New Crime Drama Smoke Streaming Now on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ delivers another intense, must-watch drama with its new 2025 limited series Smoke. Created by acclaimed crime writer Dennis Lehane, and inspired by the real-life arson crimes covered in the Firebug podcast, Smoke is a gritty, emotional ride that’s perfect for fans of dark crime thrillers.
Premiering June 27, 2025, the series is currently streaming on Apple TV+.
🕵️ What Is Smoke About?
Set in the misty Pacific Northwest, Smoke follows a damaged detective and a haunted arson investigator as they work together to stop a pair of serial arsonists. The show combines the suspense of true crime with deep emotional storytelling.
Official Synopsis:
“Created and written by Dennis Lehane and inspired by true events, Smoke follows a troubled detective (Jurnee Smollett) and an enigmatic arson investigator (Taron Egerton) as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists.”
🎭 Cast of Smoke on Apple TV+
The series is led by a powerful performance from Taron Egerton, playing Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson expert. Alongside him is Jurnee Smollett as Detective Michelle Calderon, a lone wolf cop thrown into the dangerous world of fire crime.
Supporting Cast Includes:
- Greg Kinnear as Fire Chief Harvey Englehart
- Rafe Spall as Steven Burke
- Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Freddy Fasano
- Hannah Emily Anderson as Ashley Gudsen
- John Leguizamo as Esposito
- Luke Roessler in a key supporting role
This ensemble cast adds depth and complexity to the slow-burning tension of the series.
🎬 Behind the Scenes: Who Made Smoke?
The show is created by Dennis Lehane, best known for Mystic River and Shutter Island, and directed by Kari Skogland (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier). Lehane reunites with Taron Egerton, following their successful Apple TV+ collaboration Black Bird.
Production Credits Include:
- Executive Producers: Taron Egerton, Richard Plepler, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Marc Smerling, Jane Bartelme, Kary Antholis
- Production Companies: Eden Productions, Imperative Entertainment, Crime Story Media
- Filmed in: Vancouver, Canada
📅 Smoke Release Schedule on Apple TV+
The first two episodes premiered on June 27, 2025. New episodes will stream weekly every Friday through August 15, 2025.
Episode Guide:
- Ep 1 & 2 – June 27
- Ep 3 – July 4
- Ep 4 – July 11
- Ep 5 – July 18
- Ep 6 – July 25
- Ep 7 – August 1
- Ep 8 – August 8
- Ep 9 – August 15
🍅 What Critics Are Saying About Smoke
Early reviews for Smoke are largely positive. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 71% critic score, while Metacritic gives it a 61/100, reflecting “generally favorable reviews.”
Critics are praising the intense performances by Egerton and Smollett, calling the show “gripping” and “emotionally raw.” While some say the plot takes time to catch fire, the payoff is well worth the wait.
📺 Why You Should Watch Smoke on Apple TV+
If you’re into true crime adaptations, slow-burn thrillers, and top-tier acting, Smoke should be on your radar. With real-life inspiration, an all-star cast, and weekly cliffhangers, this series promises to keep you watching until the very end.
📌 Final Thoughts
Smoke is a searing blend of crime drama and emotional storytelling, fueled by powerful performances and real-life inspiration. Catch it now, streaming exclusively on Apple TV+.