'Task' Showrunner Draws Inspiration from Personal Tragedy for Gritty Series

HBO's highly anticipated new crime series 'Task' is set to premiere on September 7, 2025, and is already generating significant buzz as a worthy successor to the acclaimed True Detective franchise. Created by Brad Ingelsby, the Emmy-winning showrunner behind the hit series Mare of Easttown, 'Task' follows the story of Mark Ruffalo's character, Agent Tom, who leads a task force investigating a series of violent robberies in the suburbs outside Philadelphia.

Alongside Ruffalo, the show boasts a star-studded cast that includes Tom Pelphrey, known for his standout performance in Ozark, and Fabien Frankel, who recently impressed audiences in House of the Dragon. Much like True Detective, 'Task' promises to deliver a gripping balance between an intense criminal investigation and the deeply personal struggles of its characters.

Showrunner Brad Ingelsby has revealed that the story of 'Task' was inspired by his own uncle, a former priest who left his position after falling in love with a woman. This personal connection has allowed Ingelsby to infuse the series with layers of humanity and explore themes of family tragedy and the loss of faith – recurring motifs in the True Detective universe.

With its bleak and intense tone, 'Task' appears to share many similarities with True Detective, but it also sets itself apart by alternating between the perspectives of the police task force and the criminals they're pursuing. This creative decision, inspired by the crime thriller Heat, aims to blur the lines between hero and villain, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the characters on both sides of the law.