The Black Donnellys

:

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
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on
Stream 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. TracyT
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Great to see other Irish Tuckers doing well...
  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. mikem
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    this show is awesome, anyone who thinks different must be lame as F*ck.
  4. AmberH
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    Love it! I agree with one other user, I hope NBC gives it a chance and doesn't pull it after 2 episodes. Besides, how often are the critics actually right about the shows & movies they critique?
  5. DerekM
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    The fact that I am actually watching this show means that it kicks ass.
  6. L
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    I love the show. Never before have I had to watch a show week after week, but with this series I can't wait until the next episode. I love movies like Goodfellows and The Departed so I was very excited when I found out that there was going to be a new series on network television in that same genre. And I was also excited it wasn't a reality show because I am so sick of those. I love the show. Never before have I had to watch a show week after week, but with this series I can't wait until the next episode. I love movies like Goodfellows and The Departed so I was very excited when I found out that there was going to be a new series on network television in that same genre. And I was also excited it wasn't a reality show because I am so sick of those. The plot lines and the relationships between characters keep me interested and I tune in every Monday to see what happens next. The episodes are intense and will keep you at the edge of your seat. I read a review that said that Tommy wasn't emotional enough, but I think the lack of emotion is what makes him real. He is doing what he can to help his family and he has to be strong for his brothers. Jimmy is crazy and Kevin seems very timid, so I think that Tommy keeps the other characters in balance. If he started to act crazy, scared or sad it would kind of ruin the series. Plus, beside HBO, there isn't another series like this on network television, which is great because I am getting tired of all the reality TV, the million CSI's and Law and Order's and I can stand Grey's Anatomy anymore. Hopefully the series will continue and the fan base will grow. So, if you enjoy it please get others to watch it so it won't have the same fate at Studio 60.… Expand
  7. LerouixJ
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Great stories developing. Hope NBC keeps it right where its at!
  8. KatFee
    Mar 13, 2007
    9
    I love this show. I only hope NBC gives it a chance to grow and doesn't switch its night around like they did with Kidnapped. Mondays are a good fit!
  9. CollinO
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Amazing!
  10. SeanM
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Outstanding!
  11. KellyP
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Love it!
  12. ChanA
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Excellent ..
  13. ScottC
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    I love this show. There is nothing else like it on TV tight now!
  14. ChrisW.
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    What is there not to like about this show? You can compare this to The Godfather trilogy and the Boondock Saints.
  15. emily
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    I loved this show. I disagree with a lot of the critics and believe this is a compelling story with heart and a talented cast. I never want it to end!
  16. LindsayM
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    To say that this show is a rip off of The Sopranos makes The Sopranos seem better than it is. I wish that the last two seasons of The Sopranos were as captivating as the pilot episode of The Black Donnellys. Can anybody honestly remember anything that happened on The Sopranos last season besides Tony getting shot and the gay capo story line? I am hooked because The Black Donnellys is the To say that this show is a rip off of The Sopranos makes The Sopranos seem better than it is. I wish that the last two seasons of The Sopranos were as captivating as the pilot episode of The Black Donnellys. Can anybody honestly remember anything that happened on The Sopranos last season besides Tony getting shot and the gay capo story line? I am hooked because The Black Donnellys is the first well written, well-acted drama on network or cable tv to come out in the last five years that does not have CSI or Law and Order in the title. Would the reviews be as harsh for The Black Donnellys if it was not created by Oscar winners?… Expand
  17. PenelopeE
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    Extremely engaging. Whatever flaws this show has are more than made for by it's great acting and extremely gripping storyline...Tucker's abs don't hurt matters either.
  18. HKinsey
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    Fantastic show. I hope it sticks around.
  19. ShannonP
    Mar 11, 2007
    2
    Just can't get into it
  20. [Anonymous]
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    Can't Look Away. The bestr TV in a decade
  21. NBluth
    Mar 11, 2007
    9
    A good new TV show, finally. Acting isn't great but the story is good, and nice cinematography.
  22. RJAnderson
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    Don't listen to the critics...Great Show
  23. EmilyJ
    Mar 8, 2007
    10
    Fantastic acting and a compelling story. Jonathan Tucker is a force as Tommy, and his rise to power is going to be something to see.
  24. FrankP
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    pretty intense show, like it alot, better than other grabage they show now.
