HBO’s recently released crime thriller Task, featuring Mark Ruffalo alongside Fabien Frankel, reached the number one position on JustWatch’s U.S. Daily Streaming Charts shortly after its premiere on September 7, 2025. The series’ quick ascent outpaced popular shows such as Wednesday, Peacemaker, and The Paper, driven by growing viewer interest and an impressive 89% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Task also ranks second on HBO’s U.S. Top 10 chart, reinforcing its strong debut. This miniseries, centered around FBI investigations, has struck a chord with audiences thanks to its gripping story and compelling performances.
Plot Overview and Character Dynamics in Task
Set in Philadelphia, Task follows FBI agent Tom, played by Mark Ruffalo, who leads a specialized unit working to prevent a series of violent robberies. These crimes are linked to Robbie, portrayed by Tom Pelphrey, a man who juggles the facade of a family person with a secretive, criminal double life. The series explores the tension and complexity within this cat-and-mouse chase.
The show’s ensemble includes Emilia Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Raúl Castillo, Alison Oliver, Owen Teague, and Martha Plimpton, with additional support from Jamie McShane, Sam Keeley, Dominic Colón, Margarita Levieva, and Raphael Sbarge. Task is composed of seven episodes, with new installments debuting each Sunday on HBO Max.
Creator Brad Ingelsby Explains the Intent Behind Task
Brad Ingelsby, the series creator and writer known for Mare of Easttown, shared insights on the inspiration behind Task. He aimed to portray working-class experiences and the psychological struggles faced by those in law enforcement. Ingelsby characterized Tom as
“a guy who’s trying to make sense of the suffering in the world,”
emphasizing that the series is ultimately grounded in themes of hope and in-depth character study.
Mark Ruffalo Discusses Overcoming Dialect Challenges for His Role
In a discussion with Entertainment Weekly, Mark Ruffalo described mastering the distinctive dialect of his character as the most demanding part of preparing for Task. The actor undertook a vocal transformation to authentically represent an eastern Pennsylvania native. To accomplish this, the cast collaborated with dialect expert Susanne Sulby, who has previously coached actors like Kate Winslet and Jean Smart on Mare of Easttown.
Ruffalo praised Sulby’s dedication, noting how she devoted extensive time to perfecting the actors’ accents. He said,
“She really helped create that world in an auditory sort of way,”
and described the unique dialect as a mixture of northern, southern, and mid-Atlantic inflections. Despite the difficulty, Ruffalo believes the intensive effort contributed significantly to the show’s authenticity in portraying its Pennsylvania setting.
The Emotional Depth and Authenticity of Task
Reflecting on the series’ atmosphere, Ruffalo highlighted how Task draws deeply from Ingelsby’s personal experiences with eastern Pennsylvania’s culture and grit. He expressed the series’ emotional weight by stating,
“It’s got a great pulse. It’s moving, it’s exciting. And at the same time, yes, you’re going to get your heart torn out,”
capturing the intense and heartfelt nature of the narrative. This strong emotional core underlines the series’ appeal to viewers who appreciate intense dramas grounded in real human struggles.
What to Expect Next from Task
Since its September 7 debut, Task has maintained weekly episode releases on HBO Max every Sunday, keeping audiences engaged through its unfolding story. Given its rapid rise in popularity and critical acclaim, the series is poised to maintain a significant presence in streaming rankings. Viewers eager to explore complex crime stories and character-driven drama will find Task a compelling new addition to HBO’s lineup.
