Next week, Apple TV+ will introduce a new crime drama—[Smoke](https://tv.apple.com/show/smoke/umc.cmc.4lplbt076d3um4tenis7k58e3?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.4lplbt076d3um4tenis7k58e3&at=1000l3cvR)—that [brings back the creators](https://9to5mac.com/2025/04/15/new-apple-tv-smoke-reunites-team-one-of-best-reviewed-series/) of one of its top-rated series ever: [Black Bird](https://tv.apple.com/show/black-bird/umc.cmc.30gx1y8nwthydkrvhqu156p3?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.30gx1y8nwthydkrvhqu156p3&at=1000l3cvR). The reviews for Smoke are in; here’s what people are saying.
## Smoke debuts next Friday, June 27 on Apple TV+
Within Apple’s [expanding lineup of crime dramas](https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/19/apple-tv-is-becoming-a-crime-thriller-destination-and-its-next-series-could-be-the-best-yet/), one of the platform’s standout offerings has consistently been [Black Bird](https://tv.apple.com/show/black-bird/umc.cmc.30gx1y8nwthydkrvhqu156p3?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.30gx1y8nwthydkrvhqu156p3&at=1000l3cvR).
Now, creator Dennis Lehane has collaborated once more with stars Taron Egerton and Greg Kinnear for another Apple TV+ crime thriller—this time drawing inspiration from the real-life events of a California arson probe.
The first two episodes of Smoke will be available on Apple TV+ **_next Friday, June 27_**, with new episodes released weekly afterward.
Lehane is perhaps most recognized as the novelist behind works like *Shutter Island, Gone Baby Gone,* and *Mystic River*. Recently, he has successfully transitioned to television.
How does Smoke measure up? Reviews are generally positive, though not to the same extent as Black Bird.
Alan Sepinwall at *[Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-reviews/smoke-review-apple-tv-1235361163/)* highlights that Smoke truly excels after a pivotal moment in the second episode, turning into “much more engaging and intricate the instant it lays all of its cards on the table.”
Some reviewers found the numerous twists in Smoke off-putting, while others appreciated them.
Here are some additional review snippets:
– *[JoBlo](https://www.joblo.com/smoke-tv-review-taron-egerton-and-jurnee-smollett-lead-dennis-lehanes-true-crime-inspired-thriller/)*: “a compelling storyline develops each character into one you root for while contemplating if you should. No one is blameless, and everyone has their transgressions, yet you remain equally captivated and appalled by the unfolding events in this series.”
– *[The Wrap](https://www.thewrap.com/smoke-review-apple-taron-egerton-jurnee-smollett/)*: “Smoke encompasses everything that aficionados of Lehane’s literature or television series anticipate—mystery, action, violence, and a chilling atmosphere—but this series also weaves in dark humor and elements of fantasy.”
## Spoiler-free overview and Smoke trailer
Given that Smoke contains numerous spoiler-laden reveals throughout its nine episodes, there isn’t much that can be shared safely about the series.
However, here’s a succinct series overview from Apple and the trailer:
> Inspired by actual events, “Smoke” centers on an arson investigator who reluctantly collaborates with a police detective as they rush to prevent two arsonists from sparking a convoluted game of secrets and distrust.
Are you planning to tune in to Smoke? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Apple TV+ is [priced at $9.99 per month](https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.4000?itscg=30200&itsct=tv%5C_box%5C_link&at=1000l3cvR) and offers popular TV shows and films such as [Ted Lasso](https://tv.apple.com/show/ted-lasso/umc