  25. anthonyp
    Mar 7, 2007
    9
    as much as its a newer version of the sapranos, it keeps you gueessing and is a good story of 4 irish brothers living a crime life which could attract a viewer. cant wait till the next episode
  26. TomT
    Mar 7, 2007
    0
    Unbelievably bad! A dark brooding boring story about a bunch of completely uninteresting losers. One episode was all I could force myself to watch -- and even then I switched it off after the first half-hour. There's no way I would waste another minute of my life with this piece of crap! Note to NBC: Please please please ... bring back Studio 60!!
  27. hYpePROGRAMMING
    Mar 7, 2007
    9
    The pilot episode left me begging for more of the show's acting and scriptwriting. Yes, people may say the show is like more framiliar mob shows, but the show still deserves a chance and has a good chance of making it as a hit show. I have to disagree with the fact of saying this show has to do with the Irish at all. Nothing really "Irish" was in this show so far besides the fact The pilot episode left me begging for more of the show's acting and scriptwriting. Yes, people may say the show is like more framiliar mob shows, but the show still deserves a chance and has a good chance of making it as a hit show. I have to disagree with the fact of saying this show has to do with the Irish at all. Nothing really "Irish" was in this show so far besides the fact that it's the Irish mob which really don't even sound Irish they sound more from Boston and they don't really look that Irish. Of course maybe I'm being to harsh, but I'm still giving it a 9 for a great attempt at a show. The second episode I thought felt long and stretched out beyond the point. Based on the first episode I'd rate the show a 9 and as a total a 9, but for the second follow up episode the new episode would of received a 4 or 5.… Expand
  28. SueS
    Mar 6, 2007
    9
    Hope this lasts longer than E-Z Streets.
  29. abquality
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    Blackriars.....Brilliant
  30. MaryO
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    Love Tommy
  31. MalloryD
    Mar 5, 2007
    9
    technical and artisitc reviews aside; This show is entertaining and Im hooked!
  32. JimmyO
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Excellent Irish Mob Show. Its about time the Italians get what they deserve
  33. Heidi
    Mar 5, 2007
    1
    This gets better than a zero because Jonathan Tucker resembles a young Steven Weber. Beyond that I seriously can't imagine a worse way to rip off the Sopranos. At least that show was well-written. This is an immense waste. And someone please explain to me how this isn't a bad example of what The Godfather was a good example of--family "triumphing" in a downward spiral while This gets better than a zero because Jonathan Tucker resembles a young Steven Weber. Beyond that I seriously can't imagine a worse way to rip off the Sopranos. At least that show was well-written. This is an immense waste. And someone please explain to me how this isn't a bad example of what The Godfather was a good example of--family "triumphing" in a downward spiral while dragging a possible shining star down with them. This show is 'how not to do a crime drama.'… Expand
  34. StevenE
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    This shows premiere was a was extremely enjoyable to watch from beggining to end. The writing was amazing, as well as the acting. This show will be great because it can vary from a drama, thriller, and a comedy. It will be a success and you dont want to miss out on it.
  35. Philf
    Mar 4, 2007
    0
    Expected much more. Not much effort put into the script. Very dissapointing
  36. caseyc
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    A TV show that makes you think the next day. my favorite in a long time.
  37. Helen
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    I absolutely loved it. Hopefully, the show will continue to do well and keep me entertained - Studio 60 wasn't cutting it. Its time slot couldn't have been more perfect. Also, love the cast.
  38. JerriannW
    Mar 2, 2007
    0
    Paul Haggis should be banned from Hollywood.
  39. Erik
    Feb 27, 2007
    3
    Jon I, I couldn't make it past your first three sentences without falling out of my chair laughing. Malik, you're right on. This was a bad mish-mash of GOODFELLAS and BAZ LUHRMAN'S ROMEO & JULIET. There isn't a worse writer alive than Paul Haggis (having taken the place of fellow Oscar-winning hack Akiva Goldsman) and his painfully unsubtle, in your face irony (which Jon I, I couldn't make it past your first three sentences without falling out of my chair laughing. Malik, you're right on. This was a bad mish-mash of GOODFELLAS and BAZ LUHRMAN'S ROMEO & JULIET. There isn't a worse writer alive than Paul Haggis (having taken the place of fellow Oscar-winning hack Akiva Goldsman) and his painfully unsubtle, in your face irony (which practically beams with neon signs informing you of said irony). Hated it.… Expand
  40. PatrickM
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    The show is smart, well-written, directed and acted. Tommy's character, especially, is so compelling. His goodness juxtaposed against his resignation to do what he feels needs to be done is so beautifully human. The Joey Ice Cream character adds a wonderful comic element and structural distinction to the show. It's refreshing to see another well-crafted addition to NBC's The show is smart, well-written, directed and acted. Tommy's character, especially, is so compelling. His goodness juxtaposed against his resignation to do what he feels needs to be done is so beautifully human. The Joey Ice Cream character adds a wonderful comic element and structural distinction to the show. It's refreshing to see another well-crafted addition to NBC's line-up. Bravo.… Expand
  41. MarioY
    Feb 27, 2007
    9
    Started out pretty strong, hope it can keep it's flare.
