)

The fictional story is set in Dublin and follows the criminal underworld of the Republic of Ireland’s capital city.

The series introduces viewers to criminal kingpin John Boy (Aidan Gillen), and gang members Darren (Robert Sheehan), Nidge (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor), Robbie (Chris Newman) and Tommy (Killian Scott), and the narrative focuses on the rivalries in the criminal field and the psychological effects of violence.

The Stuart Carolan creation was extremely popular in Ireland, with episodes attracting close to one million viewers on several occasions, despite initial criticism that it glorified gangland violence.

The creator is happy to hear that more people are watching Love/Hate (Picture: ITV/RTE)

Carolan recently expressed joy at the fact that new fans were watching the series.

‘I’m only starting to hear about this, and it’s absolutely wonderful. A friend in England rang me up and told me they were running ads for Love/Hate during the rugby on ITV,’ he told The Irish Sun.

‘If people in Britain are discovering Love/Hate after they watched Kin, it’s great that’s happening.

‘I’ve seen Kin, it’s a pretty cool show. This is all good news for Irish drama.’

Carolon reflected on Love/Hate previously not taking off in the UK in the way he would have hoped.

‘Back then I know we were disappointed Love/Hate never got an audience in Britain because it was only on UK Channel 5, and they only bought four episodes,’ he recalled.

‘The fact it’s on ITVX now, which is a streaming service and you can watch all five seasons, is helping and ITVX has a younger demographic.’

Despite its resurgence, Carolon has no plans for a revival. ‘There is a beginning, a middle and an end to everything. There is no point in going back. It’s done. It’s over,’ he stated.

A young Barry appeared in the series (Picture: ITV/RTE)

Love/Hate even featured a cameo from Barry Keoghan, as Wayne, who kills a cat in one of the most controversial scenes. Despite the Saltburn actor going on to experience Hollywood stardom, he says the character haunts him.

‘I’ll never get away from that cat,’ he told The Mirror.

‘I was in the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey about two years ago. I think there were about 90,000 people there and someone pulled me and said “You’re the guy that shot the cat”. I just thought “Ah here, I’m halfway across the world and someone said it”.’

Love/Hate is available to watch on ITVX.

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