The buzz around Smoke on Apple TV is impossible to ignore, with fans and critics eagerly awaiting its premiere on June 27, 2025. This nine-episode crime drama, created by acclaimed novelist Dennis Lehane, promises a thrilling dive into the world of serial arsonists and the investigators determined to stop them. Starring Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett, Smoke on Apple TV blends psychological depth with intense storytelling, drawing inspiration from real-life events chronicled in the Firebug podcast. With a stellar cast, a haunting soundtrack by Thom Yorke, and a narrative that twists into unexpected territory, this series is poised to be a standout in Apple TV’s summer lineup. Let’s explore the latest developments surrounding this fiery new show and why it’s generating so much heat.
A Star-Studded Cast Lights Up the Screen
Smoke on Apple TV boasts an impressive ensemble led by Taron Egerton as Dave Gudsen, an arson investigator grappling with personal and professional challenges. Jurnee Smollett shines as Michelle Calderone, a sharp detective with a mysterious past, forced to team up with Gudsen to track down two serial arsonists. The supporting cast is equally compelling, featuring Rafe Spall, Greg Kinnear, John Leguizamo, Anna Chlumsky, Adina Porter, and Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine. Each actor brings depth to their role, with Egerton and Smollett delivering performances that critics are already calling “commanding” and “nuanced.” The chemistry between the leads, combined with the ensemble’s talent, sets the stage for a series that’s as emotionally charged as it is suspenseful.
Inspired by True Events: The Firebug Connection
The roots of Smoke on Apple TV trace back to the Firebug podcast, which delved into the chilling real-life crimes of serial arsonist John Leonard Orr. While the series takes creative liberties, setting the story in the present-day fictional town of Umberland in the Pacific Northwest, it captures the essence of Orr’s devastating fires that terrorized Southern California in the ’80s and ’90s. The show explores two distinct arsonists: one dubbed “D&C” for their “Divide and Conquer” tactics, setting fires in supermarkets to create chaos, and another called “Milk Jug” for using flammable-filled jugs to target homes. This dual narrative adds layers of intrigue, keeping viewers guessing about the culprits’ motives and identities.
Key Point Summary
- Premiere Date: Smoke debuts on Apple TV+ on June 27, 2025, with two episodes, followed by weekly releases until August 15.
- Cast: Taron Egerton, Jurnee Smollett, Rafe Spall, Greg Kinnear, John Leguizamo, and more.
- Plot: A detective and arson investigator chase two serial arsonists in a fictional Pacific Northwest town.
- Inspiration: Based on the Firebug podcast about real-life arsonist John Leonard Orr.
- Creative Team: Created by Dennis Lehane, with directors Kari Skogland, Joe Chappelle, and Jim McKay.
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A Creative Team with Proven Firepower
Dennis Lehane, the mastermind behind Smoke onshef, has a knack for crafting dark, psychological dramas, as seen in his previous work like Black Bird and The Wire. His collaboration with Egerton, who also serves as an executive producer, builds on their successful partnership from Black Bird. The series is produced by Apple Studios, with additional executive producers like Richard Plepler and Kary Antholis, whose Firebug podcast inspired the show. Directors Kari Skogland, Joe Chappelle, and Jim McKay bring a cinematic flair, with moody visuals and a gripping pace. The opening sequence, featuring Thom Yorke’s haunting track “Dialing In,” sets a chilling tone, blending fire imagery with an eerie atmosphere that hooks viewers from the start.
Critical Buzz and Early Reviews
Early reviews for Smoke on Apple TV are rolling in, and the consensus is largely positive. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 72% approval rating based on 18 critic reviews, praising the performances of Egerton and Smollett for keeping the series engaging despite some narrative hiccups in the later episodes. Critics note the show starts as a procedural but evolves into a darker exploration of psychological themes, asking tough questions about why people start fires. Some reviews mention a loss of momentum in the back half, but the strong cast and stylish direction make it a compelling watch. Social media is abuzz with excitement, with fans on platforms like Instagram and YouTube calling the trailer “intense” and “must-watch.”
What Sets Smoke Apart
Unlike typical crime dramas, Smoke on Apple TV dives deep into the emotional and psychological toll of its characters’ pursuits. The series isn’t just about catching arsonists; it explores themes of guilt, obsession, and moral ambiguity. Egerton’s character, Dave Gudsen, is a complex figure—a family man writing a novel, yet unraveling under the pressure of the case. Smollett’s Michelle Calderone brings a fierce intensity, her past adding layers to her dynamic with Gudsen. The show’s modern setting allows it to tackle contemporary issues like trust and institutional failure, making it resonate with today’s audiences. The inclusion of a character like Freddy Fasano, a loner arsonist played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, adds a surprising emotional depth, making viewers empathize with an unlikely figure.
Release Schedule and How to Watch
Smoke on Apple TV premieres with its first two episodes on June 27, 2025, exclusively on Apple TV+. New episodes will drop every Friday through August 15, wrapping up the nine-episode arc. The platform, available in over 100 countries, offers a seven-day free trial for new subscribers, with subscriptions at $9.99 per month. You can stream Smoke on devices like iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, PlayStation, and Xbox. The series is filmed in Vancouver, giving it a gritty, atmospheric backdrop that enhances its noir vibe.
| Episode | Release Date |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | June 27, 2025 |
| 3 | July 4, 2025 |
| 4 | July 11, 2025 |
| 5 | July 18, 2025 |
| 6 | July 25, 2025 |
| 7 | August 1, 2025 |
| 8 | August 8, 2025 |
| 9 | August 15, 2025 |
Why You Should Watch Smoke
The combination of a stellar cast, a proven creative team, and a narrative that blends true-crime roots with psychological depth makes Smoke a must-watch. Its exploration of complex characters and moral gray areas sets it apart from standard procedurals. The haunting visuals, paired with Yorke’s evocative score, create an immersive experience. Whether you’re a fan of crime thrillers like Broadchurch or Happy Valley, or simply love intense, character-driven stories, Smoke promises to deliver. Early social media reactions highlight the trailer’s gripping intensity, with fans praising Egerton’s “career-best” performance and the show’s unpredictable twists.
A Summer Binge Worth Igniting
As Smoke on Apple TV gears up for its debut, the anticipation is palpable. With a premiere just hours away, now’s the perfect time to dive into this fiery crime drama. Will Dave and Michelle catch the arsonists before more lives are lost? Can they navigate their own personal demons while unraveling a web of secrets? The answers unfold over nine gripping episodes, blending suspense, emotion, and style. Don’t miss out—grab your Apple TV+ subscription and get ready for a summer binge that’s sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
Mark your calendars and start streaming Smoke on Apple TV+ this Friday, June 27, 2025, to experience the heat of this thrilling crime drama firsthand!