Boardwalk Empire

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 19, 2010
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 670 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 618 out of 670
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 670
  3. Negative: 24 out of 670
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  1. DasBentley
    Mar 16, 2019
    9
    Great show with great characters easily comparable to the greats of television. Steve Buscemi kills it as Nucky Thompson and so do the other actors in this series like Charlie Cox before his role as Daredevil, Michael K. Williams as Chalky, other great performances:Michael Shannon,Stephen Graham and Vincent Piazza. Overall this is a great show with a big budget that u can get immersed in.
  2. SamComedian
    Feb 24, 2019
    9
    Boardwalk Empire, una serie que me alucinó, si le tengo que poner alguna pega, sería el final de la serie, pero bueno...
    Muy bien interpretada, buenos actores, ambientada en los años 20 ( me encantan ) y una estupenda trama.
    Le doy un 9 sobre 10. Mi séptima crítica u/o review de la sección de TV.
  3. brandonb7
    Nov 29, 2018
    9
    This show remains one of my favorite of all time with its rich storytelling, interesting characters, and flawless depiction of gangster life in the early 20th century.
  4. MovieMasterEddy
    Apr 17, 2016
    8
    From the moment the titles roll on the Martin Scorsese-directed pilot, this establishes itself as the most cinematic show on TV. Visually, it's stunning, and the cast (headed by Steve Buscemi) could easily grace one of Marty's big-screen epics. Focusing on New Jersey crime syndicates in Prohibition-era America, it often invites Sopranos comparisons, and like that show the first seasonFrom the moment the titles roll on the Martin Scorsese-directed pilot, this establishes itself as the most cinematic show on TV. Visually, it's stunning, and the cast (headed by Steve Buscemi) could easily grace one of Marty's big-screen epics. Focusing on New Jersey crime syndicates in Prohibition-era America, it often invites Sopranos comparisons, and like that show the first season feels like a launching pad for grander things.… Expand
  5. TributeMan
    Mar 15, 2016
    10
    I AM NUCKY!

    Zakazane Imperium sezon pierwszy to mistrzostwo w wykonaniu i prowadzeniu historii. Dramat przeplata się z komedią, a sceny akcji są po prostu świetne. Genialna jest także muzyka oraz scenografia. Ani przez moment nie miałem uczucia, że coś mogło być sztuczne. Polecam każdemu kto szuka serialu na poziomie Breaking Bad.
  6. HotelCentral
    Dec 8, 2015
    8
    Consider this a review of all five seasons.

    OK, the fifth season is a little weak, but overall the production is well done. The acting is good. The characters, more than not, are interesting and persuasive. The writing is fine. The period details, as near as I can tell, (and I'm no expert), seem on target. My main complaint is that Steve Buscemi, while a good actor, and perfect    Consider this a review of all five seasons.

    OK, the fifth season is a little weak, but overall the production is well done. The acting is good. The characters, more than not, are interesting and persuasive. The writing is fine. The period details, as near as I can tell, (and I'm no expert), seem on target.

    My main complaint is that Steve Buscemi, while a good actor, and perfect for his role on Sopranos, is not terribly convincing as a criminal kingpin. He projects little or no menace and in a rare few scenes where he engages in fisticuffs he seems way out of his league. He does a fair job, generally, but in my view it's the rest of the cast that carries the show.