  42. GlennE
    Feb 27, 2007
    0
    One of the worst pilots I have even seen in my life.
  43. KarynS
    Feb 27, 2007
    9
    interesting!
  44. Jack
    Feb 27, 2007
    4
    Wow I was mildly interested in this show when I first saw the previews. I did have some hope but I should have known Haggis would ruin the concept which in principle could be something entertaining to watch. But alas from what I could tell from the first episode the writing is very poor and the story shifting around blindly was something I found very annoying. Also the show had several Wow I was mildly interested in this show when I first saw the previews. I did have some hope but I should have known Haggis would ruin the concept which in principle could be something entertaining to watch. But alas from what I could tell from the first episode the writing is very poor and the story shifting around blindly was something I found very annoying. Also the show had several failed attempts at being funny through playing on typical stereotypes of the Irish which was really just sad. All the characters are one dimensional as is the plot. I might keep watching to see if the show gets any better but if the first ep was any indication The black donnelys is a show that isn't gonna be around for long. By the way the narrator in the show, guy in prison, was very very annoying.… Expand
  45. JonI
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    Paul Haggis is one of the best writers working today, but his work always seems to polorize people. Crash created alot of heated debates, but isn't that what good drama should do. He pushes boundries. The Black Donnellys is a fantastic mob drama for everyone who maybe can't afford the expensive digital cable or satelite tv options. As far as some people who feel "offended" Paul Haggis is one of the best writers working today, but his work always seems to polorize people. Crash created alot of heated debates, but isn't that what good drama should do. He pushes boundries. The Black Donnellys is a fantastic mob drama for everyone who maybe can't afford the expensive digital cable or satelite tv options. As far as some people who feel "offended" because of the depiction of Irish or Italians all I have to say is get off your high horse. I'm Irish and proud. The show doesn't portray every single Italian or Irishman as mobster. America simply has a fascination with the mafia. Look at the popularity of the Gadfather, Scarface, and the Sopranos. In many ways Tommy Donnelly reminds me of Michael Corleone. He doesn't want to be a part of the underworld, but he makes tough decisions when it comes to protecting his family. The show is great all around and I only hope itgets a chance to develope, but it's going up against Jerry Bruckheimer's slop merchant CSI franchise and Davis Carusos tilted head bad acting. The largely unknown cast is does a great job especially Tom Guiry as Jimmy Donnelly and Jonathan Tucker as Tommy Donnelly. I urge everyone to give this show a chance and everyone who likes it watch reruns to keep the ratings as high as possible.… Expand
  46. mcolewood
    Feb 27, 2007
    9
    Loved it!
  47. MalikB
    Feb 27, 2007
    1
    haggis' imaginative uses of others' imaginations make me hate anything he does before he does it. he's a hack, pure and simple. except when it comes to racial jokes, apparently, he's oscar-worthy.
  48. JoeW
    Feb 26, 2007
    0
    Garbage.
  49. Jon
    Feb 26, 2007
    10
    Great show, one of the most engaging pilots i have seen. The production value is great on this show, makes it seem like a movie. Superb acting and engaging characters, nice to see an organized crime drama with some youthfulness to it. Excellent choice in music and placement of the music in the show.
  50. TonyF
    Feb 26, 2007
    8
    edgy cinematography, superb acting, great soundtrack, smart writing. the pilot was so packed with characters and intertwining stories, that it was a bit confusing, but by the end of the episode, i was hooked and wanted to see what happens next.
  51. DerekY
    Feb 26, 2007
    10
    New and refreshing for television. Great use of music and camera angles for dramatic effect.
  52. LB
    Feb 24, 2007
    10
    The Black Donnellys had one of the best pilots I've seen ever. I'm sure the series will keep the quality it had in its pilot.
next
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »