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
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on
Stream On

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. Broyax
    Jan 30, 2023
    2
    Steve Buscemi est étonnant, il a pris pleinement la mesure du rôle du dandy apprenti-mafieux très distingué… On ne peut en dire autant des autres qui sonnent faux, si faux que c’en est dérangeant. Cela dit la reconstitution de l’époque est soignée et HBO oblige, on tombe sur une violence certaine et du cul ici et là, ce qui n’est pas désagréable.

    Il reste deux gros problèmes cependant.    Steve Buscemi est étonnant, il a pris pleinement la mesure du rôle du dandy apprenti-mafieux très distingué… On ne peut en dire autant des autres qui sonnent faux, si faux que c’en est dérangeant. Cela dit la reconstitution de l’époque est soignée et HBO oblige, on tombe sur une violence certaine et du cul ici et là, ce qui n’est pas désagréable.

    Il reste deux gros problèmes cependant. D’abord la prohibition : pour les Américains c’est sans doute très intéressant mais nous… on s’en fout comme de l’an 40. Ensuite il ne se passe pour ainsi dire rien là-dedans : c’est en effet du blabla à n’en plus finir, le quotidien de combinards péteux et si au début on apprécie le coup de pression du FBI qui vient renifler de temps en temps, il s’en trouve totalement dilué par la suite.

    Il n’y a que 12 épisodes (dans la saison 1) de plus de 50 mn chacun au bas mot : quand est-ce que ça décolle, ce truc ? quand est-ce que ça se réveille ? on voit Scorsese au générique mais pas la patte des Affranchis, ni son génie. Surtout de l’ennui en somme !    … Expand
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. jeanphilt
    Dec 19, 2014
    2
    I watched it with my girlfriend and we really don't understand why this show received good critics. We found it boring and depressing. We prefer by far Games of Thrones, Walking Dead, etc.
  9. qwerty8883
    Nov 2, 2014
    4
    Started well and was very interesting..............2nd season was boring............3rd season better but boring...................4th season things actually got interesting and characters became interesting.................5th season was rush, disjointed and simply terrible.
  10. 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.
  11. jazzythechef
    Aug 18, 2014
    4
    i guess it would help to be right into the gangsters theme, im finding it very slow and full of forgetable characters. after 2 seasons im not invested in anyone, apart from the handful of main characters i have trouble remembering who everyone is, the ones i do know are pretty dull.. like i said not really a gangster fan, a couple of years ago watched underbelly razor set in sydney in thei guess it would help to be right into the gangsters theme, im finding it very slow and full of forgetable characters. after 2 seasons im not invested in anyone, apart from the handful of main characters i have trouble remembering who everyone is, the ones i do know are pretty dull.. like i said not really a gangster fan, a couple of years ago watched underbelly razor set in sydney in the same time period as BE, i thought it was excellent, figured this would blow that out of the water, was very disappointed. really didn't engage me , gave it 2 seasons, cant do anymore… Expand
  12. 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.
  13. 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!
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. AvantGuardian
    Oct 9, 2013
    4
    I can understand why people might enjoy this show, I can. But if you're like me, and you find it hard to watch a show about an entire cast of criminals and villains wherein the best thing they do still amounts to "not completely evil" as opposed to "good", then this show is not for you. It's about gangsters, and gangsters aren't the best people. Many people like interesting characters, butI can understand why people might enjoy this show, I can. But if you're like me, and you find it hard to watch a show about an entire cast of criminals and villains wherein the best thing they do still amounts to "not completely evil" as opposed to "good", then this show is not for you. It's about gangsters, and gangsters aren't the best people. Many people like interesting characters, but being a villain doesn't automatically make you interesting. I found this show very difficult to watch because nobody ever did anything that made me want to like them, and thus I saw no reason to continue watching it. TV series are about getting behind the characters you like and rooting for them. You want to find out what happens to them and see how they react to certain situations. Well, Boardwalk Empire has many characters, and many situations, but none of them are good. If you like the Soprano's and Son's of Anarchy, you'll enjoy Boardwalk Empire.… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. bignatz
    Aug 23, 2013
    0
    This show fell so far so fast that it almost seems like they want it to fail all of the interesting characters have been killed off, the new ones are uninteresting, Buscemi almost looks bored and the violence does nothing to move the narrative arch along at all, it's just become like something crapping all over itself before it dies. The only way this show was picked up for yet a 4th andThis show fell so far so fast that it almost seems like they want it to fail all of the interesting characters have been killed off, the new ones are uninteresting, Buscemi almost looks bored and the violence does nothing to move the narrative arch along at all, it's just become like something crapping all over itself before it dies. The only way this show was picked up for yet a 4th and maybe 5th season is because of the influence of the producers. Should be shown in film schools to demonstrate what NOT to do with potentially good material.… Expand
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. drlowdon
    Apr 2, 2013
    6
    Coming from HBO Boardwalk Empire focuses on Atlantic City in the 1920s. Prohibition has just come into effect and the city's corrupt treasurer Nucky Thompson, seeing a business opportunity, begins working to tighten his already firm grip on the city. Unfortunately for Nucky he will have to deal with equally violent rivals and determined FBI prohibition agents if he is to succeed.

    Being    Coming from HBO Boardwalk Empire focuses on Atlantic City in the 1920s. Prohibition has just come into effect and the city's corrupt treasurer Nucky Thompson, seeing a business opportunity, begins working to tighten his already firm grip on the city. Unfortunately for Nucky he will have to deal with equally violent rivals and determined FBI prohibition agents if he is to succeed.

    Being created by Terence Winter Boardwalk Empire is always going to be compared to masterpiece that was The Sopranos. In this regard the first season is certainly lacking in the emotional complexity and tight script that made The Sopranos the show it was with some of the violence and sexual scenes not always feeling essential to the plot. Despite this Boardwalk Empire does have enough going for it to forge its own identity and by the series end it was safe to say it that it had earned its early season 2 renewal. Being a character based drama it obviously relied heavily on its cast and it was here that this opening season excelled. Lead by the always excellent Steve Buscemi the supporting cast were equally as successful at bringing the interesting characters and plots to life and ensuring audiences stayed tuned in. While Boardwalk Empire hasn’t exactly reinvented the gangster genre it is has certainly shown enough potential to bring me back for another watch next year.    … Expand
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. GoosemanGamer
    Sep 28, 2012
    2
    This Boardwalk is no empire. I had great expectations for this series but I found it almost unwatchable. The introduction is so inappropriate it's laughable. The characters are vapid, contrived and poorly cast. The plot development is a boring, muddled mess filled with unconvincing scenarios. Far fetched scenes are exacerbated by unrealistic dialogue while the writers and producers engageThis Boardwalk is no empire. I had great expectations for this series but I found it almost unwatchable. The introduction is so inappropriate it's laughable. The characters are vapid, contrived and poorly cast. The plot development is a boring, muddled mess filled with unconvincing scenarios. Far fetched scenes are exacerbated by unrealistic dialogue while the writers and producers engage in a politically correct tap dance. The whole thing comes off as unauthentic and self indulgent.… Expand
  29. 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 ...
  30. 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
prev
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »