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Season 1 – Top Boy

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Top Boy Oct 2011 Drama Crime Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 86% 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 05/15/2019
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. Go to Full Review
Franklyn Addo Guardian 05/15/2019
Top Boy was shot so well and featured a strong cast. Go to Full Review
John Crace Guardian 05/15/2019
Well-acted, well-written television like this don't come round that often. Go to Full Review
KT Mahe For Your Reference Podcast 11/02/2023
3/5
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. Go to Full Review
Oti For Your Reference Podcast 11/02/2023
4/5
Summerhouse presents commendable performances and intricately crafted characters. While not entirely indelible, the depth of its characters adds to its compelling nature. Go to Full Review
Melissa Camacho Common Sense Media 01/27/2020
3/5
British crime drama revival feels real but lacks drama. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Kas A @Kas.A Jan 2 Realistic, gritty drama is very mesmerising to watch. See more letaiser Jul 10 What a great Season, only 4 Episodes long but still fills up a great storyline so far and the characters are well written as well, without knowing I started off at season 3 and had to go back to watch summerhouse and so far I even like summerhouse more than I did season 3, it is really entertaining and very good written like I said, it is nearly perfect but there is something missing to it, amazing start for the show though. See more Kesiena E 06/25/2024 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. See more Chad G 10/02/2023 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 See more Regal R 09/24/2023 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. See more Spew S 09/13/2023 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 See more 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, Crime, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date
Oct 31, 2011
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