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. 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.
  2. JoshO
    Jul 28, 2007
    10
    This was my favorite show on telivision. Also there is an irsh mob.
  3. 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
  4. MaryA.
    Sep 26, 2007
    10
    Best show ever!
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. SeanF.
    Nov 12, 2007
    10
    I think i enjoyed this even more than the sopranos. Fantastic.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. AlexA
    Feb 9, 2008
    9
    A true original.
  13. MalloryD
    Mar 5, 2007
    9
    technical and artisitc reviews aside; This show is entertaining and Im hooked!
  14. 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
  15. CarolineMiller
    May 16, 2007
    9
    I love this show. Love it. I am still watching online and I have yet to miss an episode. I know it's been canceled and eventually there won't be any episodes left to watch, but I'm still tuning in for as long as NBC continues to show them. I'm not alone. Shouldn't that count for something?
  16. JasonG.
    May 17, 2007
    9
    I can't believe they canceled yet another great series. I really liked this show and didn't hear anything about it until an episode before it was canceled.
  17. billb
    May 2, 2007
    9
    Now that Sopranos is finishing I need a gangster series to follow. Cancelling this show is like cancelling Sopranos in the early years. I think it needs to be given a chance, for at least a season. Why pull it after 6 episodes?
  18. DaliahH
    Nov 5, 2007
    9
    I am a big fan of The Black Donnellys and like a lot of others I was quite disappointed to see the show cut short even before the first season was over. Some friends and I used to get together every week to watch this show Monday nights. I really wish that the show didn't get canceled. I felt as though the show was doing really well. Everyone I know had positive things to say about I am a big fan of The Black Donnellys and like a lot of others I was quite disappointed to see the show cut short even before the first season was over. Some friends and I used to get together every week to watch this show Monday nights. I really wish that the show didn't get canceled. I felt as though the show was doing really well. Everyone I know had positive things to say about it and the ones that didn't had nothing to say because they had never even heard of the show. I random l found the show and when I did I fell in love with it. I think that if more advertisement and promotions about the show were done then the size of the audience would have grown dramatically. Since I bought the show on DVD, I've shown the series to many friends who had never heard of it and it left them wanting more. I think that this whole ordeal was a situational dilemma and would've worked out with time. I still have hope that it will be back on t.v. sometime.… Expand
  19. MarioY
    Feb 27, 2007
    9
    Started out pretty strong, hope it can keep it's flare.
  20. mcolewood
    Feb 27, 2007
    9
    Loved it!
  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. 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!
  23. Sa56357
    Mar 27, 2007
    9
    Great show
  24. SueS
    Mar 6, 2007
    9
    Hope this lasts longer than E-Z Streets.
  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. KarynS
    Feb 27, 2007
    9
    interesting!
  27. 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.
  28. 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++++++!
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. 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.
  32. AlfredR.
    Dec 28, 2007
    9
    Great show To bad it's off the air!
  33. ChristianO
    Aug 3, 2007
    8
    I really liked this show. It kept me watching every week, but I can't find it anymore. Oh, and I think Brendan D's comments are ridiculous. Read a book dude.
  34. AliS.
    Sep 6, 2007
    8
    This show is the sh.t. I'm serious. I started watching online a couple of weeks ago and I hadn't realized how good this show was until it was canceled :(. It seems like anytime NBC comes out with a quality show it goes off. I just wanna know what happens to Jenny and her dad, Tommy, Seanie and his girl and all the rest of em...
  35. 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.
  36. 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.
  37. 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
  38. FernandoA
    May 15, 2007
    4
    The show had some good acting on the part of the main couple, but the whole setup was implausible and the writing was full of cliches, starting with the unsufferable narrator. I am glad it did not last.
  39. Tss5078
    Oct 18, 2015
    4
    NBC's answer to the Sopranos, was a show called The Black Donnellys, and it was a show about the Irish mob, starring Jonathan Tucker, who is as talented as he is good looking, so what went wrong? As it turns out, there were a lot of things wrong with this show that could have been easily corrected. We forget though that this is the era of on-demand, DVR, and Netflix, and in today's world,NBC's answer to the Sopranos, was a show called The Black Donnellys, and it was a show about the Irish mob, starring Jonathan Tucker, who is as talented as he is good looking, so what went wrong? As it turns out, there were a lot of things wrong with this show that could have been easily corrected. We forget though that this is the era of on-demand, DVR, and Netflix, and in today's world, network shows that don't crack the top 50 in their first 13 episodes, don't stand a chance.

    The Donnelly brothers grew up in a tough Boston neighborhood, and their father, was heavily involved in the Irish mob. Wanting a better life, Mr. Donnelly's four sons inherited his bar and try to run a legitimate business. There is of course a problem, not all the Donnelly's are keeping their noses clean. Eventually, a pair of brothers run into problems with the Italians, and have to learn the lessons their father never wanted them to learn. The show has a very solid backstory and if it were presented in the correct way, I think it could have been a huge hit, but as it turns out, the show was like a bad joke, which only a handful of viewers seemed to get.

