Musim
Episod
Pelayan pemain
Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire

20108
DramaKejahatan
Diterbitkan
19 Sep 2010
Negara
Amerika Syarikat
Produksi
Closest to the Hole ProductionsSikelia ProductionsLeverage EntertainmentCold Front ProductionsHBO
Atlantic City pada permulaan Prohibition adalah tempat di mana peraturan tidak terpakai. Lelaki yang mengurus segala-galanya – secara sah dan tidak – ialah bendahari bandar, Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, yang merupakan gabungan sepenuhnya antara ahli politik dan gangster.

About

Quick guide

Boardwalk Empire follows Atlantic City’s power broker in the Prohibition era.

Set in the 1920s and early 1930s, the series chronicles the rise of Nucky Thompson, a charismatic town official who blends politics with organized crime to keep the city thriving amid the nationwide ban on alcohol. The show blends historical figures such as Al Capone and the real‑life Atlantic City political boss with fictional storylines, delivering a gritty, character‑driven narrative that explores the blurred lines between law, politics, and bootlegging.

What to know

  • 5 seasons, 56 episodes
  • Aired on HBO from 2010‑2014
  • Set in Atlantic City during 1920‑1931
  • Steve Buscemi stars as Nucky Thompson
  • Based on Nelson Johnson’s nonfiction book
  • Features real mob figures like Al Capone
  • Cinematic tone with period detail
  • TV‑MA rating for mature content

Watch if

If you appreciate richly developed characters, period detail, and political intrigue wrapped in crime drama, Boardwalk Empire offers a nuanced look at Prohibition‑era power struggles that will keep you engaged.

Skip if

If you’re looking for light‑hearted fare, high‑energy action, or a straightforward thriller without the layers of political nuance and period authenticity, this series might feel slow and heavy.

crime violencedark tonedialogue heavylanguage strongpolitical themesmature themessuspensefulintense action
Setting & Era
The series takes place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the 1920s and 1931, a time when Prohibition reshaped the economy and social fabric of America.
Main Characters
Steve Buscemi portrays Nucky Thompson, a corrupt politician who controls the city’s bootlegging empire. Supporting roles include Michael Pitt as Jimmy Darmody and Kelly Macdonald as Margaret Thompson.
Historical Accuracy
Boardwalk Empire draws on Nelson Johnson’s 2002 book, incorporating real figures like Al Capone while blending them into fictional plots for dramatic effect.
Political Intrigue
The show shows how local politics and organized crime intertwine, with Nucky using his public office to protect and expand his illegal interests.
Violence & Style
Violent scenes are frequent, featuring gunplay and intimidation, and the dialogue is sharp and often includes strong language.
Episode Structure
Each of the five seasons contains a mix of standalone episodes and overarching story arcs, totaling 56 episodes that run approximately 55–73 minutes each.
Critical Reception
The series received widespread acclaim, earning 57 Emmy nominations and 20 wins, and was named one of the top TV dramas of its decade.
Cultural Impact
Boardwalk Empire has influenced period dramas and crime series, prompting discussions on historical representation and the moral ambiguity of power.

