The Black Donnellys

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Season 1
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 222 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 196 out of 222
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 222
  3. Negative: 23 out of 222
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User Reviews

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  1. mikem
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    this show is awesome, anyone who thinks different must be lame as F*ck.
  2. MelanieT
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Love this show! Great to see NBC coming out with a show that has an actual story line. Very excited to see what comes next!
  3. TracyT
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Great to see other Irish Tuckers doing well...
  4. Anne
    Mar 18, 2007
    10
    I love this show! I think it's brilliant and beautiful and addicting. I cannot fathom why it has been getting such bad reviews...oh,wait, yes I can. Because if a show doesn't take a leaf out of Desperate Housewives' (gag me) book, or isn't as sex obsessed as Grey's Anatomy, then it is "cliched". And what in heaven's name does The New York Times mean by saying I love this show! I think it's brilliant and beautiful and addicting. I cannot fathom why it has been getting such bad reviews...oh,wait, yes I can. Because if a show doesn't take a leaf out of Desperate Housewives' (gag me) book, or isn't as sex obsessed as Grey's Anatomy, then it is "cliched". And what in heaven's name does The New York Times mean by saying that it, like Crash, comes across more as a lecture than a drama? News flash: Crash won Best Picture at the Oscars. My guess is that it was a drama. Love the Donnellys!… Expand
  5. DavidM
    Mar 19, 2007
    9
    This show has captered my attention since the first episode. Good to see a show with some spice that builds its charactors. Missing in most now on TV. More like a book;unfolding slowly.
  6. CherylC
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    After just four episodes, I'm as hooked as a person can get. I have an attachment to all the characters, and more importantly, am in love with the "family above all" concept. It's emotional and intense and gruesome, and I love it. Can't wait to see what's next.
  7. AlexJ
    Mar 27, 2007
    9
    I'm loving it. Absolutely excellent in every way. I just wish the entire season was available on DVD already. I would watch it from start to finish in one sitting. A++++++!
  8. christinab
    Mar 28, 2007
    10
    I love it! looks, sounds & feels different than all of the other typical crime dramas. and no, they didn't have to bank on a for sure, already well known group of actors. these guys are holding their own already! it's clear people are wanting to compare this one to sopranos & others but it's not the same so be more open minded.
  9. Sa56357
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    Great show
  10. BethR
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    TBD is probably one of the best written shows I've had the priveledge to come across. Why this show got cancelled...beats me. It has so much to offer, incredible actors, directors, writers, etc...and each week is like its own little mini-movie. I love this show, and will continue to fight for it to be brought back.
  11. donnah
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    The Black Donnelleys is my favorite show, the only one I watched. I was delighted by its ever-layering quixotic storyline and troubles developing w/ the family and neighborhood gangs & politics. NBC is MAD to take TBD off the air!
  12. CourtneyH
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    The Black Donnellys is engaging and thought provoking - something television, especially NBC, needs right now.
  13. JohnL
    Apr 19, 2007
    7
    The show tried to be an Irish Sopranos, but fails. The problem is that it is way too dark. Most of the characters just come across as punks. Characters are 'wacked' for little or no reason. It feels very dated, although set in present day.
  14. arib
    Apr 21, 2007
    10
    Finally a show with great acting, excellent writing and a interesting story. I hate how the television panders to idiocy though, which has led to TBD being regulated to online. How are we supposed to evolve if we aren't given a chance to think.
  15. KayH
    May 12, 2007
    10
    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Black Donnelly's. It's a show like no other..... absolutely fantastic!! I hope NBC realizes they need to bring this one back!
  16. CarmenC
    May 13, 2007
    10
    What a fabulous show! One season is not enough.
  17. NM
    May 13, 2007
    10
    Really liked the show and wish that someone else would pick it up. Am continuing to watch all episodes online. Does anyone keep track of these viewers?
  18. karal
    May 14, 2007
    10
    Bring it back, the online episodes are great. The only reason why the pilot ratings dropped towards the end was because the drama and action took too long to build up but was very well worth it for those who waited.
  19. AmyS
    May 15, 2007
    10
    I love this show!! While I don't like the graphic violence, the characters, plot, conflict, everything just pulls you in. I hope NBC wakes up and gives it another season.
  20. JAXJ
    May 16, 2007
    10
    NBC is making a mistake by canceling this show to replace it with Reality tv. Isn't ther enough reality TV? I'm sick of it, i'm over it. I'll stop watching NBC all together if they fill they're line up with crap reality TV instead of Intriguing dramas such as The Black Donnellys.
  21. JohnS.
    May 23, 2007
    10
    It was a great show too bad it's over. I really wanted to see what was going to happen next. They should make it into a movie or some other station should pick it up, preferable HBO or something so it doesn't have to be as careful about violence and swear.
  22. TonyS
    May 26, 2007
    9
    The show is extremely well written and pushes the envelope in story telling. The characters are deep and complex. I finally finished watching the remaining episodes online and can say that NBC pulled the plug way too early and should have provided a better time slot to maintain the audience or at least gave it more of a push after Heroes.
  23. AV
    May 29, 2007
    10
    great show. I've been watching it online. The storyline about four brothers trying to make it in an Irish mob setting is brilliant. Jimmy Donnelly's acting is very convincing and heartfelt, he's just protecting his family and neighborhood. So I plead with all those who love the show to email NBC to bring the show back.
  24. ShilohD.
    Jun 22, 2007
    9
    Though the story takes a while to build and the plot can at times be predictable, it's still a compelling show.
  25. waynec.
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    This is awesome TV and I hope it cntinues. I found myself rooting for these crooks and strugle to see why others wouldn't. I would much rather see these new faces than some has been movie actor who has "succomed" to TV because he needs the money.
  26. JoshO
    Jul 28, 2007
    10
    This was my favorite show on telivision. Also there is an irsh mob.
  27. mattH.
    Aug 22, 2007
    10
    This show is a mind blowing tale of rights , wrongs , betrayels and violence i personally have come to love this show. and by the way Brendan D there have been irish mobs in this country just as long as there have been italian ones maybe not a national recognizable but try to google the names " Whitey Bulger" " mickey featherstone" "Mad dog cole" "The winter hill gang " " the westies" " This show is a mind blowing tale of rights , wrongs , betrayels and violence i personally have come to love this show. and by the way Brendan D there have been irish mobs in this country just as long as there have been italian ones maybe not a national recognizable but try to google the names " Whitey Bulger" " mickey featherstone" "Mad dog cole" "The winter hill gang " " the westies" " howie winter" " owney madden" try all that on for size tough guy then tell me we irish have had no organized crime .… Expand
  28. MaryA.
    Sep 26, 2007
    10
    Best show ever!
  29. EmptyHead
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    I love this show! I wish NBC would bring it back. One of my favorite things is the strong connection many of the fans have made trying to save it. I hope they can get some closure.
  30. AaronI
    Mar 24, 2008
    10
    Watched the show every week while it was on the air and was definitely disappointed when it got yanked so fast. Bought the DVD set and after watching all the episodes I am still wanting more. Would love to see it back again someday.
  31. JJ
    Mar 25, 2008
    10
    Haha I like this Bryan M comment. "The Irish thing is overdone to the tenth power" HAHAHA and the italian mob thing is Fresh of the street, right? You obviously are an only child or not Irish. I have a brother and we look out for each other all the time. My dad had to take care of his sisters and my grandpa had to take care of his brothers. Being Irish means to look out for your family Haha I like this Bryan M comment. "The Irish thing is overdone to the tenth power" HAHAHA and the italian mob thing is Fresh of the street, right? You obviously are an only child or not Irish. I have a brother and we look out for each other all the time. My dad had to take care of his sisters and my grandpa had to take care of his brothers. Being Irish means to look out for your family and having a hell of a good time doing it. As for the show, It's great: great acting, great writing and a really great story. They gotta bring this show back.… Expand
  32. SeanF.
    Nov 12, 2007
    10
    I think i enjoyed this even more than the sopranos. Fantastic.
  33. AlfredR.
    Dec 28, 2007
    9
    Great show To bad it's off the air!
  34. DaveStone
    Feb 5, 2013
    10
    I thought this was a very good show that was not given a chance. I enjoyed the plots of each episode and I thought the characters were interesting. All in all, good entertainment. I would have liked to have seen what happened in the second season but, alas, the show was canceled.
  35. james0tucson
    Oct 27, 2015
    10
    It was an extremely well-conceived series. Unfortunately, it was produced in denial of the reality, that it wouldn't reach its audience until it found its way to internet streaming, years after it was cancelled. Oh well. It's the last thing keeping my subscription to Netflix active. Once I'm done with Black Donnellys, there's nothing left on TV worth watching, IMHO.
  36. Nemodogdad
    May 10, 2017
    10
    This just goes to show how flawed NBC programing decisions are, and how online whole season releases save great shows because of superior response abilities. This show was great. Had it run today, netflix would have bought it and put out at least two more seasons. Until I saw it this year, I never heard about this show. I found it compelling, and am crushed that I will not see any plotThis just goes to show how flawed NBC programing decisions are, and how online whole season releases save great shows because of superior response abilities. This show was great. Had it run today, netflix would have bought it and put out at least two more seasons. Until I saw it this year, I never heard about this show. I found it compelling, and am crushed that I will not see any plot developement or narative resolved. Pity, it was great.....… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best TV Season of 2007
6
#6 Most Discussed TV Season of 2007
40
#40 Most Shared TV Season of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
45

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 30
  3. Negative: 12 out of 30
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Doug Elfman
    75
    These tall tales flow into a stream of consciousness. That's good. The acting is convincing. That's good. The Irish stuff is heavy-handed. That's bad.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    58
    Haggis equates the slow revealing of character and plot with classy writing; you'll probably experience it as stuff you can see coming a mile away.
    Read full review
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    50
    [It] ultimately succumbs to being an inferior story on a broadcast network that can't even remotely match two far better cable series ["The Sopranos" and "Brotherhood"].
    Read full review
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