    Also, and this is one thing that really peeves me, the character of Al Capone is played by a fine actor named Stephen Graham. And Graham, as it happens, is reported to be 5'5" tall. And for reasons I fail to comprehend the character of Al Capone is portrayed repeatedly throughout the series as being quite short, say, around 5'5", when in FACT the REAL Al Capone was about 5' 10.5", which, in the US, is at least a little bit taller than average for a male. Which leads me to ask: Why was this fiction perpetrated on the series? I have no idea. It seems pointless. Unless it was deemed necessary to portray Capone as a short guy with a Napoleon complex because just scripting him as a psycho wasn't quite enough.    … Expand
  7. Ironicguy
    Oct 19, 2014
    9
    There are so many twists, each new season is better than the last. The Roaring 20's is one of the most interesting periods in American History. Boardwalk empire does an amazing job of recreating the feeling one would have during that era. I've just finished Season 3, and there hasn't been a boring filler episode yet.
  8. treebla16
    Jul 20, 2014
    10
    "Boardwalk Empire" is just simply amazing television. The music, cinematography, acting, directing and writing all deserve to be singled out as fantastic.
  9. Douchebaaaag
    Apr 19, 2014
    10
    This is just television at its best. Steve Buscemi gives the performance of a lifetime. Terrefic performances by the colorful cast, smooth directing, gorgeous writing. A must-see for fans of the mafia genre!
  10. sonnyrene94
    Mar 16, 2014
    10
    Boardwalk Empire is a period drama set during the 1920's prohibition era with Steve Buscemi starring as the corrupt treasurer of Atlantic City Enoch "Nucky" Thompson. Steve Buscemi is amazing as Nucky Thompson and gives the best performance of his entire career which is saying something. The ensemble cast is terrific, the cinematography is beautiful and the set pieces are always on point.Boardwalk Empire is a period drama set during the 1920's prohibition era with Steve Buscemi starring as the corrupt treasurer of Atlantic City Enoch "Nucky" Thompson. Steve Buscemi is amazing as Nucky Thompson and gives the best performance of his entire career which is saying something. The ensemble cast is terrific, the cinematography is beautiful and the set pieces are always on point. Boardwalk Empire was created by Terrence Winter who deserves a lot of credit for delivering such an ambitious television show. Martin Scorcese is also an executive producer of the show which speaks to the it's quality and he even directs the pilot. I cannot praise this show highly enough, it is in my opinion the best show on television. Boardwalk Empire is another home run hit for HBO.… Expand
  11. carloswalnuts
    Feb 4, 2014
    9
    Una temporada fascinante con una historia digna de llevarse un oscar, puede alguien controlar toda una ciudad y siendo tan solo un politico mitad gangster, ese es Nucky Thompson y este es su imperio del contrabando, entra en el mundo de la mafia en los años 20 y acompaña a Nucky y a Darmody en su travesia en Atlantic City. De seguro que esta serie no decepcionara a no ser que te guste elUna temporada fascinante con una historia digna de llevarse un oscar, puede alguien controlar toda una ciudad y siendo tan solo un politico mitad gangster, ese es Nucky Thompson y este es su imperio del contrabando, entra en el mundo de la mafia en los años 20 y acompaña a Nucky y a Darmody en su travesia en Atlantic City. De seguro que esta serie no decepcionara a no ser que te guste el tema de la mafia.… Expand
  12. Novelist
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    I see the first two seasons of "Boardwalk Empire" as a whole. The first season is the introduction that slowly develops the story to the point where season 2 can just do whatever it wants. The highlights of season one are the Martin Scorsese directed pilot, "Anastasia" (episode 4), "Home" (episode 7), and "Paris Green" (episode 11). The visual style and direction of this show are one ofI see the first two seasons of "Boardwalk Empire" as a whole. The first season is the introduction that slowly develops the story to the point where season 2 can just do whatever it wants. The highlights of season one are the Martin Scorsese directed pilot, "Anastasia" (episode 4), "Home" (episode 7), and "Paris Green" (episode 11). The visual style and direction of this show are one of the best I've ever seen.… Expand
  13. Ulkefaderen
    Nov 23, 2013
    8
    Its not the best show on HBO but it still pretty good. Production values are insanely high and the acting is pretty amazing. Its not something you get caught up in right away but if you give it a chance you'll be hocked.
  14. JonLabudakis
    Sep 11, 2013
    9
    A wonderful new series by Martin Scorsese.I love the dialogs which are dramatic and thrilling.Based on a very good plot the first season is just awesome.
  15. Crazye2000
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    Most underrated TV show on television period. The acting is exceptional.(Come on Steve Buscemi.) Cinematography and the Prohibition period is represented in it's finest.
  16. joeyperez
    Jul 19, 2013
    9
    incredibly rich milieu of gangsters, politicians and players, from a bygone age, animated by genius and imbued with vitality and immediacy once more. simply a time portal to another world.

