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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. fyzaha
    Sep 8, 2009
    10
    Will the network see these votes? If so, the drive is to bring back this drama, and they should consider what the viewers would like!
  6. SteveO.
    Aug 25, 2009
    10
    This is one of the only shows I've ever cared enough about to never miss an episode. The dialog, the story-telling style, the plot, and the acting were excellent. The only better show ever cancelled after one season was Firefly.
  7. AndrewD.
    Jan 4, 2009
    10
    The show just went to air in New Zealand. Great show. I couldn't what to watch them weekly so downloaded the whole lot in one hit.
  8. gina
    Aug 7, 2008
    10
    Love the show! definitely has underground following.
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. jims
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    Awesome show,kept me hanging on to each scene,characters and personalities most everyone can relate too, whether real or fiction.
  12. 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.
  13. bhkgghlkjh
    Mar 4, 2008
    10
    This show is awesome the best in the world. I would pay to watch it!!!
  14. AlexA
    Feb 9, 2008
    9
    A true original.
  15. AlfredR.
    Dec 28, 2007
    9
    Great show To bad it's off the air!
  16. RollieS.
    Dec 17, 2007
    10
    The Black Donnellys is down right fantastic. NBC is the home of crappy reality TV, and never deserved such an amazing show. Everyone I've ever shown this series to has been hooked from the first episode. Which ever network decides to pick this series up is not only smart, but absolutely gunna be a hero for me.
  17. SeanF.
    Nov 12, 2007
    10
    I think i enjoyed this even more than the sopranos. Fantastic.
  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. NoelA.
    Oct 1, 2007
    10
    Incredible show. Hooked!
  20. MaryA.
    Sep 26, 2007
    10
    Best show ever!
  21. DesireaA.
    Sep 18, 2007
    10
    This was a bad ass show NBC sucks for pulling it off air I no longer watch anything on NBC because of it.
  22. CamilleG.
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    This is an amazing show and I hope that a network will pick it up.
  23. DanE
    Sep 7, 2007
    10
    Great show - love it on HD net. Hopefully it gets picked up for season 2.
  24. 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...
  25. AriannaS.
    Aug 30, 2007
    10
    Great show I don't understand why it was canceled. The only time I saw anything about before the show actually aired was in the movie theaters. I think given time the show would have been a hit at least it is with me!
  26. scotti.
    Aug 28, 2007
    10
    the black donnellys is like one of the best shows i have ever seen, and they still cancelled it. it shows Nothing But Crap (NBC) is wiling to cancel good shows at the expense of bad ones. the black donnellys is cancelled before las vegas. las vegas has declined significanlty since the first season. but the donnellys get canceled. crazy
  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. 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.
  29. JoshO
    Jul 28, 2007
    10
    This was my favorite show on telivision. Also there is an irsh mob.
  30. MarcG
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    One of the best shows ever. I don't understand the critics. they are really wrong this time!
  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. SalinaA
    Jun 30, 2007
    10
    I love this show i hope it comes back.
  33. 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
  34. StephenM.
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    This hands down beat out Sopranos for all recent memory and is a shame NBC cancelled it. With all of the other lackluster shows on network television renewed year after year; the best they could have done was decide it was too violent for network and move it to cable where I am sure it would have gained a cult following.
  35. 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.
  36. DarenS
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    This was the best show on network tv by far! I guarantee that if it wasn't for the late time slot, the ratings would have been much better. Since it started out a little slow - which it had to for the story to unfold as brilliantly as it did - I'm sure a lot of people weren't willing to stay up till 10 to watch it. If idiodic NBC had a single brain cell, they would run all This was the best show on network tv by far! I guarantee that if it wasn't for the late time slot, the ratings would have been much better. Since it started out a little slow - which it had to for the story to unfold as brilliantly as it did - I'm sure a lot of people weren't willing to stay up till 10 to watch it. If idiodic NBC had a single brain cell, they would run all the episodes during the summer at an earlier time, let people get hooked, and give it one more season. Let's see what happens then...If not, let FX pick it up.… Expand
  37. 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.
  38. steve
    Jun 12, 2007
    2
    is it me or are almost all of the characters unlikable
  39. JC
    May 30, 2007
    10
    THIS SHOW IS AMAZING!!!!v It's obvious that most critics have their heads up their butts cause if you don't liket his show you don't like a good story or good drama especially. This show has intriguing characters, interesting plots, and real heart. But the NBC Execs and the morons who could give this show a 10 or 20, please! Isn't it interesting how the reviews dip THIS SHOW IS AMAZING!!!!v It's obvious that most critics have their heads up their butts cause if you don't liket his show you don't like a good story or good drama especially. This show has intriguing characters, interesting plots, and real heart. But the NBC Execs and the morons who could give this show a 10 or 20, please! Isn't it interesting how the reviews dip from 70 to 58. Cuz that's when the idiots who just didn't want to like the show came in.… Expand
  40. 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.
