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Season 1 – Top Boy

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Top Boy 2011 Drama Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
This drama takes viewers into the housing estates of East London. There is tension between the drug gangs that operate almost openly and those who strive to live honest lives against the odds in the crime-riddled area. That tension is explored through the interlocking stories of 20-something drug dealer Dushane, who is determined to become the area's Top Boy, and good-natured but vulnerable teenager Ra'Nell, who is forced to grow up quickly following his mother's breakdown and enforced absence. The program combines elements of a tense gangster thriller with subtle social realism, some tenderness, innocence and humor.
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Top Boy — Season 1

Critics Reviews

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Tracy McVeigh Guardian The soundtrack was heavy and funky and the audience's mostly hooded heads were nodding. But it was not long before they noticed a serious omission that has them questioning the authenticity of the drama. No sirens. May 15, 2019 Full Review Franklyn Addo Guardian Top Boy was shot so well and featured a strong cast. May 15, 2019 Full Review John Crace Guardian Well-acted, well-written television like this don't come round that often. May 15, 2019 Full Review KT Mahe For Your Reference Podcast Summerhouse contributes to a popular genre from a unique lens, being set in North London. Beyond the want for rich storytelling, the earnest performances are the heart of Top Boy. Rated: 3/5 Nov 2, 2023 Full Review Oti For Your Reference Podcast Summerhouse presents commendable performances and intricately crafted characters. While not entirely indelible, the depth of its characters adds to its compelling nature. Rated: 4/5 Nov 2, 2023 Full Review Melissa Camacho Common Sense Media British crime drama revival feels real but lacks drama. Rated: 3/5 Jan 27, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (21) audience reviews
Kesiena E am a fan of season one Top boy cast Jamie. was a very relating series of shows how me and all my friends watched it as Americans. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 06/25/24 Full Review Chad G This has to be the best set of series I've ever seen. Having lived close to that kind of lifestyle, I found myself on a rollercoaster of emotions. It's gripping, high speed pace carries the observer through a multitude of current, social issues. Sexual orientation, drugs, grief, love, poverty and teenage life. Plus much more. It's as close to real life as it gets. Season 5 is just as good as the other four seasons. A close up slice of suburban black culture in London. This is what makes it one hundred percent, original and untouchable. The soundtrack also showcases some of the best, British, up and coming artists. Writer Ronan Bennett has certainly done his homework. Someone had to write this story and apparently, Mr Bennett has hit the target. As an aspiring creative writer myself, it has been inspirational. I hope Top Boy continues alongside the ever changing street life of our amazing city, London. Cheers Ronan, all the best Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/02/23 Full Review Regal R 67/100 - meh overall, great soundtrack, mid plot, poor character development and backstory. they picked random actors and just had them do whatever continued the show regardless of whether or not it made sense. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/24/23 Full Review Spew S I tried to stay interested, but with no likable characters and the fact I couldnt understand a word anyone was saying (even the subtitles were indecipherable). Maybe tone the lingo down a bit for the white people watching lol Rated 2 out of 5 stars 09/13/23 Full Review Maxi C La mejor serie de acción la vi como 3 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/25/23 Full Review Maurice H Accurate portrayal of what happens when you let everyone with no education or regards for their fellow man in from a 3rd world hell hole into a first world country. Weather 1st generation of further down the line. Statistics don't lie. Frustrating. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 03/27/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Top Boy — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Oct 31, 2011 Dushane and his friend Sully run an underground drug business after partnering with top don Bobby Raikes. Details Episode 2 Aired Nov 1, 2011 Dushane and Sully are under increasing pressure to retrieve their stash from Kamale. Details Episode 3 Aired Nov 2, 2011 Heather shows Ra'Nell the flat she hopes to buy with her drug money; Sully spends time with his daughter. Details Episode 4 Aired Nov 3, 2011 Dushane learns that Sully still has the gun used for the murder of three people, but refuses to sell him out. Details
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Season Info

Director
Yann Demange
Screenwriter
Ronan Bennett
Network
Netflix
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama, Adventure
Original Language
English
Release Date
Oct 31, 2011
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