FAQ

79 Q&A
What historical event is central to Boardwalk Empire?
The Prohibition era in the United States is central to Boardwalk Empire.
What is Nucky Thompson's job?
Nucky Thompson is the boss of Atlantic City and a political boss.
What war did Jimmy Darmody fight in?
Jimmy Darmody fought in World War I.
Who is Richard Harrow?
Richard Harrow is a World War I veteran who becomes a skilled, but troubled, gunman.
Who played Nucky Thompson?
Steve Buscemi played Nucky Thompson.
What is the Commodore's real name?
The Commodore's real name is Commodore Louis Kaestner.
Who is Nelson Van Alden?
Nelson Van Alden is a former Prohibition agent who becomes a gangster.
What is Boardwalk Empire about?
Boardwalk Empire is about the intertwining lives of politicians and gangsters in Atlantic City during Prohibition.
What is Nelson Van Alden's job?
Nelson Van Alden starts as a Prohibition agent and later becomes a criminal.
Who is Arnold Rothstein?
Arnold Rothstein is a New York gangster and gambler who was involved in fixing the 1919 World Series.
Who played Al Capone?
Stephen Graham played Al Capone.
Who is Eli Thompson?
Eli Thompson is Nucky Thompson's younger brother and a sheriff.
What time period does Boardwalk Empire take place?
Boardwalk Empire takes place from 1920 to 1931, during the Prohibition era.
What is Eli Thompson's job?
Eli Thompson is the Sheriff of Atlantic County.
Who is Margaret Schroeder?
Margaret Schroeder is an Irish immigrant who becomes involved with Nucky Thompson.
What city is Boardwalk Empire set in?
Boardwalk Empire is set in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Who is the main character in Boardwalk Empire?
Nucky Thompson is generally considered the main character of Boardwalk Empire.
Who is the Commodore's son?
The Commodore's son is Jimmy Darmody.
Who is Jimmy Darmody?
Jimmy Darmody is the son of the Commodore and a WWI veteran who becomes involved in organized crime.
What country is Margaret from?
Margaret Schroeder is from Ireland.
What famous baseball scandal was Arnold Rothstein involved in?
Arnold Rothstein was involved in the 1919 World Series scandal, known as the Black Sox Scandal.
What is Chalky White's role in Atlantic City?
Chalky White is a powerful Black gangster and entrepreneur in Atlantic City's Northside.
What happened to Richard Harrow's face?
Richard Harrow's face was disfigured during World War I.
Who is Chalky White?
Chalky White is a prominent African American crime boss in Atlantic City.
Who is Gillian Darmody?
Gillian Darmody is Jimmy Darmody's mother and a madam.
Where did Richard Harrow die?
Richard Harrow died in a shootout during the Battle of Omaha Beach in World War II.
How historically accurate is Boardwalk Empire?
Boardwalk Empire is a fictionalized account of the Prohibition era, inspired by real people and events.
What network aired Boardwalk Empire?
Boardwalk Empire aired on HBO.
What happened to Nucky Thompson at the end?
Nucky Thompson was last seen walking away from his business dealings and towards an uncertain future.
Was Boardwalk Empire based on a true story?
The series is loosely based on the life of Enoch "Nucky" Johnson, a Republican political boss in Atlantic City during the Prohibition era.
What did the Volstead Act do?
The Volstead Act defined "intoxicating liquors" and established the rules for enforcing Prohibition in the United States.
Why was Prohibition a big deal?
Prohibition was a nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages, which lasted from 1920 to 1933.
Why did Nucky kill Jimmy?
Nucky killed Jimmy because Jimmy betrayed him and aligned himself with rival gangsters.
What is the worst season of Boardwalk Empire?
There is no consensus on the worst season of Boardwalk Empire, as opinions vary among viewers.
What is the Artemis Club?
The Artemis Club was a speakeasy and brothel in Atlantic City run by Enoch "Nucky" Johnson.
What happened to Jimmy Darmody?
Jimmy Darmody was executed by Nucky Thompson for treason.
How many seasons of Boardwalk Empire are there?
There are five seasons of Boardwalk Empire.
Who is Eddie Kessler?
Eddie Kessler was Nucky Thompson's loyal valet and right-hand man.
What are some popular fan theories about Boardwalk Empire?
Fan theories often revolve around the ultimate fate of Nucky Thompson and the future of Atlantic City.
What awards did Boardwalk Empire win?
Boardwalk Empire won numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.
What happened to Lucy Danziger?
Lucy Danziger left Atlantic City with her child to live a simpler life.
Who is Meyer Lansky?
Meyer Lansky was a notorious organized crime figure and a close associate of Charles "Lucky" Luciano.
How did Arnold Rothstein die?
Arnold Rothstein was murdered in a gambling-related dispute.
Who is Lucky Luciano?
Charles "Lucky" Luciano was a powerful mob boss who was instrumental in the rise of organized crime in the United States.
What is the best season of Boardwalk Empire?
The best season of Boardwalk Empire is subjective and varies based on individual viewer preferences.
What was the Black Sox Scandal?
The Black Sox Scandal was a major league baseball match-fixing incident in 1919 where eight Chicago White Sox players were accused of throwing the World Series.
How did Nucky Thompson make money?
Nucky Thompson made money through bootlegging, gambling, and political corruption.
Who is Gyp Rosetti?
Gyp Rosetti was a violent and ambitious mobster who served as a rival to Nucky Thompson.
Who directed the pilot episode of Boardwalk Empire?
The pilot episode of Boardwalk Empire was directed by Martin Scorsese.
Who wrote Boardwalk Empire?
Boardwalk Empire was created by Terence Winter.
What was the most challenging place to film Boardwalk Empire?
Filming Boardwalk Empire in New York was tough because they needed to recreate a very old-timey Atlantic City. Finding places that looked right and getting the permits took a lot of work.
What happened to Eli Thompson?
Eli Thompson, Nucky's brother, ended up in jail for his crimes. Later, he was killed by a former associate of Al Capone.
What does Margaret Schroeder's character arc show?