    For starters, the show is narrated by a wise-cracking family friend who is always telling the story in some comedic way to one law enforcement agency or another. The big joke is how does this guy know all these things when he's not there, and then, just like that, he's randomly there in the background, with everyone looking confused.

    The timing of the story is also problematic, because when you're doing a show like this, you need to draw viewers in before starting the story from the very beginning. Would anyone have watched the Sopranos if Tony Soprano was a twenty year old kid, just getting started? If this show had started a few years later, when the brothers were established gangsters, in some full on mafia war, and then gone back and showed how it all started, it would have been a lot more interesting. As I watched the episodes, I could see the show leading into something bigger and better, but it never go there. I suspect there were big plans for future seasons, but how can you start a show assuming there will be more seasons?

    As for the brothers, they are all former child stars, led by Jonathan Tucker. While he's not a huge star in Hollywood, he has made it a lot further than his co-stars, and his experience and talent are very evident, especially by comparison. Tucker has what it takes to take the lead in a show like this and draw in an audience, but that's impossible when the show is poorly written and just doesn't seem to go anywhere.

    The bottom line, I like the idea behind the show and there were a couple of really interesting characters. If this show had lasted, I have no doubt that it would have grown into something bigger and better, but as it stands, The Black Donnellys didn't make past it's first season, and with good cause. I kept waiting for things to happen that never did and eventually gave up on it too. Having an idea for a long running series usually means that show will be well written and highly intelligent, but in today's world, if you want to go beyond one season, then you really need to go all out, right from the beginning, if not, you'll be a forgotten show on Netflix, that some talented reviewer finally sees eight years after the fact.    … Expand
  40. 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
  41. BobbyD
    Jun 18, 2007
    3
    I agree with Fernando, especially about the narrator. The whole show just seemed very false, like it was a world based on other movies rather than a reality.
  42. ShannonP
    Mar 11, 2007
    2
    Just can't get into it
  43. steve
    Jun 12, 2007
    2
    is it me or are almost all of the characters unlikable
  44. 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.
  45. 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
  46. BryanM
    Mar 28, 2007
    1
    Acting and writing? The only reason I watch this show is to see how much worse it can get, The lead characters N.Y. accent is worse then my spelling and the Irish thing is over done to the 10th power. Send the cast back to thier treehouse, the only thing I like about this show is the lead actress and she gets pulled down by the terrible show.Give me a knife so I can stick it in my eyes Acting and writing? The only reason I watch this show is to see how much worse it can get, The lead characters N.Y. accent is worse then my spelling and the Irish thing is over done to the 10th power. Send the cast back to thier treehouse, the only thing I like about this show is the lead actress and she gets pulled down by the terrible show.Give me a knife so I can stick it in my eyes and ears, turn it off, no let me watch five more minutes of this train wreck.… Expand
  47. JerriannW
    Mar 2, 2007
    0
    Paul Haggis should be banned from Hollywood.
  48. 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!!
  49. BrendanD
    Jun 27, 2007
    0
    For future reference, neophyte Soprano-wannabe writers: mob violence barely worked for Tony and his gang, and after a couple of seasons, it became really tedious and downright boring. Yet at least it incorporated something at least in part based on fact: the Italian mafia. You know what nationality DOESN'T have a mafia? THE IRISH! What's worse is that the writers of The Black For future reference, neophyte Soprano-wannabe writers: mob violence barely worked for Tony and his gang, and after a couple of seasons, it became really tedious and downright boring. Yet at least it incorporated something at least in part based on fact: the Italian mafia. You know what nationality DOESN'T have a mafia? THE IRISH! What's worse is that the writers of The Black Donnellys (including Paul Haggis, who may or may not be the greatest unintentional comic of all time) don't seem to realize that there's a difference. Look, nationalities in this country (the non-mutt kind, I mean) have a lot to say about who and where we've been and who and where we'll be. But when you put up the equation Sopranos - Italians + Irish = x, you have to remember that x equals bull-crap. You cannot simply swap out one nationality for the other and keep everything else the same. Do you think anyone would believe a bunch of Italians cavorting around in drunken stupors at a wake? Of course they wouldn't. You know why? Because that's what the Irish do, not the Italians. This was as stupid an idea as the attempt to make black kids white (or vice-versa) in various Saturday Morning kids' shows. It's ridiculous, and Haggis ought to be stripped of his Oscar, as well as any residual acclaim he gets for creating the World's Greatest Comedic Hero, Cordell Walker, for attaching his name to something that's so vapid, even George Bush (the one from "That's My Bush," not the president) could see through it.… Expand
  50. Philf
    Mar 4, 2007
    0
    Expected much more. Not much effort put into the script. Very dissapointing
  51. JoeW
    Feb 26, 2007
    0
    Garbage.
  52. GlennE
    Feb 27, 2007
    0
    One of the worst pilots I have even seen in my life.
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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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