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.
  31. 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.
  32. 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.
  33. 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.
  34. 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.
  35. 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.
  36. 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.
  37. steve
    Jun 12, 2007
    2
    is it me or are almost all of the characters unlikable
  38. 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.
  39. 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.
  40. 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.
  41. JoshO
    Jul 28, 2007
    10
    This was my favorite show on telivision. Also there is an irsh mob.
  42. 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
  43. MaryA.
    Sep 26, 2007
    10
    Best show ever!
  44. 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.
  45. 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.
  46. 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
  47. SeanF.
    Nov 12, 2007
    10
    I think i enjoyed this even more than the sopranos. Fantastic.
  48. AlfredR.
    Dec 28, 2007
    9
    Great show To bad it's off the air!
  49. 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
  50. 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.
  51. 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.
  52. 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
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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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