Minx
Minx is a derogatory English noun referring to a pert, impudent, flirtatious, or promiscuous young woman.[1][2][3] The word first appeared in the mid-16th century, with the earliest recorded use in 1542 in a translation by Nicholas Udall, and its etymology remains uncertain but likely derives from Middle Dutch minnekijn ("darling" or "sweetheart"), possibly via an obsolete sense denoting a playful pet dog or bitch before shifting to describe a saucy or lewd female.[3][4][5] Alternative theories trace it to Low German minsk or minsc ("person" or "impudent woman"), reflecting early associations with boldness or scheming behavior in women.[6][7] Primarily employed in literary and historical contexts to characterize mischievous or wanton characters, minx has largely fallen out of common parlance by the 20th century, persisting mainly as an archaic term with pejorative undertones rather than neutral description.[1][8] Its usage underscores historical gender norms critiquing female assertiveness or sexuality through diminutive or animalistic metaphors.[4][9]Premise and Characters
Premise
Minx is an American period comedy television series created by Ellen Rapoport, set in 1970s Los Angeles. The narrative centers on Joyce Prigger, an idealistic young feminist who, after facing repeated rejections from mainstream publishers for her proposed women's liberation magazine The Matriarchy Awakens, forms an unlikely alliance with Doug Renetti, a lowbrow pornography publisher operating Bottom Dollar Publications.[10][11] Together, they launch Minx, billed as the first erotic magazine targeted at women and featuring nude male models to empower female desire and challenge societal norms around sexuality and gender roles. The premise explores the tensions and comedic clashes arising from their partnership, including cultural clashes between feminist ideals and the gritty realities of the adult industry, as they navigate production challenges, distribution hurdles, and personal growth amid the era's sexual revolution.[12][13]Cast and Characters
Ophelia Lovibond portrays Joyce Prigger, a Vassar-educated feminist in 1970s Los Angeles who, after rejections from mainstream publishers, allies with a pornography magnate to launch the first erotic magazine centered on female pleasure and agency.[14] [15] Jake Johnson stars as Doug Renetti, the shrewd yet unreliable proprietor of Bottom Dollar Publications—a firm specializing in niche men's magazines such as Milky Moms and Secretary Secrets—who recognizes the profit potential in Joyce's project and handles its gritty distribution and marketing.[16] [17] Jessica Lowe plays Bambi, an ambitious aspiring actress who serves as the magazine's signature model and navigates the era's objectification of women while pursuing her own empowerment.[18] Oscar Montoya depicts Richie, Doug's bumbling younger brother and reluctant employee at Bottom Dollar, whose personal struggles add comedic tension to the operation.[19] Lennon Parham embodies Shelly, Joyce's conservative older sister and a married mother whose arc involves grappling with repressed desires and eventual sexual exploration amid the cultural shifts of the time.[20] Idara Victor appears as Tina, Doug's efficient assistant who effectively manages the day-to-day logistics of the publishing house and provides understated support amid the chaos.[21] Michael Angarano recurs in season 1 as Glenn, Joyce's traditionalist fiancé whose discomfort with her professional risks highlights generational and ideological divides.[22]Production
Development
Ellen Rapoport conceived Minx as a half-hour comedy pilot script centered on an earnest young feminist in 1970s Los Angeles partnering with a low-rent publisher to launch the first erotic magazine targeted at women.[23] Rapoport, who transitioned from a Harvard Law School background to screenwriting, drew inspiration from the era's real-life emergence of women's erotic publications challenging male-dominated norms, though the series is not based on any single historical magazine.[24][25] HBO Max greenlit the pilot on February 19, 2020, with Lionsgate Television producing alongside Paul Feig's Feigco Entertainment; Feig served as an executive producer, leveraging his experience in period comedies.[23][26] Rapoport wrote the script, which Rachel Lee Goldenberg directed.[27] On April 5, 2021, HBO Max ordered a full ten-episode first season, reflecting confidence in the pilot's potential to blend feminist themes with satirical takes on pornography and second-wave feminism.[28] The development emphasized historical accuracy in depicting 1970s Los Angeles publishing and cultural shifts, while prioritizing comedic elements over didacticism.[29]Casting
Ophelia Lovibond was cast in the lead role of Joyce Prigger, an idealistic feminist publishing an erotic magazine for women, on September 16, 2020, for the HBO Max pilot.[27] On December 8, 2020, five actors were added as series regulars opposite Lovibond: Idara Victor as Tina, the production assistant; Oscar Montoya as Richie, the photographer; Jessica Lowe as Bambi, the centerfold model; Lennon Parham as Shelly, Joyce's sister; and Michael Angarano as Glenn, Joyce's fiancé.[30] [31] Jake Johnson was attached the same day to play Doug Renetti, the porn publisher who partners with Joyce, initially in a guest-starring capacity.[30] Following the series order announcement on April 5, 2021, Lovibond and Johnson were listed as the starring leads, with Johnson elevated to series regular status alongside the previously announced supporting cast.[32] In November 2021, prior to the season one premiere, recurring roles were filled by Alicia Hannah-Kim as Irene, Amy Landecker as Constance, Gillian Jacobs as Mary, Austin Nichols as Shane, and Rich Sommer as Harlan.[33] For the second season, renewed in May 2022 and produced after the series' move to Starz, Elizabeth Perkins joined the cast as Betty, Doug's mother, in a major recurring role.[34] No significant casting changes or controversies were reported for either season.Filming and Visual Style
