What is the connection between Task season 1 and Mare of Easttown series? Details explored

HBO and Max debut Task season 1 on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET. Created by Brad Ingelsby, the seven-episode limited series centers on FBI agent Tom Brandis, played by Mark Ruffalo, who is assigned to dismantle a string of violent robberies connected to Robbie Prendergrast, portrayed by Tom Pelphrey. The cast also includes Emilia Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Raúl Castillo, Jamie McShane, Sam Keeley, and Fabien Frankel.

Task is tied to Ingelsby’s earlier work Mare of Easttown. Both shows take place in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, drawing from the same cultural and geographic backdrop. While their storylines are independent, they are set within a shared universe, creating natural parallels in theme, character environment, and community focus.

Is Task season 1 a sequel of Mare of Easttown?

Task and Mare of Easttown (Image via HBO Max)

Task and Mare of Easttown share a creative link through writer and creator Brad Ingelsby, who grew up in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the setting for both series. Ingelsby has stated that Task continues to examine themes such as grief, trauma, and working-class life in the same community featured in Mare of Easttown.

While Mare of Easttown follows Kate Winslet’s Mare Sheehan investigating a murder, Task focuses on Mark Ruffalo’s Tom Brandis leading an FBI task force. Despite focusing on different narratives, Ingelsby has confirmed that the two shows exist within the same fictional universe and has noted that characters from both could theoretically interact.

The connection also extends to production. Both series were filmed in Delaware County, using real locations to reflect the culture and daily life of the area. Ingelsby has explained that this decision was intentional to maintain authenticity and continuity.

There are currently no official plans for a crossover, but actors and creators have acknowledged the shared setting and universe. As a result, Task is positioned as a continuation of Ingelsby’s storytelling within the same community rather than a direct sequel to Mare of Easttown.

Where to watch Task season 1? Streaming, linear TV broadcast details, and more

Still from the trailer of Task (Image via YouTube/HBO Max)

Task season 1 is an HBO original series, and episodes air every Sunday night on the HBO channel. For streaming, the show is available on Max, with simultaneous release times across all supported regions. Subscriptions to Max vary, with ad-supported and ad-free plans available on monthly or annual terms.

Internationally, access may vary by region. In territories where HBO content is distributed through partner networks, Task season 1 will also become available through those platforms, aligning with the television service's schedule.

All cast members in Task season 1 and their characters

Mark Ruffalo as Tom Brandis

HBO's Task New York Premiere (Image via Getty)

Mark Ruffalo takes on the role of Tom Brandis, a haunted FBI agent tasked with leading the case.

Tom Pelphrey as Robbie Prendergrast

The cast of HBO's Task at the New York Premiere (Image via Getty)

Tom Pelphrey plays Robbie Prendergrast, a family man revealed to be behind a series of violent robberies.

Supporting characters

Emilia Jones
Thuso Mbedu
Raúl Castillo
Jamie McShane
Sam Keeley
Fabien Frankel
Amanda Mahlaba
Silvia Dionicio
Phoebe Fox
Martha Plimpton

What to expect from the season premiere?

Still from the trailer of Task season 1 (Image via YouTube/HBO Max)

The first season of Task focuses on the moral collision between two men. Tom Brandis, an experienced FBI agent, is brought in to stop a string of home invasion robberies. Robbie Prendergrast, a trash collector and father, organizes these robberies targeting gang houses to provide for his children.

Set in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the series explores themes of fatherhood, broken dreams, and guilt. Like Ingelsby’s earlier work, the show reflects on working-class communities and the personal sacrifices made under pressure.

The series premiered on September 7, 2025, with a weekly release leading up to its finale on October 19, 2025, only on HBO Max.

About the author

With over five years of work experience, Bea Melisse Ibañez is a seasoned writer covering K-pop, K-dramas, and the latest trends in the entertainment industry at Sportskeeda. Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, Bea combines her academic background with her fascination for Hallyu culture, creating insightful and accurate content.

In her career, Bea has had the opportunity to interview prominent figures in the K-pop industry, including groups like TWICE and artists such as GOT7's BamBam, Lee Seung-gi, and Hwang Min-hyun.

As a pop-culture enthusiast, her love for Korean dramas and music began in high school, where she discovered 2nd and 3rd-generation K-pop groups. She also admires actors like Eddie Redmayne, Lee Joon-gi, and Park Eun-bin, and her favorite celebrity is Miley Cyrus.

In her free time, Bea likes to rewatch her favorite shows. If given a chance, she would like to be a part of the dazzling world of Hazbin Hotel.

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Edited by Bea Melisse Ibañez