Black Rabbit: Does It Offer A Good Bite?

The Black Rabbit (Season 1/USA/2025) limited series offers a peek into the chaotic lives of two brothers when they get somehow involved with the underworld criminals. Incidentally, Jude Law (Jake Friedken) and Jason Bateman (Vince Friedken) portray the two brothers who own the said bar & restaurant in this drama.

Notably, the show’s title, “Black Rabbit,” is the name of their happening bar & restaurant in New York City, USA. Moreover, it is also a place where various crimes continue to occur. That is despite the best efforts by the two brothers who wish to leave the crime world behind. But then they keep on making grave mistakes.

This series is rated TV-MA, which means it is intended for Mature Audiences (MA) only. 

Friedken Brothers Are Caught In A Jam, Can They Escape?

Spoiler-Free Series Review: Black Rabbit (Season 1/2025) Show

The synopsis

A rising-star restaurateur, Jake Friedken (Jude Law), is forced into New York's criminal underworld when his chaotic brother Vince Friedken (Jason Bateman) returns to town with loan sharks on his trail. So, when Jake, the owner of the hottest restaurant in New York, allows his troubled brother Vince to return to the family business, he opens the door to old traumas and new dangers that threaten to bring down everything they’ve built.

{Bonus Information: In the distant past, two Friedken brothers used to own a rock band named Black Rabbit. Hence, they used the same name for their NYC Restaurant, too.}

Is it a tale of proverbial Black Sheep in the Friedken family?

No.

Both the show creators and the writers, Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, have written a fascinating tale about two Friedken brothers. There is no such thing as Black and White in this thrilling crime drama. In fact, one would find a lot of grey shades in almost all the characters of this show. No one is the Black Sheep.

Zach Baylin has written their screenplays for these two movies, Gran Turismo and Bob Marley: One Love, in the past. And, our team FM has reviewed these two movies in our Focus Magazine.

However, if one has to take a critical and non-judgmental look at the lives of Jake Friedken (Jude Law) and Vince Friedken (Jason Bateman) in the show, then one will find a healthy amount of love and respect for their family. No doubt, both of them grew up under difficult and unfortunate circumstances. The tragic death of their father left a lasting impression on their lives. Not surprisingly, they became street-smart hustlers when the two brothers reached adulthood. In the urban jungle of New York City and the world at large, it is the survival of the fittest human. And the Friedken brothers simply wish to make it big for their family’s sake.

But then, their childhood guilt and past misdeeds always catch up with them. Moreover, their frequent entanglements with the dangerous criminal underworld elements of NYC do not help their cause. They are always trying to stay afloat. But, something, someone, misfortune or bad luck tends to stalk them all the time.

Jude, Jason & Troy lead a decent ensemble cast

So, the “Black Rabbit” is not exactly a show about the Good Guys versus the Bad Guys. As we said earlier, the story puts its characters through all kinds of personal tests, both emotional and physical. Therefore, its main characters often oscillate between committing moral acts as well as immoral acts. So, we get the ringside view of the wrong decisions undertaken by these three key characters. More often than not, they face a moral dilemma and inner turmoil. Both the Friedman brothers are trying to make it big for the sake of their family and kids.

On the other hand, Mancuso is a much-feared crime lord of the NYC underworld. Even though he is deaf and a dedicated family man, he has to keep his underworld bad reputation alive. All three of these main characters cross a lot of grey areas and walk into the dark side. Some of them even kill people because of the crazy circumstances. However, in the end, all three of them did redeem themselves. Did they make the right choices? Well, you all judge that and decide after watching the show.

So, these three actors, Jude Law (Jake Friedken), Jason Bateman (Vince Friedken), and Troy Kotsur (Joe Mancuso), portray the complex characters who walk a very thin ethical line. And, it is not very often that we see a gang leader threatening someone using sign language. But Troy pulled it off, like he did in the CODA film.

Also, Jude and Jason really carried this show on their shoulders. Although their performances were very well supported by Amaka Okafor (Roxie), Cleopatra Coleman (Estelle), Sope Dirisu (Wes), Forrest Weber (Junior), Chris Coy (Babbitt) and others.

To conclude, does it offer a good bite?

Yes, definitely, this show does offer a good bite.

After the run of seven long hours, the show ended on a bittersweet note. Thankfully, the makers did manage to close the series satisfactorily by tying up all the loose ends. The karma did catch up with all of them. Still, it seems sad to see some of them die. In the end, almost all the characters got what they deserved.

Rating: Black Rabbit (Season 1/USA/2025) Show

Poster: Black Rabbit (Season 1/USA/2025) Show

Key Details: Black Rabbit (Season 1/ USA/2025) Show

Trailer: Black Rabbit (Season 1/ USA/2025) Show

When the owner of NYC’s biggest hotspot (Jude Law) allows his troubled brother (Jason Bateman) to return to the family business, trouble multiplies.

Also, check out the YouTube Video link of the BLACK RABBIT | Emmy Awards 2025 Commercial | Netflix.

Spoilers Alert: Episodes Summary & Bonus Information