Mark Ruffalo stars as FBI agent in gripping crime drama Task. [Image Source: PARADE]
Mark Ruffalo’s crime drama Task, which premiered in September 2025, stars the MCU alum as FBI agent Tom Brandis, a former Catholic priest leading an intense task force to investigate a series of armed robberies. The series has quickly climbed the streaming charts and earned widespread critical acclaim, highlighting the growing popularity of this Mark Ruffalo crime drama.
Task was renewed for a second season by HBO in November 2025, and as of February 1, it ranks as the fifth most-watched TV series on HBO Max, according to FlixPatrol. The show features notable performances from Martha Plimpton, Emilia Jones, Tom Pelphrey, and Fabien Frankel, placing just behind The Last of Us in viewership on the platform.
The drama has consistently impressed both audiences and critics, earning a 96% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes along with a 76% audience score. At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, Task received a nomination for Best Drama Series, while Mark Ruffalo earned nods for Best Actor at the Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and Satellite Awards.
HBO Expresses Confidence as Task Moves Forward
When announcing the renewal of Task for a second season, HBO’s Francesca Orsi expressed confidence in the show’s impact and creator Brad Ingelsby’s vision. She said,
Image of: Mark Ruffalo
“We knew well in advance of its launch that we had a powerful drama series on our hands, but it has been so rewarding to witness the audience’s fervor and embrace of this show as it grew week after week,”
Francesca Orsi, HBO executive.
Orsi also praised the writing, adding,
“Rarely does a writer balance humanistic storytelling with intricate, explosive plotting but Brad Ingelsby is one of our industry’s greats, and we have no doubt he will strike as profoundly and addictively once again in Season 2.”
Francesca Orsi, HBO executive.
Mark Ruffalo to Reprise His Role as Tom Brandis in Season Two
Mark Ruffalo will return to lead the series as Tom Brandis in the upcoming season. Series creator Brad Ingelsby has teased new directions for the character, hinting at ongoing developments still to come. Reflecting on working with Ruffalo, Ingelsby said,
“We had such a good time,”
and added,
“Mark is the best to have on set and I love working with this guy. I would work with him as much as I … and I think we have … you know, there’s a lot of stories,”
Brad Ingelsby, series creator.
The first season of Task consisted of eight episodes, but HBO has yet to announce a release date for the second season. Fans can currently stream all available episodes on HBO Max while awaiting further updates.
Key Cast Members of the Series
Alongside Ruffalo as Tom Brandis, Task features Tom Pelphrey as Robbie, Emilia Jones portraying Maeve, Jamie McShane in the role of Perry, as well as performances by Martha Plimpton and Fabien Frankel. Their combined efforts have contributed to the show’s strong reception and rising popularity.
Task’s compelling blend of crime investigation and character-driven storytelling has made it a standout drama series on HBO, with viewers eagerly anticipating the continuation of the story. The series’ success highlights the growing demand for well-crafted crime dramas led by talented actors like Mark Ruffalo.
