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. 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.
  2. JoeW
    Feb 26, 2007
    0
    Garbage.
  3. 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
  4. KarynS
    Feb 27, 2007
    9
    interesting!
  5. GlennE
    Feb 27, 2007
    0
    One of the worst pilots I have even seen in my life.
  6. 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
  7. [Anonymous]
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    Can't Look Away. The bestr TV in a decade
  8. 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
  9. KellyP
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Love it!
  10. SeanM
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Outstanding!
  11. CollinO
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Amazing!
  12. DerekM
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    The fact that I am actually watching this show means that it kicks ass.
  13. mikem
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    this show is awesome, anyone who thinks different must be lame as F*ck.
  14. 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!
  15. TracyT
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Great to see other Irish Tuckers doing well...
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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++++++!
  20. 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.
  21. Sa56357
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    Great show
  22. 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.
  23. 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!
  24. CourtneyH
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    The Black Donnellys is engaging and thought provoking - something television, especially NBC, needs right now.
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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!
  28. CarmenC
    May 13, 2007
    10
    What a fabulous show! One season is not enough.
  29. 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?
  30. 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.
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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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