HBO’s new crime drama Task has arrived, bringing a gripping story of two men on opposite sides of the law. Created by Brad Ingelsby, the mind behind Mare of Easttown, this seven-episode miniseries stars Mark Ruffalo as an FBI agent and Tom Pelphrey as a garbage collector caught in a web of crime and family struggles. Set in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the show explores themes of guilt, survival, and moral choices. With its intense plot and strong performances, Task has quickly gained attention since its premiere on September 7, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the release schedule, plot, cast, and where to watch.
Episode Release Dates and Schedule
Task Season 1 consists of seven episodes, airing weekly on HBO and streaming on Max. The first episode, titled Crossings, premiered on September 7, 2025, and the season will run through October 19, 2025. New episodes are released every Sunday at 9:00 PM ET. This weekly release format allows viewers to follow the unfolding drama and build anticipation for each new episode.
Plot and Story Overview
The story centers on Tom Brandis (Mark Ruffalo), a semi-retired FBI agent and former Catholic priest who is pulled back into fieldwork to lead a task force. He is investigating a series of violent robberies targeting drug houses operated by the Dark Hearts motorcycle gang. On the other side is Robbie Prendergrast (Tom Pelphrey), a garbage collector and single father who orchestrates these robberies to provide for his family. Robbie’s actions are driven by desperation after his wife left him and his brother was murdered, leaving him to care for his children with help from his niece, Maeve.
The first episode sets the stage for a collision between Tom and Robbie. During a robbery gone wrong, Robbie and his accomplices accidentally kill several people and kidnap a young boy, Sam, who witnessed the crime. This event raises the stakes for both characters. Tom’s task force must now solve the case while dealing with the urgency of a missing child. Meanwhile, Robbie struggles to manage the consequences of his actions, balancing his criminal life with his role as a father.
Main Cast and Characters
The cast features well-known actors in roles that highlight their range and depth. Mark Ruffalo plays Tom Brandis, an FBI agent grappling with personal tragedy and professional duty. Ruffalo brings a worn-out, emotional depth to the character, making Tom relatable despite his flaws. Tom Pelphrey portrays Robbie Prendergrast, a sympathetic antagonist whose actions are motivated by family needs. Pelphrey’s performance captures the complexity of a man stuck between survival and morality.
Emilia Jones plays Maeve, Robbie’s niece, who is forced into a caretaker role for his children. Her character adds emotional weight to the story, highlighting the impact of Robbie’s choices on his family. Thuso Mbedu appears as Aleah Clinton, a sharp and focused detective on Tom’s task force, while Alison Oliver plays Lizzie Stover, a less experienced but compassionate state trooper. Fabien Frankel rounds out the task force as Anthony Grasso, a confident detective with a pragmatic approach.
Other key cast members include Raúl Castillo as Cliff, Robbie’s loyal friend and accomplice, and Owen Teague as Peaches, a member of Robbie’s crew who meets a tragic end. Martha Plimpton plays Kathleen McGinty, Tom’s FBI superior, and Mireille Enos appears in flashbacks as Susan Brandis, Tom’s late wife.
Critical and Audience Reception
Task has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 89% approval rating based on 53 critic reviews, with praise for its strong performances and culturally specific storytelling. Critics have highlighted the chemistry between Ruffalo and Pelphrey, as well as the show’s realistic portrayal of working-class struggles. However, some reviews note that the series can be bleak and humorless, focusing heavily on grief and moral ambiguity.
Audience reactions have been similarly mixed but generally favorable. Many viewers appreciate the character-driven narrative and the emotional depth of the story. The show’s setting in Pennsylvania, with its regional accents and details, has also been a point of discussion, adding authenticity to the plot.
Where to Watch
Task is available exclusively on HBO and Max. Viewers can watch new episodes live on HBO every Sunday at 9:00 PM ET or stream them on Max shortly after broadcast. The series is part of HBO’s lineup of original programming, and it requires a subscription to access. For international audiences, availability may vary based on regional streaming platforms, but HBO Max remains the primary distributor.
Also Read: Task Season 1 Episode 2 Release Date and Time, Plot Details, and Streaming Guide
Credits: Esquire, Wikipedia, Rotten Tomatoes
