A Grueling Crime Investigation Uncovers Secrets, Suspicion, and Dangerous Connections
2025
Cop drama, Crime
7 episodes
TheNextHint Score
9.2
9.2 / 10
Overview
Task centers on FBI agent Tom Brandis, a former Catholic priest who left fieldwork following a tragic family event. He is brought back by his supervisor, Kathleen McGinty, to head a task force looking into a string of drug house robberies carried out by the Dark Hearts biker gang.
Robbie Prendergrast, a garbage collector attempting to provide for his family and children following the loss of his brother, is on the other side of the investigation. Robbie starts robbing drug homes with his companions, but one of their operations goes horribly wrong. Rather than just making off with cash, Robbie finds himself in possession of something far more deadly than cash when he takes responsibility for a young child who is associated with the gang.
The FBI task force, Robbie's family, the Dark Hearts, and dishonest law enforcement personnel are all progressively linked in the ensuing inquiry. By demonstrating how both sides of the law are impacted by personal loss and familial responsibilities, the series heightens the suspense.
Quick Verdict
Task is worth watching if you enjoy serious crime dramas that give equal attention to investigation and character development. Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey anchor a strong ensemble, while the show's grounded Philadelphia setting gives the story a distinctive feel. Its combination of family drama, criminal tension and moral ambiguity sets it apart from a conventional police procedural.
Brad Ingelsby, the author of Mare of Easttown, is the creator of Task, an American crime drama. The HBO series, which takes place in Philadelphia’s working-class suburbs, centers on Mark Ruffalo’s character, FBI agent Tom Brandis, who is called back into the field to head a new task force that is looking into a string of violent robberies that target drug houses. The plot also centers on Tom Pelphrey’s character, Robbie Prendergast, a family guy who, following the death of his brother, turns to robbing heroin dealers. When a heist goes awry and puts Robbie, his family, the FBI, and the Dark Hearts biker gang on a collision course, what starts out as a string of well-planned crimes rapidly becomes far more perilous.
The show blends a character-driven crime narrative with aspects of police procedure. It examines bereavement, family responsibilities, loyalty, guilt, and the fallout from desperate decisions in addition to the investigation. Seven episodes make up Season 1, which debuted on HBO on September 7, 2025. Originally intended to be a limited series, the drama was given a second-season renewal in November 2025.
The first season was well received by critics, as evidenced by Rotten Tomatoes’ 96% Tomatometer rating and IMDb’s current 7.9/10 rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Task based on a true story?
No. Task is a fictional crime drama created and written by Brad Ingelsby. It is not presented as a dramatization of a specific real-life case.
How many episodes are in Task Season 1?
Season 1 contains seven episodes, released weekly from September 7 through October 19, 2025.
Is Task renewed for Season 2?
Yes. HBO renewed Task for a second season in November 2025. Mark Ruffalo returns, and the new season adds performers including Mahershala Ali, Harry Melling, Adam Nagaitis, Aminah Nieves and Édgar Ramírez.
Is Task connected to Mare of Easttown?
Yes. Both series were created by Brad Ingelsby, and Season 2 of Task brings back Julianne Nicholson as Lori Ross, establishing that the two shows share a universe.
Story — Spoiler Free
FBI agent Tom Brandis returns to fieldwork to lead a new task force investigating violent robberies at drug houses around Philadelphia. Meanwhile, family man Robbie Prendergrast is carrying out robberies of his own, motivated by the need to support his family and anger over his brother's death. When one operation goes badly wrong, the two men's paths begin moving toward an inevitable confrontation.
9.2
TheNextHint Score
9.2 / 10
Task is worth watching if you enjoy serious crime dramas that give equal attention to investigation and character development. Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey anchor a strong ensemble, while the show's grounded Philadelphia setting gives the story a distinctive feel. Its combination of family drama, criminal tension and moral ambiguity sets it apart from a conventional police procedural.
Rating breakdown
Story
9.0
Acting
10.0
Direction
9.0
Visuals
9.0
Sound
9.0
Entertainment
9.0
Pros
Strong performances from Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey.
Well-developed characters with believable motivations.
A tense crime investigation that gradually becomes more complicated.
Strong emotional component alongside the crime storyline.
Realistic Philadelphia-area setting and atmosphere.
Effective balance between police procedural and family drama.
Consistent suspense without relying entirely on action.
Cons
The story can feel bleak and emotionally heavy.
Some plotlines take time to develop.
The large ensemble may require attention to keep track of relationships.
Viewers looking for a straightforward police procedural may find the character-driven approach slower.
Who Should Watch
Crime Drama Fans
Thriller Fans
Tom Pelphrey Fans
Who Should Skip
Lighthearted Drama Fans
Comedy Fans
Release Date
2025-09-07
Runtime
58-65
Director
Jeremiah Zagar, Salli Richardson-Whitfield
Producer
Gabrielle Mahon, Holly Rymon
Writer
Brad Ingelsby
Cast
Mark Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, Emilia Jones, Fabien Frankel, Thuso Mbedu, Raúl Castillo, Alison Oliver, Owen Teague, Silvia Dionicio, Martha Plimpton, Jamie McShane, Sam Keeley, Phoebe Fox, Isaach de Bankolé, Margarita Levieva, Mireille Enos, Dominic Colón, Brian Goodman
Music
Dan Deacon
Cinematography
Alex Disenhof, Elie Smolkin
Studio
Discovery Global Drama
Distributor
HBO / Warner Bros. Discovery
Production Company
Low Dweller Productions, Public Record, wiip, HBO Entertainment
An FBI agent and former Catholic priest who returns to field duty to lead the task force.
Tom Pelphrey
as
Robbie Prendergrast
A garbage collector who robs drug houses while trying to support his family.
Emilia Jones
as
Maeve Prendergrast
Robbie's 21-year-old niece, who has taken on significant responsibility for his children.
Fabien Frankel
as
Anthony Grasso
A Delaware County detective who joins Tom's task force.
Raúl Castillo
as
Cliff Broward
Robbie's friend and co-worker who participates in the robberies.
Owen Teague
as
Kenny "Peaches" Pollard
Robbie and Cliff's accomplice.
Martha Plimpton
as
Kathleen McGinty
Seasons & Episodes
Season 1
7 episodes September 7, 2025Completed
FBI agent Tom Brandis leads a task force investigating violent robberies of drug houses while Robbie Prendergrast and his associates become increasingly entangled with the Dark Hearts motorcycle gang.
1Crossings
63 min September 7, 2025
Tom returns to fieldwork and forms a task force while Robbie's robbery takes a disastrous turn.
2Family Statements
57 min September 14, 2025
Tom deals with a difficult family situation as Robbie struggles with the consequences of the failed robbery.
3Nobody's Stronger Than Forgiveness
59 min September 21, 2025
Robbie searches for a way to handle the stolen drugs while Tom's investigation uncovers an important connection.
4All Roads
60 min September 28, 2025
Tom questions his team's loyalty while Robbie and Cliff prepare their next move.
5Vagrants
60 min October 5, 2025
New evidence moves the investigation closer to the criminals as Robbie pushes ahead with his plan.
6Out Beyond Ideas of Wrongdoing and Rightdoing, There Is a River
60 min October 12, 2025
Multiple sides collide in a violent confrontation that dramatically changes the investigation.
7A Still Small Voice
60 min October 19, 2025
After the major confrontation, the remaining characters deal with its consequences while the investigation reaches its final stage.
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