HBO has officially renewed Task for a second season, with Mark Ruffalo set to reprise his role as FBI agent Tom Brandis. The announcement was made on November 20, 2025, during a press presentation in New York by HBO and HBO Max chairman and CEO Casey Bloys.
A Breakout Hit Returns
The gritty crime drama Task, created by Brad Ingelsby (Mare of Easttown), debuted in September 2025 and quickly became one of HBO’s fastest-growing new series. The show’s finale on October 19 drew 4 million first-night viewers, while the season premiere has since reached 11.2 million viewers across HBO and HBO Max, cementing its place as a word-of-mouth hit.
Critics praised the series for its humanistic storytelling combined with tense, explosive plotting, earning a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Mark Ruffalo’s Return
Ruffalo, who won acclaim for his portrayal of the haunted FBI agent Tom Brandis, will return for Season 2. His character leads a task force investigating violent robberies in Pennsylvania’s rural drug dens, a storyline that resonated with audiences for its mix of suspense and emotional depth.
Sources confirm Ruffalo recently negotiated a new deal to continue in the role, underscoring HBO’s confidence in the series’ longevity.
Creative Team and Cast
Showrunner Brad Ingelsby expressed gratitude for HBO’s support, saying: “They are an unmatched creative home. On behalf of the entire Task team, in front of and behind the camera, I am honored and excited to get back to work on a second season of our show.”
Season 1 featured a strong ensemble cast including Tom Pelphrey, Emilia Jones, Jamie McShane, Thuso Mbedu, Fabien Frankel, Alison Oliver, and Martha Plimpton. While HBO has not yet confirmed which cast members will return, Ingelsby hinted that Season 2 will continue to explore the psychological cost of violence and belonging in Pennsylvania’s communities.
HBO’s Confidence in Task
Francesca Orsi, EVP of HBO Programming, praised Ingelsby’s storytelling: “Rarely does a writer balance humanistic storytelling with intricate, explosive plotting, but Brad Ingelsby is one of our industry’s greats. We have no doubt he will strike as profoundly and addictively once again in Season 2.”
Looking Ahead
With its renewal, Task joins HBO’s roster of prestige dramas, following in the footsteps of Mare of Easttown and True Detective. Season 2 promises to deepen the show’s exploration of crime, community, and fractured identities, with Ruffalo’s return ensuring continuity for fans who embraced the series’ dark, atmospheric tone.
In short: HBO’s Task will be back for Season 2, with Mark Ruffalo leading the charge once again, after a critically acclaimed and record-breaking debut season.
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