Scorsese’s TV Twist: A New Take on a Classic Crime Show

The famous filmmaker Martin Scorsese, known for movies like Goodfellas and Raging Bull, stepped into television to help create a top crime series on HBO. The show, set in the 1920s during Prohibition, follows a corrupt Atlantic City official who mixes politics with bootlegging. Scorsese’s role was mostly at the beginning, but his influence stayed throughout. Scorsese first directed the pilot episode. He used a film‑style look that set the tone for the rest of the series, making it feel more cinematic than typical TV shows. Even after he stopped directing, he still checked episode edits and helped choose actors for key parts. The series features a powerful lead played by Steve Buscemi. His character, based on a real historical figure, is the city’s most powerful man and uses his position for personal gain. The story also shows how he partners with various mob groups from New York and Chicago to run the illegal liquor trade.

Behind the scenes, writer Terence Winter, who had worked on The Sopranos, shaped the show’s narrative. He brought a strong sense of character and story to the series, creating complex anti‑heroes that keep viewers interested. Winter’s experience with gritty dramas helped make the show feel authentic. The cast is impressive, even by HBO standards. Actors such as Michael Pitt, Kelly Macdonald, and Michael Shannon play important roles that deepen the plot. Some of these performers later joined Scorsese’s film projects, showing a lasting professional connection. Although the series is often compared to other great crime dramas like The Wire and Peaky Blinders, it sometimes doesn’t get the same spotlight. Yet its storylines are just as gripping, and its characters are equally compelling. The show remains a standout example of how television can match the depth and style of cinema.

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