События сериала происходят в 1920 году, на рассвете сухого закона. Главный герой, Наки Томпсон – негласный правитель Атлантик-Сити, в равной степени гангстер и политик.

Сериал снят по мотивам романа Нельсона Джонсона.

Boardwalk Empire is a period drama focusing on Enoch "Nucky" Thompson (based on the historical Enoch "Nucky" Johnson), a political figure who rose to prominence and controlled Atlantic City, New Jersey during the Prohibition period of the 1920s and 1930s. Nucky interacts with several historical figures in both his personal and political life, including mobsters, politicians, government agents, and the common folk who looked up to him. The government also takes an interest in the bootlegging and other illegal activities in the area, sending agents to investigate possible mob connections but also looking at Nucky's expensive and lavish lifestyle for a county political figure.

Actiunea din Boardwalk Empire are loc in Atlantic City la inceputul Prohibitiei, atunci cand vanzarea de alcool a devenit interzisa in SUA. America in anul 1920, razboiul s-a terminat, Wallstret-ul este pe cale sa explodeze si totul este scos la vanzare. Este vremea schimbarii, cand femeile au dreptul sa voteze, apare radioul, iar tineri conduc lumea. In Atlantic City regulile nu se aplica. De-a lungul celebrei alei din scanduri stau hoteluri masive, cluburi de noapte si de entertainment care rivalizeaza cu Broadway-ul. Pentru bani putini oamenii pot trai regeste -- legal sau ilegal. Seful din Atlantic City este fara doar si poate Enoch "Nucky " Thompson, un barbat care este jumatate politician, jumatate gangster, si se simte confortabil in ambele roluri.