Netflix subscribers are enthusiastically praising an exceptional British crime drama that stands apart from more mainstream titles like Line of Duty or Broadchurch. This compelling series has been celebrated as television drama at its outstanding best and is currently available for streaming on the platform.
A Gripping Narrative Set in East London
Created and written by Ronan Bennett, Top Boy is set on the fictional Summerhouse estate in the East London Borough of Hackney. The programme meticulously follows the lives of two drug dealers while providing a stark examination of widespread gang violence in London. The narrative delves into the tension between drug gangs operating openly and residents striving to live honest lives in a crime-riddled area.
Phenomenal Cast and Production Journey
The series features phenomenal lead performances from Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson, supported by an outstanding ensemble cast including Malcolm Kamulete, Giacomo Mancini, Shone Romulus, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Jasmine Jobson, and Simbi Ajikawo. Originally premiering on Channel 4 in October 2011 with a second season in 2013, the show was unfortunately axed in 2014.
However, Canadian rapper Drake's attention led to Netflix resurrecting the series in 2017, with Drake and his team joining as executive producers. Walters and Robinson reprised their roles, leading to three new seasons released between 2019 and 2023. The first two seasons were rebranded as Top Boy: Summerhouse on the streaming platform.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Adoration
Top Boy boasts an impressive 97% critics approval rating across all five seasons on Rotten Tomatoes, a remarkably difficult average to achieve. The series has also secured an 84% audience approval rating on the review aggregator platform. Critics have lauded the programme for its intense storytelling and social realism.
One critic remarked, "From the opening... this has been television drama at its outstanding best." Another noted, "The performances from cast members old and new simmer and flare brilliantly. Deeply steeped in place in a way that few other urban dramas are, it's a must-see." A third reviewer added, "It is not a flattering portrait of our times, but as a TV drama, it is up there with the best - tense, gripping and relentless."
Viewer Testimonials Highlight Emotional Impact
Audience reviews echo similar sentiments, with one fan commenting, "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." They added, "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."
Another viewer stated, "You need to watch this. This show is phenomenal. Everything about it feels so real. Great cinematography, outstanding performances from the actors and really compelling story lines." Meanwhile, a Top Boy enthusiast wrote, "Finally. A Stupendously, Gripping and true depiction of the gangster life and underworld of Britain. Masterful. No black and white, biased nonsense that's plagued the UK TV screens for so long."
Lasting Legacy and Availability
Comprising 32 episodes across five series, Top Boy has left an indelible mark on British television. One critic reflected on the series conclusion, "British TV won't be the same without a new Top Boy season to look forward to, but the show's impact will remain everlasting: every character, every big narrative twist, every loss." Another shared, "Top Boy is an ongoing masterpiece, the kind of show that will make your day and ruin your whole night."
All five seasons of this acclaimed British crime drama are currently available to stream on Netflix, offering viewers an immersive experience into the complex world of East London's housing estates.
