Watch Top Boy

Top Boy is a British crime drama television series that initially premiered in 2011. The show follows the life of a group of young people living in the fictional Summerhouse estate in Hackney, East London. The plot mainly revolves around the drug trade, crime, violence, and corruption that occur within the estate.

Ashley Walters plays the leading role of Dushane Hill, a druglord who runs the estate with his friend and partner, Sully (Kano). They both struggle to maintain their territory and respect while facing opposition from other rival drug dealers and the police. Walters’ portrayal of Dushane is realistic, and his character is driven by ambition, power, and a desire to leave the estate lifestyle behind.

The other central characters in the show include Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Lisa, a social worker who operates in Summerhouse and provides advice to young people; Geoff Bell as Jim, an eccentric East London businessman who supplies Dushane and Sully with drugs; Benedict Wong as Vincent, the head chef at Jim’s restaurant; and Kierston Wareing as Heather, Jim’s wife.

The supporting cast members include Nicholas Pinnock as Leon, a talented boxer, and Dushane's cousin, who gets involved in the drug trade for financial reasons; Lorraine Burroughs as Rhianna, Leon’s girlfriend, and an aspiring music artist who struggles to balance her ambition with her love for Leon; and Michael Ward as Jamie, a young man who is caught up in the drug trade and rises through the ranks to become a key player in Dushane and Sully's drug empire.

Top Boy is a raw and gritty take on the urban crime genre. It offers an intimate look into the lives of people who have been forced to live on the margins of society due to poverty and lack of opportunities. The show tackles issues such as drug addiction, violence, police brutality, and the impact of poverty on children and families.

The show is notable for its realistic representation of life in East London, one of the most diverse areas in the UK. The showrunners have paid close attention to the authenticity of the characters, their struggles, and their motivations. The dialogue is raw, streetwise, and at times humorous. The setting of the show is another element that makes it standout. The colorful murals, the high-rise flats, and the street culture that is unique to the area add to the realism of the show.

One of the strengths of the show is the way it balances the violence and crime with the personal relationships between the characters. Top Boy explores themes of friendship, loyalty, love, and betrayal. It shows how the characters’ actions affect each other and the wider community. The show also touches on issues related to masculinity and identity, particularly within the black and minority ethnic communities.

Another aspect that makes Top Boy a must-watch is its soundtrack. The show features a mix of grime music, hip-hop, and R&B. The music serves as a reflection of the character's emotions and the atmosphere of the scenes.

Overall, Top Boy is a thrilling and emotional ride. It delves into the harsh realities of life for those who live on the fringes of society, and it does so in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The characters are well-crafted, and the performances are top-notch. The story is compelling, and it manages to balance the crime and violence with the human connections between the characters. The production quality is also impressive, making it one of the most visually stunning crime dramas on television. If you're a fan of the crime genre, Top Boy is a show that you do not want to miss.

Top Boy is a series that ran for 3 seasons (24 episodes) between September 13, 2019 and on Netflix