Top Boy

Gritty drama exploring London's drug trade

Watch on Netflix
About Top Boy

Released: 2019

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 3 Seasons

Cast
Ashley Walters, Kane Robinson, Micheal Ward, Simbiatu Ajikawo, Shone Romulus, Jasmine Jobson, Lisa Dwan, Kadeem Ramsay, Hope Ikpoku Jr., Araloyin Oshunremi, David Omoregie, Keiyon Cook, Jolade Obasola, NoLay

About Top Boy

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About

Top Boy is a British TV show that first premiered in 2011 and was later revived in 2019 on Netflix. It revolves around the lives of people living in a fictional housing estate called Summerhouse in East London.

The show primarily focuses on the lives of young people involved in drug dealing, gangs, and the challenges they face in their daily lives. It explores themes of poverty, violence, family, and friendship.

Making / Production

The show was created by Ronan Bennett and was originally broadcast on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom. After the show was cancelled in 2013, it gained a cult following and garnered critical acclaim. In 2017, Drake, the Canadian rapper and musician, expressed his love for the show on social media and expressed interest in reviving it.

With Drake's support, the show was revived and produced by Cowboy Films, Easter Partisan Films, and DreamCrew. The new season, released in 2019, consisted of ten episodes and was available exclusively on Netflix.

Actors

  • Ashley Walters as Dushane - The main character who is a drug dealer and leads a gang in the Summerhouse estate.
  • Kane Robinson as Sully - Dushane's right-hand man and close friend, who also participates in drug dealing.
  • Micheal Ward as Jamie - A young and ambitious member of Dushane's gang who seeks power and respect.
  • Shone Romulus as Dris - A member of Dushane's gang who is loyal and trusted.
  • Seraphina Beh as Ats - A young girl who becomes involved in the drug world of Summerhouse.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The show was inspired by real events and experiences of director Yann Demange's younger years in London.
  • Top Boy was initially canceled after its second season due to budget cuts.
  • Drake, who is a fan of the show, helped revive it by partnering with Netflix to produce a new season.
  • The show tackles authentic issues faced by individuals in marginalized communities, giving it a realistic and gritty portrayal.

Awards

Top Boy has garnered critical acclaim and has been nominated for several awards, including BAFTA Television Award for Best Mini-Series. However, as of now, it has not won any major awards.

Quotes

  • "I ain't gonna lie, I appreciate the silence." - Dushane
  • "There's two things you need to remember in this life, loyalty and respect." - Sully
  • "Some people are born bosses, some people are made bosses. But at the end of the day, a boss is a boss." - Jamie

Music

The TV show features a variety of music genres in its soundtrack, including hip-hop, grime, and R&B. The music helps to set the tone and atmosphere of the show, enhancing the portrayal of characters and their experiences.

Soundtrack

The official soundtrack for Top Boy includes songs from various artists, such as Dave, Little Simz, Nafe Smallz, and Kano. The soundtrack reflects the urban culture and music scene portrayed in the show.