Critical reception
Aranyélet has received widespread critical acclaim and has been praised by many critics as the greatest Hungarian television show of all time.[citation needed]
After the first season, IGN Hungary wrote "Aranyélet is not just the best Hungarian television series ever made, but it is also one of HBO's best thrillers. It is characterized by steadily high-quality acting and creative work, a great plot and perfect way of storytelling, not to mention the unforgattable characters, who are defined by our problems, our narrow-mindedness, and our country. Be very proud of them."[citation needed] Player.hu wrote "Without doubt, HBO's original crime family drama seems to be the best Hungarian series, every actor is a perfect choice, it looks good, and tells the story in an excellent way. What's more, it is quite addictive."[citation needed]
The second season met with positive critical reception as well, IGN Hungary described the season as "more exciting, crazier, darker, has more plot twists, but it is more human than the first season. In conclusion despite the exaggerations and being too action-packed sometimes, it is still a masterpiece, which makes our expectations even higher for the next round."[citation needed]
Season 3 met mixed reviews - critics praised the season's political themes, acting, and being even more reflective on Hungarian politics and corruption in general, while many criticizing the plot, character development and the ending. Judit Lola Bodnár from 24.hu wrote "[…] the final season of Aranyélet knows no mercy: it reflects [the Hungarian reality] so much, that only those won't see the country in it who live in total ignorance."[citation needed] Tamás Hauschel from Player.hu wrote "The third season of Aranyélet was the best thing that could happen to Hungarian television.", while Zsolt Sarkadi from 444.hu wrote "HBO's once promising series turned into the most shameless garbage".[citation needed]