The highly dramatic new HBO crime series Task continues its tense storyline with the release of its second episode, “Family Statements,” on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). The episode will be available to stream simultaneously on HBO Max and air on the HBO cable network. For viewers in different time zones, the release will vary: 6:00 PM Pacific Time, 1:00 AM GMT+1 (September 15), and 11:00 AM Australian Eastern Standard Time (September 15), among others .
The series, created by Brad Ingelsby (known for Mare of Easttown), stars Mark Ruffalo as FBI Agent Tom Brandis and Tom Pelphrey as Robbie Prendergrast, a working-class father drawn into a dangerous world of crime. The show explores themes of moral conflict, family loyalty, and redemption against the backdrop of Philadelphia’s gritty suburbs.
What to Expect in Episode 2: “Family Statements”
The second episode picks up immediately after the intense events of the premiere, which ended with Robbie and his partner Cliff facing a moral dilemma after a botched robbery. They are forced to take in Sam, a child who witnessed their crime, adding layers of complexity to their already precarious situation .
Meanwhile, FBI Agent Tom Brandis (Mark Ruffalo) continues to lead the task force investigating the violent robberies plaguing the city. His personal struggles, including grief over his wife’s death and a strained relationship with his adopted daughter, Emily, further complicate his professional duties .
The episode’s title, “Family Statements,” hints at deeper explorations of the characters’ familial bonds. Tom’s son, Ethan, who is reportedly in prison, may be introduced, shedding light on Tom’s troubled past and his reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism . Similarly, Robbie’s efforts to protect his own family while evading law enforcement will be tested as the Dark Hearts motorcycle gang seeks revenge for the robbery .
Series creator Brad Ingelsby has described the show as a personal project, rooted in the same universe as Mare of Easttown. He explained, “We wanted the audience to watch the show and think, ‘This is Mare’s world, but the story is different.’” .
How to Watch Episode 2
Viewers can watch Task Episode 2 on HBO at the scheduled air time or stream it on HBO Max immediately upon release. The episode will be approximately 52–64 minutes long, consistent with the runtime of the series .
For international audiences, the show is available on Sky and NOW TV in the UK, while other regions may have varying availability based on local streaming platforms .
Behind the Scenes and Cast
Task features a star-studded cast, including:
- Mark Ruffalo as Tom Brandis
- Tom Pelphrey as Robbie Prendergrast
- Emilia Jones as Maeve
- Fabien Frankel as Anthony Grasso
- Thuso Mbedu as Aleah Clinton
- Raúl Castillo as Cliff
The series is executive produced by Brad Ingelsby and Ron Schmidt, with Ingelsby also serving as the creator and writer .
Full Episode Release Schedule
Task Season 1 consists of 7 episodes, each releasing weekly on Sundays. The full schedule is as follows:
- Episode 1: “Crossings” – September 7, 2025
- Episode 2: “Family Statements” – September 14, 2025
- Episode 3: “Nobody’s Stronger Than Forgiveness” – September 21, 2025
- Episode 4: “All Roads” – September 28, 2025
- Episode 5: “Vagrants” – October 5, 2025
- Episode 6: “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a river” – October 12, 2025
- Episode 7: “A Still Small Voice” – October 19, 2025 .
Why viewers are excited
Fans of crime dramas are praising the show for its strong acting and tense story. Many are excited to see how the relationship between Tom and Robbie develops. The show has been compared to Heat and Mare of Easttown for its focus on character and moral choices. The first episode received positive reviews, with a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 40 critic reviews.
With its compelling characters, moral complexities, and gritty setting, Task has quickly become one of HBO’s most talked-about new dramas. Episode 2 promises to heighten the tension as both Tom and Robbie face escalating personal and professional challenges.
Also Read: Is HBO’s New Show ‘Task’ Connected to ‘Mare of Easttown’? All Details Explained
Credits: TheWrap, Soap Central
