“...The closest TV has come to capturing the realities of London gang culture.” Time Out, 27.10.11 “Ronan Bennett’s compelling gangster drama continues, getting darker as the endgame approaches... Top Boy’s depiction of an escalating drugs beef is terrifyingly convincing it its speed and brutality... This is fierce and righteous stuff.” Time Out, 27.10.11 “Ronan Bennett’s affecting drama turns the landscape of east London into a bewitching backdrop for scenes of drug dealing, violence, splintered families and social realism... There’s a feel of The Wire about this stinging portrayal of London’s underbelly and, beautifully shot and incredibly stark, we predict a rave reception for this award-worthy drama.” TV Times, 29.10.11 Re eps 1: “Ronan Bennett’s superb drugs drama... Top Boy isn’t the kind of edgy inner-city fable that leaves you wanting to prise off your nails for light relief. There is kindness and humour. The characters feel rounded...In its subject and subtlety it will remind some viewers of the Wire – exalted company to keep...” Radio Times, 29.10.11 Re eps 2: “... The terrific east London saga continues...” Radio Times, 29.10.11 Re eps 3: “It’s all completely believable. The trouble is, when everything feels so real, the violence when it comes is twice as shocking:...” Radio Times, 29.11.10 Re eps 4: “If you’ve come this far with Ronan Bennett’s subtle, shattering drugs drama, you may be wondering how he’s going to tie off his storylines and stay true to his characters. Fear not, he knows what he’s doing, and unshowy performances all round make us want to weep for his trapped young criminals even as they kill, maim and betray each other...” Radio Times, 29.10.11 Summary: “It’s not easy to tell tough stories of inner city life on TV and find a big audience. This sharp, sensitive drama about East London drug dealers deserves one.” Radio Times, 29.10.11 Summary 2: “Writing and acting are both horribly good.” Radio Times, 29.11.10 “...Brutally realistic...” TV & Satellite Week, 29.10.11 “Channel 4’s powerful, controversial Top Boy...” TV & Satellite Week, 29.10.11 “Over four nights events unfold on London’s violent Summerhouse estate, in a drama many will bale gritty. It is, but there’s also light and laughter and some truly extraordinary performances ...” Total TV Guide, 29.10.11 “...Everything you could want from a Channel 4 series: compelling, contemporary, sharp, and totally real.... The young ensemble cast is superb, and the story will keep you gripped until the end.” Heat, 29.10.11 “The Wire meets Kidulthood – proper gripping stuff!” Nuts, 28.10.11 “This four-part serise sees Ashley Walters acting his socks off in a raw drama about inner-city drug and gang culture.” Grazia, 31.10.11