User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 222 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 23 out of 222
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User Reviews

  1. NoelA.
    Oct 1, 2007
    10
    Incredible show. Hooked!
  2. JimmyO
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Excellent Irish Mob Show. Its about time the Italians get what they deserve
  3. 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!
  4. 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!
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. billyl
    Apr 8, 2007
    10
    one of the best shows ive ever seen a shame that its cancelled
  8. 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???
  9. 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!
  10. gina
    Aug 7, 2008
    10
    Love the show! definitely has underground following.
  11. ChanA
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Excellent ..
  12. 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.
  13. ScottC
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    I love this show. There is nothing else like it on TV tight now!
  14. DebW.
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    Love it!! My favorite new show!
  15. KarleneP
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    Its a great alternative to us Sopranos lovers. My husband and I love it!
  16. 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.
  17. PatriciaRude
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    Excellent. I do care about all the Donnellys...even poor Jenny
  18. 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.
  19. caseyc
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    A TV show that makes you think the next day. my favorite in a long time.
  20. MaryO
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    Love Tommy
  21. RJAnderson
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    Don't listen to the critics...Great Show
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.....
  25. 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.
  26. JayL
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    This show is outstanding. Great acting, great writing.
  27. 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
  28. SeanT
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    its brilliant
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. zacs
    May 14, 2007
    10
    best show ever made. PERIOD.
  32. 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.
  33. 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
  34. JasonS
    May 3, 2007
    10
    This show rocks...I am banning NBC till it comes back on
  35. 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.
  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. MarcG
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    One of the best shows ever. I don't understand the critics. they are really wrong this time!
  38. DanE
    Sep 7, 2007
    10
    Great show - love it on HD net. Hopefully it gets picked up for season 2.
  39. bhkgghlkjh
    Mar 4, 2008
    10
    This show is awesome the best in the world. I would pay to watch it!!!
  40. 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.
  41. 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!
  42. 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.
  43. 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.
  44. DerekY
    Feb 26, 2007
    10
    New and refreshing for television. Great use of music and camera angles for dramatic effect.
  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. HKinsey
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    Fantastic show. I hope it sticks around.
  47. 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.
  48. LerouixJ
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Great stories developing. Hope NBC keeps it right where its at!
  49. 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
  50. 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?
  51. CalebC
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    Best new Show since Lost. Reminicent of Goodfellas and The Departed
  52. 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.
  53. 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.
  54. 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.
  55. abquality
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    Blackriars.....Brilliant
  56. FrankP
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    pretty intense show, like it alot, better than other grabage they show now.
  57. 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.
  58. MayM
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    Amazing show with a fantastic plot. Exactly the kind of drama that NBC needs.
  59. 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!
  60. DK
    Apr 6, 2007
    10
    This is an awesome show. I think it's better than the Sopranos.
  61. 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.
  62. DanteC
    May 14, 2007
    10
    Great show NBC sucks for cancelling it.
  63. 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
  64. MikeM.
    May 15, 2007
    10
    very good show i have no idea how it got cancelled they should bring it back
  65. 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.
  66. 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?
  67. DannyJ.
    May 21, 2007
    10
    Definitely top 3 (along with Heroes and Supernatural) in all TV today.
  68. 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.
  69. SalinaA
    Jun 30, 2007
    10
    I love this show i hope it comes back.
  70. 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
  71. CamilleG.
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    This is an amazing show and I hope that a network will pick it up.
  72. 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.
  73. 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.
  74. 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.
  75. 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.
  76. 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
  77. [Anonymous]
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    Can't Look Away. The bestr TV in a decade
  78. 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
  79. KellyP
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Love it!
  80. SeanM
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Outstanding!
  81. CollinO
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Amazing!
  82. DerekM
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    The fact that I am actually watching this show means that it kicks ass.
  83. mikem
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    this show is awesome, anyone who thinks different must be lame as F*ck.
  84. 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!
  85. TracyT
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Great to see other Irish Tuckers doing well...
  86. 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
  87. 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.
  88. 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.
  89. Sa56357
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    Great show
  90. 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.
  91. 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!
  92. CourtneyH
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    The Black Donnellys is engaging and thought provoking - something television, especially NBC, needs right now.
  93. 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.
  94. 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!
  95. CarmenC
    May 13, 2007
    10
    What a fabulous show! One season is not enough.
  96. 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?
  97. 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.
  98. 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.
  99. 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.
  100. 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.
Metascore
45

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 30
  2. Negative: 12 out of 30
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. [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"].