Margaret Schroeder's story shows a woman who starts out dependent but becomes strong and makes her own choices, even if they are hard.
What does Nucky do to his childhood home?
Nucky Thompson burns down his childhood home to destroy the painful memories associated with it.
What was Nucky's childhood like?
Nucky Thompson had a very difficult childhood. He was poor, neglected, and abused by his father.
What does the ending of Boardwalk Empire mean?
The ending of Boardwalk Empire shows that Nucky Thompson finally faced consequences for his life of crime and violence, suggesting that such a path leads to destruction.
What is the significance of the TV set in the finale?
The television set in the finale represents the changing times and the rise of new forms of entertainment and communication, contrasting with Nucky's old world.
What is the meaning behind the ladybug quote?
The ladybug quote, 'Never count your chickens before they hatch,' is a reminder from Nucky's father that one should not be too confident about future success before it actually happens.
What happened to Nelson Van Alden?
Nelson Van Alden became a gangster and eventually worked for Al Capone. He was killed by a hitman sent by Capone.
What happened to Tommy Darmody?
Tommy Darmody, after his mother's death, was taken in by Nucky. He grew up and later took revenge on those responsible for his mother's death, including killing Nucky.
Who obsesses over Margaret Schroeder?
While not a primary obsession, several characters like Arnold Rothstein and later Owen Sleater show interest in Margaret Schroeder, often for manipulative or protective reasons.
Did any characters have real-life counterparts?
Yes, many characters in Boardwalk Empire were based on real people. These include Nucky Johnson, Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and Enoch 'Nucky' Johnson himself.
Who is the Commodore's grandson?
The Commodore's grandson is presumed to be James 'Jimmy' Darmody, although this is never explicitly stated in the show.
What happened to the Commodore?
The Commodore, a powerful political boss, died of pneumonia early in the series. His death created a power vacuum.
Who is the most tragic character in Boardwalk Empire?
Many viewers consider Jimmy Darmody to be the most tragic character. He struggled with his identity and was ultimately killed by his own father figure, Nucky.
What was the significance of the coin in the finale?
The coin Nucky flips represents his luck and the choices he made throughout his life. It also symbolizes the end of his era as he faces his death.
Why did Nucky have Margaret's husband killed?
Nucky had Margaret's husband, Aidan Featherstone, killed because Featherstone was not only unfaithful but also stole from Nucky and threatened his business.
Are there any plot holes in Boardwalk Empire?
While the show is well-written, some minor inconsistencies or plot points that are quickly resolved might be considered plot holes by some viewers, but generally, the narrative is strong.
Who played the younger versions of characters?
Actors like Nicholas Tucci played younger versions of characters such as Edgar Thomson, and various child actors portrayed younger versions of main characters during flashbacks.
Who had the best character arc?
Many argue that Margaret Schroeder had one of the most compelling character arcs, transforming from a timid homemaker into a shrewd and independent businesswoman.
How much CGI was used in Boardwalk Empire?
Boardwalk Empire used CGI to recreate historical settings and remove modern elements from footage, but it was used carefully to maintain a sense of realism.
Did the showrunners consider other actors for Nucky Thompson?
Yes, it is widely reported that other actors were considered for the role of Nucky Thompson before Steve Buscemi was cast.
What storylines were dropped in Boardwalk Empire?
Some minor storylines, like specific investigations into corruption or certain criminal dealings, were sometimes simplified or dropped to focus on the main characters' journeys.
What is the significance of the baby incubators in the pilot?
The baby incubators in the pilot episode highlight the era's medical advancements and Nucky's role as a protector, as he uses his influence to save the babies.
Were sets built or were they real locations?
Boardwalk Empire used a mix of both. They built elaborate sets to recreate Atlantic City and other locations, but also filmed in real places in and around New York.
What is the main theme of Boardwalk Empire?
The show is about the rise of organized crime in Atlantic City during the Prohibition era. It shows how people like Enoch 'Nucky' Thompson got rich and powerful by breaking the law.
Did Boardwalk Empire change its storylines during production?
Information about specific storyline changes during the production of Boardwalk Empire is not readily available in general summaries. Shows often make adjustments, but no widespread reports indicate major shifts in the core plot of Boardwalk Empire.
What are some memorable moments from Boardwalk Empire?
Memorable moments include Nucky's rise and fall, the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, and Jimmy Darmody's tragic end. The show also features intense shootouts and character betrayals.
What is the difference between Boardwalk Empire and Peaky Blinders?
Boardwalk Empire is set in America during Prohibition and focuses on gangsters like Al Capone and Nucky Thompson. Peaky Blinders is set in England after World War I and follows the Shelby crime family. Both show crime and power, but in different places and times.

Pelakon

Steve Buscemi
Steve Buscemi
Enoch 'Nucky' Thompson
Kelly Macdonald
Kelly Macdonald
Margaret Schroeder / Margaret Thompson
Michael Shannon
Michael Shannon
Nelson Van Alden
Shea Whigham
Shea Whigham
Elias 'Eli' Thompson
Stephen Graham
Stephen Graham
Al Capone
Vincent Piazza
Vincent Piazza
Charles 'Lucky' Luciano
Michael Kenneth Williams
Michael Kenneth Williams
Albert 'Chalky' White
Paul Sparks
Paul Sparks
Mieczysław 'Mickey' Doyle
Gretchen Mol
Gretchen Mol
Gillian Darmody
Jeffrey Wright
Jeffrey Wright
Valentin Narcisse
Ben Rosenfield
Ben Rosenfield
William 'Willie' Thompson