    this is getting a 9 by default. it isnt as good as the sopranos or the wire, but giving it anything other than a 9 would be a lie.
  17. hg00692
    Mar 7, 2013
    10
    It has a well composed cast, and an intoxicating set. The props seem to match the period of the 1920s. Even though Scorsese doesn't direct all of the episodes it has the feel of a Hollywood production. I like the story and think touches on some great themes of the time: Jazz, alcohol, and organized crime
  18. Nathonas
    Feb 24, 2013
    9
    Absolutely brilliant TV show. Easily in my top 10 favorite TV shows of all time. Scorsese proves that he is the best man to bring us into the fascinating world of crime and gangsters. The characters are probably the best written of any show I've seen. The setting and atmosphere of the show are also amazing, crafted with true skill and finesse, and manage to bring us from the 21st centuryAbsolutely brilliant TV show. Easily in my top 10 favorite TV shows of all time. Scorsese proves that he is the best man to bring us into the fascinating world of crime and gangsters. The characters are probably the best written of any show I've seen. The setting and atmosphere of the show are also amazing, crafted with true skill and finesse, and manage to bring us from the 21st century in the beginning of the 20th. The story is complex, compelling, and full if unexpected twists. My ONLY complaint and the reason I can't give Boardwalk Empire a 10/10 is because whenever they need to kill off characters, they will die very easily, whereas when they want to keep other characters around, they will survive every assassination attempt thrown at them (ahem Nucky).… Expand
  19. Swati
    Dec 13, 2012
    10
    Where the pacing slowed, I found myself immersed in the style. Jimmy Darmody grabbed my attention from the outset and kept me engaged through to the end, even though he wasn't supposed to be the main character. I learnt a few things about the Mob. The plot was highly fictionalized and turned some real life gangsters into mere supporting characters, unable to hold their own against someWhere the pacing slowed, I found myself immersed in the style. Jimmy Darmody grabbed my attention from the outset and kept me engaged through to the end, even though he wasn't supposed to be the main character. I learnt a few things about the Mob. The plot was highly fictionalized and turned some real life gangsters into mere supporting characters, unable to hold their own against some upcoming politician. I guess that was to be expected if the show had to avoid becoming predictable. I think they should have cast someone more original and engaging for Al Capone, given that he was not a second rate hit-man but arguably the most successful crime boss in history. I liked the portrayals of Luciano, Rothstein and Nucky Thompson. Jimmy's sidekick is also someone to look out for.… Expand
  20. cameronmorewood
    Nov 9, 2012
    8
    At times Boardwalk is classy and elegant, and then it shifts over to savage and wild. I happen to like both versions.
  21. ADIL
    Jun 20, 2012
    8
    Very good series and directing as directing movies! The representation is very good ... The best thing it's not long per season! Old friends are and they said to me about the series that the series is very excellent ...
  22. eTurkey
    Apr 2, 2012
    8
    First and foremost, the writing on this television program is some of the best I've ever personally seen on the small screen. It's simply prodigious in both quantity and quality. The acting is fantastic. There really isn't a single performance throughout the entire season that I disliked. Perhaps my only criticism of the first twelve episodes is the overall slow, almost snail-like pace inFirst and foremost, the writing on this television program is some of the best I've ever personally seen on the small screen. It's simply prodigious in both quantity and quality. The acting is fantastic. There really isn't a single performance throughout the entire season that I disliked. Perhaps my only criticism of the first twelve episodes is the overall slow, almost snail-like pace in which the story-lines are uncovered. Everything else about the show is great though, the costume & wardrobe departments should hopefully win A LOT of awards!… Expand
  23. JaySupertramp
    Feb 8, 2012
    8
    Season 1:
    Set at the US prohibition time in the 1920s and with well known characters like Al Capone this TV-Series shows the criminal actions of Lucky Thomson as he pretends to be one of the good guys. A beautiful set and top actors.
  24. katharineclark
    Jan 4, 2012
    8
    The first season of Boardwalk Empire seemed to develop slowly and admittedly, I was a tad bored in the first few episodes. The pacing of this second season was also a bit uneven. Put that aside and the show has lush sets, increasingly worrisome behaviors on the part of the main characters, and an incredible finale. Definitely worth watching.
  25. blondevixen
    Dec 21, 2011
    10
    One of the best tv series ever. The plot and character development are better than the Sopranos. The 1920s sets and costumes are beautiful.

