Ray Donovanis an Americancrime dramatelevision series created byAnn BidermanforShowtime.The drama, starringLiev Schreiberin the title role, is set primarily inLos Angeles(during seasons 1–5) and inNew York City(during seasons 6–7). The main character, Ray Donovan, is a professional "fixer"who arranges bribes, payoffs, threats, crime-scene clean-up, and other illegal activities to protect his (usually) celebrity clients. Good at his job, he is also normally devoted to his children and brothers but has a complicated relationship with his wife. He encounters problems when his menacing father, Mickey Donovan (Jon Voight), is unexpectedly released from prison. TheFBIattempts to bring down Mickey and his associates, and Donovan struggles to escape the undertow.
Ray Donovan | |
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Genre | Crime drama Family drama Psychological drama Neo-noir |
Created by | Ann Biderman |
Starring | |
Composer | Marcelo Zarvos |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
No.of seasons | 7 |
No.of episodes | 82(list of episodes) |
Production | |
Executive producers |
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Producer | Allen Coulter |
Production locations | Los Angeles, California New York City, New York |
Running time | 45–60 minutes |
Production companies |
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Original release | |
Network | Showtime |
Release | June 30, 2013 January 19, 2020 | –
Related | |
The series' twelve-episode first season premiered on June 30, 2013.[1][2][3]The pilot episode broke viewership records, becoming the biggest premiere of all time on Showtime.[4]In February 2020, the series was cancelled after seven seasons. The show's storyline concluded with the feature-lengthRay Donovan: The Movie,which premiered on January 14, 2022, on Showtime.[5][6][7]
Episodes
editCast and characters
editMain
edit- Liev Schreiberas Raymond "Ray" Donovan
- Paula Malcomsonas Abigail "Abby" Donovan, Ray's wife (seasons 1–5)
- Eddie Marsanas Terrence "Terry" Donovan, Ray's older brother. He is a formerboxer,and suffers fromParkinson's disease.
- Dash Mihokas Brendan "Bunchy" Donovan, Ray's younger brother. He identifies as asexual anorexic.
- Pooch Hallas Daryll Donovan, Ray's younger half-brother (son of Mickey and Claudette)
- Steven Baueras Avi Rudin, Ray's right-hand man, a formerIDFsoldier and ex–Mossadagent (seasons 1–5)
- Katherine Moennigas Lena Burnham, Ray's investigative assistant
- Kerris Dorseyas Bridget Donovan, Ray's daughter
- Devon Bagby as Conor Donovan, Ray's son (seasons 1–6)
- Jon Voightas Michael "Mickey" Donovan, Ray's father
- Susan Sarandonas Samantha "Sam" Winslow, Ray's new boss (recurring season 5; season 6)
- Graham Rogersas Jacob "Smitty" Smith, Bridget's boyfriend turned husband (recurring season 5; seasons 6–7)[8]
Recurring
edit- Elliott Gouldas Ezra Goldman (seasons 1–3)
- Peter Jacobsonas Lee Drexler (seasons 1–3)
- Denise Crosbyas Debra "Deb" Goldman (seasons 1–5)
- William Stanford Davisas Potato Pie (seasons 1–5)
- Ambyr Childersas Ashley Rucker (seasons 1–2, 4)
- Josh Paisas Stuart "Stu" Feldman (seasons 1–2, 4, 6–7)
- Sheryl Lee Ralphas Claudette (seasons 1–2, 7)
- Paul Michael Glaseras Alan (seasons 1–2, 7)
- Austin Nicholsas Thomas "Tommy" Wheeler (seasons 1–4, 7)
- Brooke Smithas Frances Simpson (seasons 1–3)
- Michael McGradyas Frank Barnes (seasons 1–5)
- Craig Ricci Shaynakas Kenneth "Tiny" Benson (seasons 1–2)
- Octavius J. Johnson as Marvin Gaye Washington (seasons 1–2)
- Frank Whaleyas FBI Agent Van Miller (season 1)
- Johnathon Schaechas Sean Walker (season 1)
- James Woodsas Patrick "Sully" Sullivan (season 1)
- Rosanna Arquetteas Linda (season 1–2)
- Kwame Patterson as Re-Kon (seasons 1–2)
- Mo McRaeas Deonte Frasier (seasons 1–2)
- Jay Thomasas Marty Grossman (seasons 1–3, 5)
- Hank Azariaas Ed Cochran (seasons 2–4)
- Sherilyn Fennas Donna Cochran (season 2)
- Ann-Margretas June Wilson (season 2)
- Kip Pardueas FBI Agent Thomas Volcheck (season 2)
- Andrea Bogart as Megan Volchek (season 2)
- Wendell Pierceas Ronald Keith (seasons 2–3)
- Crispin Alapag as Pablo Ramirez (season 2)
- Vinessa Shawas Kate McPherson (season 2)
- Jeryl Prescottas Cherry (season 2)
- Omar Dorseyas Cookie Brown (season 2)
- Jamie Donnellyas Peggy Shaugnessy (season 2)
- Eion Baileyas Steve Knight (season 2)
- Brian Geraghtyas Detective Jim Halloran (season 2)
- Steph DuVall as Shorty (season 2)
- Heather McCombas Patty (season 2)
- Jayne Taini as Harriet Greenberg (seasons 2–5)
- Ian McShaneas Andrew Finney (season 3)[9]
- Katie Holmesas Paige Finney (season 3)[10]
- Guy Burnetas Casey Finney (season 3)
- Jason Butler Harneras Varick Strauss (season 3)
- Leland Orseras Father Romero (seasons 3–4)
- Michael Hyattas Detective Sheila Muncie (seasons 3–4)
- Christy Williams as Michelle (season 3)
- Nick Kent as Davros Minassian (season 3)
- Ken Davitianas Vartan Minassian (season 3)
- Grace Zabriskieas Mrs. Minassian (season 3)
- Shree Crooks as Audrey (season 3)
- Aaron Statonas Greg Donellen (seasons 3–4)
- Alyssa Diazas Teresa (seasons 3–6)
- Lulu Brudas Lauren (seasons 3 and 6)
- Fairuza Balkas Ginger (season 3)
- Bronson Pinchotas Flip Brightman (season 3)
- Embeth Davidtzas Sonia Kovitzky (season 4)
- Richard Brakeas Vlad (season 4)
- Stacy Keachas The Texan (season 4)
- Pasha D. Lychnikoffas Ivan Belikov (season 4)
- Ismael Cruz Córdovaas Hector Campos (season 4)
- Lisa Bonetas Marisol Campos (season 4)
- Dominique Columbus as Damon Bradley (seasons 4–5)
- Tom Wrightas Punch Hoffman (seasons 4–5)
- Derek Webster as Jackson Holt (seasons 4–5)
- Tara Buckas Maureen Dougherty Donovan (seasons 4–5)
- Raymond J. Barryas Dmitri Sokolov (season 4)
- Ted Levineas Little Bill Primm (season 4)[11]
- Gabriel Mannas Jacob Waller (season 4)[12]
- Paula Jai Parkeras Sylvie Starr (season 4)
- C. Thomas Howellas Dr. Brogan (seasons 5–6)
- Donald Faisonas Antoine A'Shawn Anderson (seasons 5–6)
- Rhys Coiroas Rob Heard (season 5)
- Lili Simmonsas Natalie James (season 5)
- Michel Gillas Doug Landry (season 5)
- Brian J. Whiteas Jay White (seasons 5–6)
- Kim Raveras Dr. Bergstein (season 5)
- James Keachas Tom (season 5)
- Jordan Mahome as Damon's father (season 5)
- Adina Porteras Vicki Delgatti (season 5)
- Ryan Dorseyas Duquesne "Dime Bag" Baker (season 5)
- Keir O'Donnellas George Winslow (seasons 5–6)
- Jake Buseyas Acid Man/Chef Dave (season 5)
- Billy Milleras Todd Dougherty (season 5)
- Ryan Radis as Beckett (season 5)
- Domenick Lombardozzias NYPD Sgt. Sean "Mac" McGrath (season 6)
- Gerard Cordero as Big Al (season 6)
- Tony Curranas NYPD Lt. Mikey "Rad" Radulovic (season 6)
- Lola Glaudinias Anita Novak (season 6)
- Yasha Jacksonas K'Lei Hughes (season 6)
- Jacob Ming-Trent as Big Easy (season 6)
- Alexandra Turshen as Justine Smith (season 6)
- Kate Arrington as Amber McGrath (seasons 6–7)
- Sandy Martinas Sandy Donovan (seasons 6–7)
- Zach Grenieras Mayor Ed Feratti (seasons 6–7)
- Alan Aldaas Dr. Arthur Amiot (seasons 6–7)
- Chris Tardioas Danny Bianchi (season 6–7)
- Quincy Tyler Bernstineas Detective Perry (season 7)
- Louisa Krauseas Liberty Larson (season 7)
- Michael Esperas Adam Rain (season 7)
- Josh Hamiltonas Kevin Sullivan (season 7)
- Kerry Condonas Molly Sullivan (season 7)
- Clay Hollander as Johnathan Walker Hanson (season 7)
- Keren Dukes as Jasmine (season 7)
- Peter Geretyas James Sullivan (season 7)
- Kevin Corriganas Declan Sullivan (season 7)
Cancellation and feature-length film
editOn February 4, 2020, Showtime cancelled the series after seven seasons.[5]
The series was cancelled without any advance warning, leaving fans and showrunnerDavid Hollanderin shock. Season 8 was supposed to have been the final season, and Hollander already had a plan in place creatively for the story.[13][14]
A week later, Liev Schreiber wrote on hisInstagramaccount that due to fans' support and activity in media, there was a possibility for Ray Donovan to return.[15] On August 19, Schreiber commented on hisInstagramthat "an RD finale/movie" was being written.[16]
On February 24, 2021, Showtime announced a feature-length film to conclude the storyline, to premiere in 2022, with David Hollander directing it and co-writing with Schreiber.[6]The network brought them the idea of a film after fans' outrage. The two-hour format gave them an ability "to work in very cinematic language".[17]Beside the original cast returning,Chris Petrovski,AJ Michalka,David Patrick Kellyand Chris Gray had joined the film.[18][19][20][21]
