Top Boy

I've largely avoided this series because I thought it would be bad story bad acting with posh drama school teens as gangsters n hood rats. I was wrong ... It's a great story very well crafted n filmed. The acting is very good too. So I came late to the party... But at least I'm here now.

Drama set in London about two friends and their gang trying to get rich the only way they know how; selling drugs. The cast is a mix of actors and grime artists such as Kano and Scorcher all of whom are from gang London so they know how the character should be therefore giving their characters true realism. The shows gives an inside look into London gang lifestyle on the estates of London and how kids become 'shotters' for the more notorious people on the estates. Each episode of Top Boy has a gripping storyline which keeps you wanting more; one millions viewers for a urban C4 show cannot be wrong. Not only is the acting good, but the soundtrack is phenomenal, showcasing a lot of London grime artists.

Oh my god Netflix have gone and done it. They have made a great series even better. I think this new revival is even better than the original made by channel 4. Hopefully they commission another series.

This series is everything you can possibly want, compelling, gripping, absorbing. If you enjoyed The Wire or The Shield, this is the show for you. I accidentally ran across it on Netflix and was captured instantly. I watched it back to back and then watched all 4 episodes again. Excellent. Its about time there is something different and unique to watch. Looking forward to Season 2. This is a solid piece of work. The theme is more than just hoodlums, drugs and violence, it received just a strong audience response because the acting is so precise you feel compassion and understanding. You begin to root for the bad guy and want the drug deal to be executed, and the villain becomes somehow good. This fantastic show reaches beyond just entertainment, it reaches your heart. A must see.

Haven't written a review in years but had to rectify this wrong.

It's really unfair how stupid movies and series get thousands of reviews and recognition but gems like this only have 30 odd reviews. Hopefully now that Netflix has picked up season 3 and produced a masterpiece, maybe it will start to get the recognition it deserves.

For people watching the 3rd season first, you can watch it as a standalone as even though it is a continuing story line from past seasons like Narcos, etc, you will still understand whats going on and will really connect with the characters.

All in all a very gritty and realistic ride. The character development, suspense, twists are great and at the end of it you will be left wondering why you haven't heard of or seen this series before.

P.S - The ending of season 3 left very mouth watering prospects for season 4 to fulfill.