In Chicago, Jimmy adapts to his new life, working alongside Al Capone and navigating the volatile territory of Johnny Torrio. Back in Atlantic City, Nucky celebrates his birthday with a lavish political gala. He begins to form a closer personal connection with Margaret, utilizing her wit to navigate a tense political dinner. Episode 5: "Nights in Ballygran" Director: Alan Taylor Writer: Lawrence Konner & Tim Van Patten Original Air Date: October 17, 2010
The season dominated the awards circuit, earning and winning eight, including Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for Martin Scorsese. It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama , with Steve Buscemi taking home the award for Best Actor. Directing and Writing Credits Summary Episode Title "Boardwalk Empire" Martin Scorsese Terence Winter "The Ivory Tower" Tim Van Patten Terence Winter "Broadway Limited" Tim Van Patten Margaret Nagle "Anastasia" Jeremy Podeswa Lawrence Konner "Nights in Ballygran" Alan Taylor Lawrence Konner & Tim Van Patten "Family Limitation" Tim Van Patten Howard Korder Allen Coulter Tim Van Patten & Paul Simms "Hold Me in Paradise" Brian Kirk Meg Jackson "Belle Femme" Brad Turner Steve Kornacki "The Emerald City" Simon Cellan Jones Lawrence Konner "Paris Green" Allen Coulter Howard Korder "A Return to Normalcy" Tim Van Patten Terence Winter Index Of Boardwalk Empire Season 1
The season is set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the tumultuous first year of Prohibition, spanning from January to November 1920. The show masterfully dramatizes the moment the 18th Amendment took effect, making the sale of alcohol illegal across the United States. Rather than curbing drinking, Prohibition created a black market that turned small-time politicians into kingpins. As the show’s tagline suggests: "When alcohol was outlawed, outlaws became kings." In Chicago, Jimmy adapts to his new life,
At the top of the season’s index is Nucky Thompson, the Treasurer of Atlantic City. Unlike the traditional "godfather" figure, Nucky begins the season as a politician who happens to be a criminal, rather than a criminal seeking political legitimacy. His character arc in Season 1 is defined by the transition from "glad-handing" city official to a man willing to order a murder. This evolution sets the tone for the series: in the world of the Boardwalk, you cannot be "half a gangster." Episode 5: "Nights in Ballygran" Director: Alan Taylor
Available for streaming via the Max add-on channel or via digital purchase. Hulu: Accessible if bundled with premium network add-ons.