HBO’s upcoming original series Task is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated premieres of the year. Debuting in September 2025, the seven-episode crime drama brings a fresh yet familiar energy to HBO’s strong lineup of prestige television. With powerful performances, grounded storytelling, and a setting that captures the struggle and complexity of working-class life, Task is positioned to leave a lasting impression.
The series was created by Brad Ingelsby, the mind behind Mare of Easttown, and stars Academy Award nominee Mark Ruffalo. The show explores not only crime and justice but also the human stories behind both sides of the law. This is not just another cop show, it’s a deeper look at morality, family, and personal struggle.
What happens when good people do bad things for the people they love?
The Story at the Center of Task
Set in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Task follows FBI agent Tom Brandis, played by Mark Ruffalo. Brandis leads a special task force investigating a string of increasingly violent armed robberies. Their investigation soon centers on Robbie Prendergrast, a working-class man with a secret criminal life. Played by Tom Pelphrey, Robbie is torn between being a loving father and the orchestrator of a dangerous spree.
The show asks a critical question: What happens when good people do bad things for the people they love? Task doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it invites viewers to examine the motives, pressures, and systems that drive everyday people to make desperate choices. The pacing is tight, but the character development is deliberate. Each episode offers layers of conflict while pushing the main story forward.
Expect suspense, but also emotional weight. The stakes feel real, and every decision carries consequences.
An Exceptional Cast Brings Task to Life
The ensemble cast of Task includes some of television and film’s most compelling performers. Mark Ruffalo leads with intensity and depth, grounding the story in emotional realism. Tom Pelphrey brings both vulnerability and volatility to the role of Robbie.
The supporting cast includes:
- Emilia Jones as Maeve
- Thuso Mbedu as Aleah
- Raúl Castillo as Cliff
- Jamie McShane as Perry
- Sam Keeley as Jayson
- Fabien Frankel as Anthony
- Alison Oliver as Lizzie
The series is directed by Jeremiah Zagar and Salli Richardson-Whitfield, both of whom also serve as executive producers. Additional executive producers include Brad Ingelsby, Mark Ruffalo, Paul Lee, Mark Roybal, David Crockett, and Ron Schmidt. Nicole Jordan-Webber and Jeremy Yaches co-executive produce under the banner of Public Record.
Real Characters in a Real World
What separates Task from other dramas is its authenticity. Ingelsby draws on his own experience growing up near Philadelphia to create believable characters in real settings. These people feel lived-in, shaped by economic pressure, family dynamics, and neighborhood expectations.
Rather than sensationalizing crime, the show explores the reasons behind it. Viewers will see how jobs, relationships, and social systems create stress points. These characters are not archetypes, they are people trying to survive in a world that rarely gives second chances.
This emotional grounding gives the series its depth. Every plot twist comes with psychological tension. You will root for people who make terrible decisions. You will question what justice actually looks like.
Why Task Is One to Watch
Task has all the ingredients of a hit HBO series. It features a sharp script, layered characters, and a lead actor with proven star power. Additionally, the themes are timely. The show tackles class, justice, and how far people go to protect their families.
Brad Ingelsby has already proven he can write characters that audiences care about. With Task, he appears ready to go even deeper. Ruffalo adds credibility and heart to a role that could have easily been one-dimensional. With Tom Pelphrey as his moral counterbalance, the tension between law and crime feels personal, not procedural.
As the premiere approaches, excitement is growing. HBO fans are eager to see what this new drama brings. With such a strong creative team and a powerful story, Task could be the network’s next breakout hit.
Don’t miss the premiere of Task this September on HBO. Episodes will also be available to stream on Max.
