Task (Miniseries): Episodes, Cast, and Season 2 Status

You’ve likely seen the promos for HBO’s new crime drama Task, starring Mark Ruffalo. As you start the first episode, you might be wondering how many episodes there are and whether it’s the next Mare of Easttown. Here’s a complete, fact-checked guide to the miniseries, from episode count and cast to streaming options and the outlook for a second season.

Episodes: 6 ·
Network: HBO ·
Release Year: 2025 ·
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, Emilia Jones

The key details about Task are straightforward, though some numbers vary across databases.

How many episodes are in HBO Task?

Episode count

Task’s first season consists of 6 episodes, according to Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb. However, some early press materials have described it as a “seven-part drama” (Cosmopolitan) or a “seven-episode limited series” (ELLE), suggesting possible confusion about the count. IMDb lists Mark Ruffalo’s character in 8 episodes, while Tom Pelphrey’s character appears in 6 – indicating the actual episode number may be inconsistent across sources.

Any episode 7?

There is no episode 7 in the first season. The discrepancy likely stems from some outlets counting a separate “premiere” episode or including behind-the-scenes content. For viewers, the six-part story is complete as broadcast.

The pattern: official HBO sources consistently list 6 episodes, making the higher count an outlier.

Is Task worth watching?

Critical reception

Early reviews praise the performances, especially Mark Ruffalo as FBI agent Tom Brandis and Tom Pelphrey as the conflicted Robbie Prendergrast (Rotten Tomatoes). The Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus highlights the show’s taut pacing and suburban Philadelphia setting.

Audience reviews

On IMDb, Task holds a solid rating, with viewers commending the ensemble cast and the moral complexity of the story. The show’s connection to Brad Ingelsby’s earlier work, Mare of Easttown, has drawn comparisons that work in its favor.

What this means: critical consensus and audience ratings both affirm the show’s quality, making it a safe recommendation for crime-drama fans.

Where can I watch the Task miniseries?

Streaming on Max

Task is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) in the United States. New episodes air on HBO and appear on Max the same day.

Availability in the UK

In the United Kingdom, Task airs on Sky Atlantic and is available on the streaming service NOW. Viewers without cable can also purchase episodes through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.

Other platforms

Check local providers in other regions, as distribution deals vary. The series is produced by HBO, so it typically follows the HBO window.

The catch: for US viewers, Max provides the simplest access; international availability is tied to HBO’s existing agreements.

Will there be a season 2 of Task?

Renewal status

HBO has not officially renewed Task for a second season. The series is listed on Rotten Tomatoes as “2025–Present,” which implies it could continue, but that designation is often applied automatically.

Creator’s plans

Creator Brad Ingelsby has indicated that the series was conceived as a limited story, not an ongoing franchise. In interviews, he has emphasized that the six-episode arc was designed to be self-contained, similar to Mare of Easttown. That said, no official announcement has been made, and ambiguity remains.

The implication: the most reliable evidence—Ingelsby’s stated intentions and the lack of an HBO renewal—points to a limited series, but the door remains slightly ajar.

Is Task a sequel to Mare of Easttown?

Connections between the two shows

Task is not a direct sequel to Mare of Easttown. Both are created by Brad Ingelsby and set in similar working-class suburbs of Philadelphia (ELLE).

Shared creator Brad Ingelsby

Ingelsby brings the same gritty realism and focus on community to Task, but the characters and storyline are entirely new. The tone and pacing are comparable, which is why many viewers see them as spiritual siblings.

The implication: if you loved Mare of Easttown, Task will feel familiar – but it’s a standalone story with its own cast and conflicts.

Pros and cons

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• 6 episodes in the first season (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Premiered September 7, 2025 (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Network: HBO
• Creators: Brad Ingelsby
• Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, Emilia Jones, Thuso Mbedu

What remains unclear

• Whether the series will be renewed for a second season
• Exact episode count – some credible sources (Cosmopolitan, ELLE) say 7
• Whether the show is definitively a miniseries or an ongoing series
• Exact runtime per episode (varies between 50–70 minutes)

The pattern: while multiple facts are well-sourced, the ambiguity around episode count and renewal status creates a need for cautious interpretation.

Quotes from viewers and critics

“I think Task is a miniseries – the plot wraps up nicely in 6 episodes. No way they stretch it to a second season.”

– Reddit user, r/television

“Task is a taut, well-acted crime thriller that keeps you guessing until the final scene.”

– Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus

Summary

Task gives crime drama fans six tight episodes of Philadelphia-area suspense, anchored by standout performances from Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey. For viewers who enjoyed Mare of Easttown, the show delivers a similar tone in a fresh story. The main unknowns – episode count confusion and season 2 renewal – shouldn’t stop you from watching. For potential subscribers, the decision is simple: if you have Max or Sky Atlantic, start streaming. If you’re waiting for a definitive miniseries label, you’ll enjoy the complete story as it stands, no cliffhanger. Brad Ingelsby’s six-episode arc provides a complete narrative, making the series satisfying even without a season 2.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• The Day of the Jackal (TV Series) Episodes: List & Season 2
• The Pale Blue Eye: Review, True Story & Killer Explained

Catch: these related articles offer further context on crime-thriller series guides and reviews.