  41. 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.
  42. 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.
  43. DannyJ.
    May 21, 2007
    10
    Definitely top 3 (along with Heroes and Supernatural) in all TV today.
  44. BRYANB
    May 21, 2007
    10
    LOVE THE SHOW AND WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED WHEN IT WAS CANCELLED, WHO'S THE LOSER AT NBC THAT DECIDED TO CANCEL THE SHOW?
  45. susannelson
    May 21, 2007
    10
    Very good show, lots of drama and action. can't believe nbc is letting another good show go for reality TV.
  46. JohnR.
    May 18, 2007
    10
    As good as, or better than the Soprano's If NBC won't air it, then sell it to a Cable Channell that will. Don't get us hooked and then deprive us. The best television series I have seen ever.
  47. 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.
  48. 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.
  49. 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?
  50. MikeM.
    May 15, 2007
    10
    very good show i have no idea how it got cancelled they should bring it back
  51. 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.
  52. 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.
  53. sadyj
    May 14, 2007
    10
    Best "real" show in a while...so much more exquisite from all the cookie cutter dramas and brainless reality tv
  54. zacs
    May 14, 2007
    10
    best show ever made. PERIOD.
  55. DanteC
    May 14, 2007
    10
    Great show NBC sucks for cancelling it.
  56. 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.
  57. 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?
  58. CarmenC
    May 13, 2007
    10
    What a fabulous show! One season is not enough.
  59. 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!
  60. KevinQ
    May 11, 2007
    10
    Excellent and compelling show... NBC would be foolish not to bring it back and allow it time to build a viewship. I look forward to it more and more each week. Imagine how good it could be if it was on cable.
  61. janetter
    May 9, 2007
    10
    I love the show is was great, I use to look forward to Monday nights just to watch this show. Please bring it back.
  62. JasonS
    May 3, 2007
    10
    This show rocks...I am banning NBC till it comes back on
  63. EmmarieJ
    May 3, 2007
    10
    This show needs to be saved!!! The writing and acting was great. If this show is to be cancelled (which I hope it doesn't) it should not be replaced with such a stupid show like Wedding Crashers! Who in their right minds would watch a show like that???
  64. 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?
  65. NatalieS
    May 1, 2007
    10
    The Black Donnellys was the best show on TV. NBC SUCKS for cancelling it! It was truly real in every way; the performances were spot on. Gritty, real-life tensions; just like it would be in an Irish family from Queens (most of the show is not shot in Hell's Kitchen) with a tormented past that it cannot escape. You truly felt what the characters were going through; I was on the edge The Black Donnellys was the best show on TV. NBC SUCKS for cancelling it! It was truly real in every way; the performances were spot on. Gritty, real-life tensions; just like it would be in an Irish family from Queens (most of the show is not shot in Hell's Kitchen) with a tormented past that it cannot escape. You truly felt what the characters were going through; I was on the edge of my seat every week. I am not a big TV fan; never liked the Sopranos or Lost. Heroes is good, and I believe that TBD would have fared better if Heroes wasn't put on Hiatus after TBD's first episode aired. TBD is on my list of top 3 shows ever along with the X-Files and Alias. Maybe FX will pick it up and air it before or after The Riches - both great shows about Irish families trying to break away from their dark pasts but getting tangled up in an even more chaotic reality.… Expand
  66. LeylaC
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    i honestly LOVE this show! i have to say this is probably my fav show. and im soo exited every monday night my 14 friends and i call eachother between commercials talking about how CRAZY AMAZING and heart warming the show is. I love this show also becuase im 75% irish and i am very big on heritage. I LOVE THE BLACK DONNELLYS!
  67. SeanT
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    its brilliant
  68. SideshowBob
    Apr 24, 2007
    10
    BRING IT BACK! Monday night TV has gone straight to the S%^&ter. 24 is terrible, Prison Break is on break and is starting to suck, and did anyone happen to see Wedding Crashers....I want to shoot myself in the foot for watching 5 minutes of that. The only good show left is Heroes. Please bring the Donnellys back. The writing was great. Each show actually came to a conclusion, which is BRING IT BACK! Monday night TV has gone straight to the S%^&ter. 24 is terrible, Prison Break is on break and is starting to suck, and did anyone happen to see Wedding Crashers....I want to shoot myself in the foot for watching 5 minutes of that. The only good show left is Heroes. Please bring the Donnellys back. The writing was great. Each show actually came to a conclusion, which is more than can be said for most series today, and it left you wanting to know what happened next week. I need something else to DVR!… Expand
  69. 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.