Principal photography for the pilot episode of Minx occurred in December 2020, while the first season was filmed from late August to December 4, 2021.[35] The series was produced entirely in Los Angeles, California, utilizing the city's diverse urban and studio environments to stand in for 1970s settings.[35] Key locations included Paramount Pictures Studio at 5515 Melrose Avenue for interior scenes, Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills for exterior drives, residential homes in South Pasadena such as 1755 Via Del Rey and 630 Cam Cerrado, and the Regency Village Theatre at 961 Broxton Avenue in Westwood for sequences depicting media events.[35][36][37] The visual style of Minx emphasizes a period-accurate recreation of 1970s Los Angeles, particularly the magazine publishing industry, through meticulous production design and set decoration. Production designer Cat Smith and set decorator Lisa Clark focused on authenticity by sourcing vintage furniture, props, and decor from flea markets and prop houses to evoke the era's eclectic, bohemian, and disco-influenced aesthetics.[38] Sets featured bold colors, textured wallpapers, and cluttered office environments reflective of 1970s journalism workflows, with custom builds for magazine headquarters to capture the gritty, lived-in quality of the time.[38] This approach balanced historical detail—drawn from research into real 1970s publications—with narrative needs, avoiding overly polished modern looks in favor of tangible, era-specific wear and improvisation.[38] Cinematography supported the retro vibe with a single-camera setup, employing directors of photography such as Jason Oldak, who handled multiple episodes to maintain consistent warm, saturated tones and dynamic framing that mirrored 1970s film stocks without digital over-correction.[39] The overall aesthetic integrates hazy, atmospheric interiors in later seasons to enhance the period's hazy, smoke-filled ambiance, contributing to a visually immersive portrayal of cultural transition in pre-digital media.[40]Release and Distribution
Initial Release on HBO Max
Minx premiered its first season exclusively on HBO Max on March 17, 2022, with the initial two episodes released simultaneously.[41] The season consisted of 10 half-hour episodes, released in pairs weekly thereafter, concluding with the finale on April 14, 2022.[42] [43] As an HBO Max original series, it marked the platform's early push into original comedy programming amid its expansion phase following the 2020 WarnerMedia merger.[44] The release garnered strong initial critical acclaim, achieving a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 42 reviews, praising its sharp satire of 1970s pornography and feminism.[45] This reception prompted HBO Max to renew the series for a second season on May 6, 2022, just weeks after the finale, signaling confidence in its audience engagement despite limited public viewership data from the streamer.[46] The quick turnaround reflected the show's alignment with HBO Max's strategy for provocative, period-set comedies targeting niche demographics.[47]Transition to Starz
In December 2022, HBO Max canceled Minx despite having previously renewed the series for a second season that was already in production, as part of Warner Bros. Discovery's broader cost-cutting initiatives following the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger.[48][49] The decision reflected executive David Zaslav's strategy to eliminate programming expenses, including marketing for completed projects, amid efforts to reduce overall debt and streamline operations at the streamer.[50] On January 12, 2023, Starz announced it had acquired Minx, rescuing the series and committing to air both seasons.[47][48] As a Lionsgate subsidiary—the same company producing the show through Lionsgate Television—Starz integrated Season 1 into its on-demand library while positioning the completed Season 2 as a Starz Original series.[49] This move allowed the network to leverage the show's existing production assets without additional filming costs, aligning with Starz's focus on bold, character-driven comedies.[51] Season 2 of Minx premiered on Starz on July 21, 2023, at midnight ET/PT across the network's app, streaming platforms, and linear channel, airing weekly episodes through September 8.[52][53] The transition enabled continued distribution of the series' exploration of 1970s feminism and the adult industry, with Starz executives describing it as a natural fit for their programming slate emphasizing provocative narratives.[51]Cancellation and Post-Cancellation Developments
In December 2022, HBO Max reversed its renewal for a second season of Minx during the final week of production, canceling the series as part of Warner Bros. Discovery's extensive cost-cutting measures following the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, which included axing multiple scripted projects for tax write-offs.[47][54] Starz acquired the rights to both seasons in January 2023, allowing season 2 to complete production and premiere on the network in July 2023, thereby rescuing the show from discontinuation.[47][55] Starz canceled Minx in January 2024, confirming no third season despite the network's prior intervention, with reports attributing the decision primarily to insufficient viewership metrics, though official statements from Starz did not specify causes.[55][56][57] Cast member Jake Johnson expressed disappointment over the abrupt end, noting the season 2 finale's unresolved cliffhanger and regretting the lack of closure for the storyline.[58] Following the Starz cancellation, Minx found a new streaming outlet on Netflix, which licensed both seasons for availability starting November 2025, providing continued access to the series amid its history of platform shifts but without plans for new episodes.[59][60] As of October 2025, no further production or revival efforts have been announced by the creators or involved networks.[61]Reception
