Fans say that the series gets better and better with each episode
Top Boy | Netflix | Season 2 Trailer
Fans of the recent Netflix series Adolescence are being encouraged to dive into the ‘brutal’ crime drama that viewers ‘couldn’t stop watching’.
The Stephen Graham-led drama, which he also co-wrote, has been a revelation and one of the biggest hits of the year. It’s been the most watched title across multiple regions by Netflix subscribers, including in the UK and US.
Despite the limited series only consisting of four episodes, audiences have quickly devoured it in its entirety. But fear not, if you’re left wanting more, Netflix has another gem that might have slipped under your radar.
Top Boy, originally a British drama aired on Channel 4 from 2011 until 2013, was saved by Netflix after the broadcaster decided against a third series.
In 2019, Netflix commissioned a revival of the show, renewing it twice more, allowing it to conclude on its own terms with its fifth season. While it was a revival, it continued the story of the original series, staying true to long-term fans while also providing an easy entry point for newcomers, reports Surrey Live.
The series synopsis reveals that it takes viewers into the housing estates of east London, where tension brews between the drug gangs operating almost openly and those trying to lead honest lives amidst the crime-infested area.
The tension in the series is portrayed through the interconnected stories of Dushane, a young adult drug dealer determined to become the area’s Top Boy, and Ra’Nell, a kind-hearted but vulnerable teenager forced to mature quickly after his mother’s breakdown and subsequent absence.
The Netflix revival introduces Jamie, a street-smart newcomer who seeks to make an impression with his own gang. However, he soon finds himself overwhelmed and facing severe consequences for his choices.
The series was created by writer Ronan Bennett, who also created The Day of the Jackal and the upcoming MobLand. The cast includes Ashley Walters from Adolescence and rapper Kane Robinson, also known as Kano, in the lead roles.
In an article for Esquire last year, Bennett revealed that an encounter with a young drug dealer inspired him to write Top Boy. He wrote: “When one morning in 2009 I saw a boy of around 10 or 12 dealing outside my local Tesco in Hackney, I was naturally curious. I wanted to know his story, what he was doing there, what his life was like, what he wanted. I approached him.
“He thought I was police. I told him I was a writer and just wanted to talk. He asked for money. I said no. He walked off, and as far as I know I have never seen him since. I hope he’s avoided jail. I hope he hasn’t been shot. But I have no way of knowing.”
The critically acclaimed series Top Boy has consistently wowed audiences and critics alike, with its Rotten Tomatoes scores never dipping below 90% across all seasons, boasting a stellar 100% for both the first and final series. The overall rating stands at an impressive 97%.
The show continues to resonate with viewers, sparking conversations about societal issues much like the series Adolescence.
One fan took to the internet to express their views, saying: “Compulsory viewing for all teens looking to get into crime. What a great dissuader. A truly brutal show.
“It maintains this perfect balance between the violence of their actions and their complex, otherwise redeemable personalities. This doesn’t glamorise the street life, it’s ugly, anxiety-inducing and ultimately, unprofitable for everyone but the top boys.”
Another chimed in with high praise: “I loved every minute of this show! It’s so well done. The plot twists will leave you gob smacked The dialogue, tension, dramatic build up and character development are superb. Many of the actors and actresses aren’t well known but they put in some amazing performances. I totally binged it.”
Meanwhile, another viewer couldn’t hide their enthusiasm: “I finished all seasons in a week. I couldn’t stop watching. It gets better and better after every episode.”
Top Boy is streaming on Netflix.
