Boardwalk Empire: Season 3
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 19, 2010
  • Season #: 1 , 2 , 3
Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Sep 13, 2012
    100
    A re-energized and immensely entertaining start to the third season.
  2. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Sep 13, 2012
    100
    Put his [Bobby Cannavale's] floridness up against Buscemi's poker-faced acidity and you get fireworks. [24 Sep 2012, p.57]
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Sep 12, 2012
    90
    Simply put, the third season further confirms the show is as handsome, well cast and impeccably crafted as anything on TV.
  4. RedEye
    Reviewed by: Curt Wagner
    Sep 13, 2012
    88
    Season 3 is off to a roaring good start.
  5. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Sep 14, 2012
    83
    Although Buscemi remains firmly in charge of this lead role, he's not the most interesting principal anymore. That pendulum swings to his wife of convenience, Margaret Schoeder (Kelly Macdonald).
  6. Hitfix
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    Sep 13, 2012
    83
    The actors all get their moments to shine, even if their stories don't always feel attached to one another

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 96 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. killdrphil
    8
    Good first episode of the season. I'm one of the few who had gotten tired of the character Jimmy so it's nice to see the show start afresh. It's hard to see where things will go this season just from this first episode but the writing, characters and acting is all still top notch.… Full Review »
  2. Digitalkid
    10
    Bobby Cannavale is AWESOME from start to the last episode! Great season, great scenario, great acting, breathtaking quality. HBO at it's best. Hope it's not even close to the end!… Full Review »
  3. boxcutter24
    10
    With the death of young Jimmy threatening to leave a void, Season 3 was under pressure to deliver. It was clear to me within the first 4 episodes the show had made a clear decision to creatively move on pass Jimmy. If anything, his death showed us that anything is possible on The Boardwalk and no one is safe from judgement or execution. Season 4 showcased the flexing muscles of a beautiful ensemble cast. Steve Buscemi's star shine brighter in this season than previous ones in episodes like "The Milkmaid's Lot" & "Two Imposters." Boardwalk is a slow burning oven, it may take a while to get there but you always arrive at a pleasant surprise that rewards the patient viewer.… Full Review »
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