  70. JayL
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    This show is outstanding. Great acting, great writing.
  71. MeghanB
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    This is the greatest television show I have ever seen. If it does no return to tv, I swear to never watch even a commercial on NBC ever again. There is no reason for this show to be cancelled. It has an amazing and extroadinarily supportive fan base, and is better then most shows on tv right now.
  72. 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.
  73. CourtneyH
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    The Black Donnellys is engaging and thought provoking - something television, especially NBC, needs right now.
  74. 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!
  75. 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.
  76. Sa56357
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    Great show
  77. Lefty
    Apr 17, 2007
    10
    Great show!!! Good actors....good story line....And you dropped it? What were you thinking? Maybe the majority likes the "cookie-cutter" reality shows but not all of us!!! Will stick to FOX from here on....NBC, you blew it again.....
  78. chriso
    Apr 11, 2007
    10
    i thought this show was great and anyone i talked to loved it, it should never have been taken off the air it was on at a bad time thats all. please bring it back.
  79. MayM
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    Amazing show with a fantastic plot. Exactly the kind of drama that NBC needs.
  80. MikeM
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    this is the best show on tv in a long time. just because it is not a reality show the critics and big wigs at NBC think it is useless. I would watch this show over reality any day. I hope HBO or FX pick this show up and make NBC wet themselves for losing so much money.
  81. JuanA
    Apr 9, 2007
    10
    OMG I love this show. It amazes me that NBC has the cohones to air such a great show. I'm really hoping that the BD's stay on, I heard NBC is trying to pull the plug. I see it as a complete outrage, the first show that is well written, has a great cast and not to mention a great plot and NBC wants to cancel it... I guess their version of a good drama is letting ER waste away in OMG I love this show. It amazes me that NBC has the cohones to air such a great show. I'm really hoping that the BD's stay on, I heard NBC is trying to pull the plug. I see it as a complete outrage, the first show that is well written, has a great cast and not to mention a great plot and NBC wants to cancel it... I guess their version of a good drama is letting ER waste away in the meaningless crap it has become, great job NBC! Jeez! let a GREAT show survive for once. The Black Donnelly's should remain put... PERIOD!… Expand
  82. billyl
    Apr 8, 2007
    10
    one of the best shows ive ever seen a shame that its cancelled
  83. DK
    Apr 6, 2007
    10
    This is an awesome show. I think it's better than the Sopranos.
  84. TiffanyR
    Apr 5, 2007
    10
    Totally captivated! The Black Donnelly's is well written, has a great cast of actors, fabulous cinematography. I'm ususually not a big television watcher, but this one is worth viewing. I hope NBC keeps it going, if not I hope they turn it over to another network.
  85. jen
    Mar 31, 2007
    10
    I look forward to this show every week. Even the opening (credits) is good. It is funny and serious at the same time.
  86. 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
  87. 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.
  88. 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++++++!
  89. Sa56357
    Mar 27, 2007
    9
    Great show
  90. 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.
  91. John
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    It's hard to find good t.v. these days. I'm glad someone's finally got a few good ideas.
  92. anonymous
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    I love, love, love this show. The acting and writing are exceptional and I find myself looking forward to the next episode as soon as Monday's is finished. Here's to a second season.
  93. LeeR
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    This has got to be one of the best shows on TV. The acting is supurb as well as the story line. This show receives a 10 in my book!
  94. PatriciaRude
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    Excellent. I do care about all the Donnellys...even poor Jenny
  95. KathleenB
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    I absolutely love this show. I am SO afraid that like other "too deep" shows, it won't last. It shows a reality in that murder is grisley, dirty and nasty; Not like these "slick murders" on other shows, where its almost clinical. clean, and "no big deal." And having suffered a great deal of angst for my family, I sympathise with poor Tommy Donnelly. Tucker is amazing.
  96. 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.
  97. DebW.
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    Love it!! My favorite new show!
  98. CalebC
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    Best new Show since Lost. Reminicent of Goodfellas and The Departed
  99. KarleneP
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    Its a great alternative to us Sopranos lovers. My husband and I love it!
  100. 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
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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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