[7] Love/Hate was critically acclaimed, winning nineteen Irish Film & Television Awards, and its twelve-nomination run in 2013 set a national record.

The first season introduced John Boy, a criminal kingpin, and the four friends Darren, Nidge, Robbie and Tommy as his gang members.

The story focuses on rivalries within the criminal milieu and the psychological effects of violence on the Darren character.

It is directed by David Caffrey and produced by Simon Massey, Suzanne McAuley, and James Flynn.

[18] On 18 December 2012, Irish Independent reported that "filming for the fourth series of Love/Hate is expected to get underway early in the New Year".

it received high acclaim for its grittier storyline, something that some fans believed had been missing from the fourth series.

The series finale was watched by over 1 million viewers and got rave reviews for ending it on a shocking cliffhanger, which included the killing of a much loved character.

[2] In 2025, John Connors stated that a new season was due to enter production later in the year, however according to RTÉ there are 'no plans' to return it.

The first three series have also been bought by TV markets in Brazil, Israel and Singapore joining Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.

"[32] The Guardian (UK) praised the show, comparing it to The Wire and The Sopranos, saying "what makes Love/Hate distinctive is the way in which the scripts ... [root] the mobster genre in the trends and tensions of contemporary Irish culture.

[46] It won seven awards including Best Drama, Best Director (David Caffrey), and Best Writer (Stuart Carolan).

[50] It took home six awards including Best Drama, Best Director (David Caffrey), and Best Writer (Stuart Carolan).

[51] Tom Vaughan-Lawlor won his second successive acting award for his portrayal of gang leader Nigel "Nidge" Delaney.

[54] It won awards for Best Writer (Stuart Carolan) and Actor in a Supporting Role Television (Peter Coonan).

[59] Charlie Murphy won her second award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Television Drama) for her portrayal of Siobhán Delaney.