Critical Response
Minx received widespread critical acclaim for its first season, earning a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 42 reviews, with critics praising its sharp satire of 1970s sexual liberation and the porn industry.[45] The series was lauded for blending humor with historical context, particularly in depicting the tensions between second-wave feminism and emerging pornography, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter, which highlighted the show's "gleeful irreverence" and strong performances by Ophelia Lovibond and Jake Johnson.[11] On Metacritic, Season 1 scored 74 out of 100 from 14 critic reviews, reflecting generally favorable reception for its period authenticity and witty dialogue, though some reviewers critiqued occasional tonal inconsistencies.[62] The second season, released on Starz after the show's move from HBO Max, maintained strong but slightly tempered praise, achieving an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes from 28 reviews.[63] Outlets like Variety commended its continued exploration of feminist themes amid commercial pressures, describing it as a "feminist comedy [that] keeps the fun going" while delving deeper into character arcs and industry dynamics.[64] The Guardian called it an "absolute treat," emphasizing the vibrant 1970s aesthetic and substantive handling of sexuality without preachiness.[65] However, IndieWire observed that the season "loses a bit of its mojo" with looser plotting and under-examined ideas, suggesting a dip in the tight satirical edge of the debut.[66] Common praises across both seasons focused on the show's unapologetic raunchiness balanced with empowerment narratives, as The New York Times noted its "chaotic ride" that uncovers "ideas more than skin-deep" about gender roles and commerce.[67] Critics from A.V. Club appreciated the relevance of its workplace comedy to contemporary issues, despite the retro setting.[68] Detractors, including some in The Playlist, argued the series occasionally sacrificed momentum for broader ensemble stories, resulting in less focused humor.[69] Overall, reviewers valued Minx's refusal to moralize, attributing its appeal to authentic portrayals drawn from real 1970s publishing history rather than idealized revisionism.[70]Viewership and Commercial Performance
Minx premiered its first season on HBO Max on March 17, 2022, and according to actor Jake Johnson, the series generated a profit for the streamer despite limited publicly available viewership metrics for the platform's streaming audience.[71] The show's cancellation by HBO Max in December 2022, while production on season two was nearing completion, stemmed primarily from Warner Bros. Discovery's broader cost-cutting measures, content write-offs for tax purposes, and efforts to streamline the service following the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger, rather than insufficient viewership.[72][73][74] After Lionsgate shopped the series, Starz acquired rights to season two, which aired from July 21 to September 1, 2023, but it underperformed in linear television metrics, averaging fewer than 100,000 viewers per episode in initial cable broadcasts.[55][75] Starz did not release streaming-specific figures, though the network's cancellation announcement on January 5, 2024, implicitly tied the decision to inadequate overall audience engagement, as low viewership remains a primary factor in renewal choices for premium cable series.[57][76] Audience demand analytics from Parrot Analytics indicated that Minx sustained demand 1.7 times above the average U.S. TV series benchmark in recent measurements, suggesting niche appeal but insufficient scale for commercial viability on either platform.[77] No detailed revenue breakdowns or syndication deals have been disclosed, underscoring the series' modest commercial footprint amid streaming and cable market contractions.[78]Awards and Nominations
Minx earned recognition primarily from niche and international awards bodies, with no major nominations from the Primetime Emmys or Golden Globes across its two seasons.[79] In 2022, the series won the Venice TV Award for Best Comedy Series, highlighting its appeal in European festival circuits.[80] It also received the ReFrame Stamp of Approval for the 2021-2022 television season, acknowledging efforts toward gender-balanced representation in front of and behind the camera.[81] The following year, Minx garnered nominations at the 28th Satellite Awards, including for Best Comedy or Musical Series and Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Series for Ophelia Lovibond's portrayal of Joyce Prigger.[79] These accolades reflect targeted praise for its comedic elements and lead performance, though the series did not secure wins in these categories.[79]| Year | Award | Category | Result | Nominee/Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Venice TV Awards | Best Comedy Series | Won | Minx |
| 2022 | ReFrame Stamp | Top 200 Most Popular TV Titles | Won | Minx |
| 2023 | Satellite Awards | Best Comedy or Musical Series | Nominated | Minx |
| 2023 | Satellite Awards | Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Series | Nominated | Ophelia Lovibond |