On November 22, the official trailer and poster for the film, titledRay Donovan: The Moviewere released, with a premiere date of January 14, 2022 and tagline "You can't outrun your legacy".[7]
Home media
editParamount Home Entertainment(under the Showtime label) released the first season on DVD and Blu-ray on June 10, 2014.[22]The second season was released on both media on May 26, 2015, and the third season released on December 29, 2015. Further seasons were released only on DVD. The fourth season saw a release on December 27, 2016, the fifth season on January 30, 2018, the sixth season came out on April 9, 2019, and the seventh season on May 5, 2020.[23]
Remakes
editIn 2021,NetflixIndia announced that it would broadcast a remake of the series, titledRana Naiduwith starringRana Daggubatiand his uncleVenkatesh.The series was produced by Locomotive Global and the format rights are licensed byViacomCBS Global Distribution Group(now Paramount Global Content Licensing), withKaran Anshumanas showrunner and director and Suparn Verma as co-director.[24]
In 2023,Ronan Bennettwill write and create a British remake series forParamount+titledGuy Ritchie's The Associate,whileGuy Ritchiewill direct and executive produce the series.[25][26]In October 2024, it was reported thatTom Hardy,Helen MirrenandPierce Brosnanwere in final negotiations to star in the project.[26]
Reception
editCritical response
editSeason | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic |
---|---|---|
1 | 77% (43 reviews)[27] | 75 (36 reviews)[28] |
2 | 73% (11 reviews)[29] | 73 (7 reviews)[30] |
3 | 77% (13 reviews)[31] | 71 (8 reviews)[32] |
4 | 50% (6 reviews)[33] | — |
5 | 100% (5 reviews)[34] | — |
6 | 60% (5 reviews)[35] | — |
Ray Donovanhas received positive reviews from critics.Rotten Tomatoesgives the first season a rating of 77% based on reviews from 43 critics, with the site's consensus stating: "Ray Donovanmoves quickly between genres and tones, with Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight's performances making the whiplash worth it ".[27]Metacriticgives the first season a weighted average score of 75 out of 100, based on reviews from 36 critics, indicating "generally positive reviews".[28]
Tim Goodman, writing forThe Hollywood Reporter,said that "Showtimehas another gem on their hands "and the casting of Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight was" gold ".[36]
Accolades
editReferences
edit- ^"Showtime(R) 2013 Original Series Premiere Slate".The Futon Critic.Archivedfrom the original on February 16, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 12,2013.
- ^"Ray Donovan Season 8: Will it be renewed or is it officially cancelled?".Web News Observer.January 9, 2022.RetrievedJanuary 9,2022.
- ^Littleton, Cynthia (June 11, 2012)."Showtime gives series orders to 'Donovan,' 'Sex'".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on December 17, 2021.RetrievedDecember 17,2021.
- ^O'Connell, Michael (July 2013)."TV Ratings: 'Ray Donovan' Premiere Tops 'Homeland' With Showtime Record".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on April 15, 2019.RetrievedJuly 1,2013.
- ^abAndreeva, Nellie (February 4, 2020)."'Ray Donovan' Canceled By Showtime After 7 Seasons; Won't Get Final Season 8 ".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on February 4, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 4,2020.
- ^abAusiello, Michael (February 24, 2021)."Ray Donovan Lives! Showtime Orders 'Feature-Length Film' In Wake of Surprise Cancellation — Who's Back?".TVLine.Archivedfrom the original on February 24, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 25,2021.
- ^abParlevliet, Mirko (November 22, 2021)."Ray Donovan: The Movie Trailer, Art and Premiere Date".Vital Thrills.RetrievedNovember 22,2021.
- ^Petski, Denise; Andreeva, Nellie (April 2, 2018)."'Ray Donovan': Graham Rogers Upped to Series Regular for Season 6 ".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on April 3, 2018.RetrievedApril 2,2018.
- ^"Ian McShane Joins Showtime's 'Ray Donovan'".Deadline Hollywood.January 21, 2015.Archivedfrom the original on April 1, 2015.RetrievedMarch 25,2015.
