Taron Egerton is a multifaceted Welsh actor who achieved global recognition for his leading role in the “Kingsman” films. More recently, he showcased his ability to portray a chilling antagonist in the 2026 Netflix original thriller “Apex.” Egerton has a knack for action, comedy, and even horror, excelling in all three genres. If you were enthralled by Taron Egerton’s intense performance in “Apex,” your next viewing should be the nine-episode series “Smoke” available on the Apple TV platform.
“Smoke” narrates the tale of an arson investigator (Taron Egerton) and a police officer (Jurnee Smollett) who join forces to apprehend a pair of serial arsonists. In this crime drama, Egerton’s character is the hook that draws you into the storyline. It becomes clear that there is tension between the main characters and that hidden secrets and conspiracies lie beneath the surface. Taron Egerton was even nominated for a BAFTA for his role in “Smoke,” making it a must-watch for his performance.
An engaging police drama shrouded in secrets
“Smoke” is more than just a clever title for an arson tale; it’s also an apt description of the elusive essence of this series. As Alan Sepinwall noted in his Rolling Stone review of “Smoke,” it “begins as a clichéd cop drama.” Only after sticking with it for a few episodes do you realize how truly engaging it becomes. It’s as if a layer of proverbial smoke is hiding the main mysteries, requiring time for it to dissipate.
Episodes six and seven of the show’s sole nine-episode season boast the highest ratings on IMDb. This is logical, as the latter half of “Smoke” transitions from a standard police drama into a distinctive tale with a premise that genuinely stands out. And, as is the case with any excellent character-driven drama, our protagonist is at the heart of it all. Fans of Taron Egerton will appreciate witnessing how his character reacts to pivotal revelations as they unfold.
With the premiere of Netflix’s “Apex,” now is an opportune moment to revisit the entire Taron Egerton portfolio. If you enjoyed “Smoke,” you’ll also be captivated by the Apple TV series “Black Bird.” These two series collectively justify at least one month of the subscription service, even after the price hike last year.