Task cast in full as Wednesday actor and Ozark star join 'tremendous' HBO crime drama

Gripping new HBO crime drama from the creators of award-winning 2021 hit Mare of Easttown has dropped on UK television. Task, which stars Mark Ruffalo as an FBI Agent leading a Task Force to prevent a spate of violent robberies in suburban Philadelphia, already has viewers hooked.

The show, which is set to return weekly, has created lots of social media buzz. On X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, one fan wrote: “#Task one of the best HBO pilots in recent memory… Tom Pelphrey and Mark Ruffalo are incredible… can’t wait to see where this goes…”

Another posted: “#Task the new hbo show is tremendous. The pilot is definitely among the best in recent memory - gorgeous and complex, with a shocking cliffhanger ending. Tom Pelphrey and Mark Ruffalo are incredible.”

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A third agreed: “Great opening episode. There is a house cleaning sequence on Emmy level, no joke. And the overall vibe is amazing. It's of course on Mare of Easttown level. Maybe even better - time will tell. I'm ready for the next episodes.”

Who is in the Task cast?

The cast of Task is led by Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo, who appears as Tom. The award-winning actor is best known for playing Bruce Banner in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as for films like Zodiac, Poor Things, Spotlight and 13 Going on 30.

Meanwhile, Robbie actor Tom Pelphrey is most recognisable for his roles in Netflix’s Ozark, Cinemax’s Banshee and the CBS series Guiding Light.

Emilia Jones, who is the daughter of popular presenter Aled Jones, stars in the HBO series after previously earning an BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in the 2021 film CODA.

Other recognisable members of the cast include Saltburn’s Alison Oliver, The Woman King’s Thuso Mbed and New Amsterdam’s Silvia Dionicio.

Fabien Frankel and Jamie McShane also star in the worlds away from House of the Dragon and Netflix’s Wednesday.

Rounding out the cast are Kin’s Sam Keeley, Smile 2’s Raul Castillo, The Great’s Phoebe Fox and Prime Target’s Martha Plimpton.

What is the plot of Task?

The Sky synopsis for Task reads: “Set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia, Task follows an FBI agent who creates a Task Force in a bid to put an end to a string of robberies.

“With the culprits violent in their approach, the police need to put their best foot forward in order to bring them to justice.

“Meanwhile, an unsuspecting family man plans his next hit.”

What have reviews said about Task?

Reviews for Task have been overwhelmingly positive, with the series already earning 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.

NPR said: “Task has a lot of tension, and action, and conflict ... but it also has a lot of heart, and emotion, and deeper meaning.”

IndieWire wrote: “Enriched by regular moments of grace, Task still moves at an engrossing, steady pace. Ingelsby preserves the thrills of a relentless investigation while foregrounding his ensemble’s relatable experiences with guilt and forgiveness.”

New York Times added: “A tragic but ultimately hopeful tale about forgiveness and redemption, one that is worth a return trip to Pennsylvania.”

While Wall Street Journal’s glowing review read: “Perhaps the best crime thriller of the year, it’s also a validation of the seven-, eight-, or nine-part TV series.”

How many episodes does Task have and when are they released?

UK viewers can watch Task on Sky and NOW, while US fans can catch it on HBO and HBO Max.

Task has been confirmed for seven episodes in total, which will air weekly on Sundays in the US and Mondays in the UK.

UK fans can watch it when it first drops at 2am on Sky Atlantic, or later the same day at 9pm.