- ^Wagmeister, Elizabeth (January 27, 2015)."Katie Holmes Joins 'Ray Donovan' Season 3".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on March 31, 2015.RetrievedMarch 25,2015.
- ^Petski, Denise (February 10, 2016)."Ted Levine & Ismael Cruz Cordova Join 'Ray Donovan' In Recurring Roles".Archivedfrom the original on August 28, 2016.RetrievedSeptember 13,2016.
- ^Wagmeister, Elizabeth (February 10, 2016)."'Revenge' Alum Gabriel Mann Joins Showtime's 'Ray Donovan' (EXCLUSIVE) ".Archivedfrom the original on October 13, 2016.RetrievedSeptember 13,2016.
- ^Tallerico, Brian (February 5, 2020)."Ray Donovan's Showrunner Has a Few Things to Say About That Surprise Cancellation'".vulture.com.Archivedfrom the original on January 28, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 15,2021.
- ^Bucksbaum, Sydney (February 5, 2020)."'Ray Donovan' boss baffled by cancellation, says season 7 was 'in no way a series finale'".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on February 6, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 6,2020.
- ^Nemetz, Dave (February 12, 2020)."Ray Donovan Un-Cancelled? 'There Will Be More,' Liev Schreiber Says".TVLine.Archivedfrom the original on February 13, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 13,2020.
- ^Buffa, Dan (September 28, 2020)."According to Liev Schreiber, Showtime's 'Ray Donovan' finale will be a movie".ksdk.com.Archivedfrom the original on March 5, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 15,2021.
- ^Tallerico, Brian (February 26, 2021)."Ray Donovan's Showrunner Credits Fan Outcry for the Show's 'Very Ambitious' Wrap-up Movie".vulture.com.Archivedfrom the original on February 27, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 26,2021.
- ^Petski, Denise (June 3, 2021)."'Ray Donovan': Chris Petrovski Joins Showtime's Follow-Up Movie ".Deadline.Archivedfrom the original on December 31, 2021.RetrievedJune 4,2021.
- ^Petski, Denise (June 18, 2021)."'Ray Donovan': AJ Michalka Joins Showtime's Follow-Up Movie ".Deadline.Archivedfrom the original on December 31, 2021.RetrievedJune 19,2021.
- ^Andreeva, Nellie (June 25, 2021)."'Ray Donovan': David Patrick Kelly Joins Showtime's Follow-Up Movie ".Deadline.Archivedfrom the original on December 31, 2021.RetrievedJune 26,2021.
- ^Petski, Denise (July 15, 2021)."'Ray Donovan' Casts Chris Gray As Young Ray In Follow-Up Movie; Saad Siddiqui Joins 'From Scratch'".Deadline.Archivedfrom the original on December 31, 2021.RetrievedJuly 16,2021.
- ^Lambert, David (March 10, 2014)."Ray Donovan – 'The 1st Season' of the Showtime Series on> DVD and Blu-ray".TVShowsOnDVD.com.Archived fromthe originalon March 15, 2014.RetrievedMarch 20,2014.
- ^Ingham, Alexandria (March 22, 2020)."Ray Donovan Season 7 heading to DVD in May 2020".TVShowsOnDVD.com.Archivedfrom the original on August 9, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 15,2021.
- ^Wiseman, Andrea (September 21, 2021)."Netflix India's 'Ray Donovan' Adaptation With Rana Daggubati; Endeavor Content Puts 'Cash In The Attic'; Pluto TV In Italy — Global Briefs".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on October 22, 2022.RetrievedSeptember 21,2021.
- ^Petski, Denise; Andreeva, Nellie (February 28, 2024)."'Ray Donovan' Offshoot Series Set At Paramount+ From Guy Ritchie & 'Top Boy' Creator Ronan Bennett ".Deadline Hollywood.
- ^abCordero, Rosy (October 9, 2024)."Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren & Pierce Brosnan In Final Negotiations To Star In 'Guy Ritchie's The Associate'".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedOctober 10,2024.
- ^ab"Ray Donovan: Season 1 (2013)".Rotten Tomatoes.Archivedfrom the original on December 20, 2016.RetrievedAugust 14,2018.
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- ^"Ray Donovan: Season 5 (2018)".Rotten Tomatoes.Archivedfrom the original on January 14, 2019.RetrievedNovember 3,2019.
- ^Tim Goodman (June 12, 2013)."Ray Donovan: TV Review".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on June 12, 2018.RetrievedApril 17,2020.
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- ^"66th Writers Guild Awards Winners".RetrievedNovember 2,2016.
- ^abKilday, Gregg (December 2015)."Satellite Awards Nominees Unveiled".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on March 31, 2019.RetrievedNovember 2,2016.
- ^"CSC Awards 2017".www.csc.ca.Archivedfrom the original on April 9, 2017.RetrievedApril 8,2017.