    There are no true "good guys" and "bad guys" here. Everyone has some major faults, yet the story makes you sympathetic to all (except, maybe, the commodore -- that guy is a jerk!). I really love the complicated character of Margaret Schroeder.    One of the best tv series ever. The plot and character development are better than the Sopranos. The 1920s sets and costumes are beautiful.

    There are no true "good guys" and "bad guys" here. Everyone has some major faults, yet the story makes you sympathetic to all (except, maybe, the commodore -- that guy is a jerk!). I really love the complicated character of Margaret Schroeder. Her feelings of guilt and need for forgiveness make the perfect foil to Nucky.    … Expand
  26. Potter17
    Oct 10, 2011
    9
    This is probably the best tv show today. Impeccably written, finely photographed, sharp performances by Buscemi, Pitt and Macdonald and brilliantly directed by Scorsese.
  27. Justinavery7074
    Oct 3, 2011
    8
    Even though it is at times, dull as hell, it still manages to attract me to my couch on Sunday nights. Mayeb it's the fact that there is some compelling ass stuff towards the end of each show. Or the marvelous acting and wonderful period flavor, It's just kick-ass
  28. Kyle_Fitta
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    Have you ever marinated or slow-roasted something to eat? Sure, it gets annoying that you have to wait longer, but it's always worth it at the end. It's practically the same with Boardwalk Empire: The show doesn't have build things up just to blow it off the end. They have on-going stories that build week after week and then finally get blown off at its apex. Granted this show isn't forHave you ever marinated or slow-roasted something to eat? Sure, it gets annoying that you have to wait longer, but it's always worth it at the end. It's practically the same with Boardwalk Empire: The show doesn't have build things up just to blow it off the end. They have on-going stories that build week after week and then finally get blown off at its apex. Granted this show isn't for people who have ADHD or cannot wait until things unfold, but for a patient viewer who like an interesting plot, intriguing sub-plots, excellent cliff-hangers, well-established characters, characters fitting into their roles, with a well-structured and writer, a great cast, and the best director to ever step foot into the movie business, this show is without question for you.… Expand
  29. pwnstar
    Jul 14, 2011
    10
    Boardwalk Empire is one of the best shows on tv. I don't think it disappoints at all. I don't see why it gets so bad reviews. It's a brilliant show
  30. chrisking8613
    Jun 27, 2011
    10
    I've heard a lot of people complain because Boardwalk E. Didn't have good enough action, but bad dialog? No way, I personally think that Boardwalk empire is a very well written and entertaining series, and one of my all time favorites! And obviously the writers were trying to make this a series with a deep story along with great actors, not a fast pace action. That's what Spartacus is for : }
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best TV Season of 2010
4
#4 Most Discussed TV Season of 2010
7
#7 Most Shared TV Season of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Sep 8, 2014
    70
    [The first three episodes] contain no evidence that it'll rival or exceed season four, an intricately wrought and unexpectedly spare and bluesy batch of hours whose quality exceeded anything that Terence Winter's gangster saga had given us in seasons one through three.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    90
    The show isn't easy to warm up to, to be honest; it's draped in--and at times stifled by--meticulous period detail and too-perfect lighting, especially in Scorsese's premiere. But in episode two, the characters and the script begin to prevail, and the drama becomes more emotionally distinct and fascinating.
    Read full review
  3. Hitfix
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    100
    As with the best of these broad canvas series, the players and their allegiances become clear within an episode or two. And from that point on, Boardwalk Empire becomes everything that HBO (and I) had hoped for it.
    Read full review
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