Many television enthusiasts are discovering a hidden gem that has been quietly earning acclaim as a masterful drama, now available for streaming. This HBO series, which first premiered in 2017, is drawing comparisons to iconic shows like The Sopranos and The Wire, thanks to its compelling narrative and exceptional craftsmanship.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Praise
The show holds an impressive 8.1 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a 93 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring its widespread appeal. One reviewer awarded it an 8 out of 10, describing it as "one of the most underrated HBO shows there is" and praising the entire cast as "excellent." They elaborated, "The acting and writing are so good that you really come to care what happens to these characters. The attention to detail is terrific, even though I wasn't born yet it really does look and feel like the 70s." The reviewer concluded by noting that the series ended at the right time with a "perfect" conclusion.
Another viewer gave it a perfect 10 out of 10 stars, declaring, "This is a superb series. So informative, impressive, moving, funny, compelling, beautifully written, directed, acted. We also loved The Wire so we're not surprised." They further described the TV drama as a "brilliant and worthwhile long movie" due to its detailed and expansive narrative scope.
Comparisons to Television Legends
A top-tier review titled "The diametrical opposition to most TV" highlighted the show's "deep and gritty realism multifaceted narrative." The reviewer commented, "The actual craftsmanship and writing on this show is amazing and is on par with the first season of True Detective, the Sopranos or the Wire." Similarly, a 9 out of 10 review called it an "excellent series," explaining, "Great all around at least most of the time especially by a superb creator of The Wire which is masterful! The cast, soundtrack, writing, and innuendos are done so well! I'm surprised there wasn't more seasons easily could've."
Behind the Scenes and Cast
The Deuce was created by David Simon and George Pelecanos, the creative geniuses behind the HBO classic The Wire. The series boasts an A-list Hollywood cast led by Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Franco, with Franco notably playing twin brothers. The ensemble also includes notable actors such as Gbenga Akinnagbe from The Wire, Chris Bauer of True Blood fame, Gary Carr from Death in Paradise, Chris Coy from Treme, Dominique Fishback from Show Me a Messiah, and Lawrence Gilliard Jr. from The Wire and The Walking Dead.
Plot and Setting
Set in New York during the 1970s and 1980s, a period marked by the height of the drug epidemic and urban violence, The Deuce charts the rise of the adult film industry. The story follows former prostitute Eileen Merrell, also known as Candy Renee, portrayed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, as she transitions into the legal pornography industry as a director and actress. Alongside her journey, the series explores the lives of twin brothers Vincent and Frankie Martino, played by James Franco, who are involved with the mafia from their Times Square base.
The show is inspired by real-life events, with David Simon explaining to Variety in 2016, "It's roughly based on the story of the actual people who were there, some of the people that were the pioneers when pornography came out of the brown paper bag and became an open industry." He added, "It is a story about market capitalism and the rise of a new industry and what the world is like now when something is not supposed to be sold openly suddenly becomes legitimate and legitimized."
Awards and Legacy
The Deuce ran for three seasons, always intended as a finite series, and received multiple award nominations during its run, including a Golden Globe, a Satellite Award, and a Writers Guild of America Award. Its thoughtful conclusion and critical success have cemented its status as a standout drama in HBO's storied lineup.
For those seeking a gripping period crime drama with depth and realism, The Deuce offers a masterful viewing experience that rivals the best in television history.
