In the ever-growing landscape of streaming television, true crime remains one of the most gripping genres. From long-form documentaries to scripted dramas, audiences continue to gravitate towards stories that balance fact with dramatic tension. The fascination lies not simply in the crimes themselves but in the psychology behind them, and Apple TV+ has increasingly positioned itself as a platform willing to tackle such complex narratives, delivering shows that are both binge-worthy and layered. The latest addition to its repertoire fitting these criteria has been Smoke.
Released on June 27, 2025, Smoke is a miniseries that explores arson, obsession, and identity in ways that feel both immediate and timeless. Starring Academy Award nominee Taron Egerton alongside Jurnee Smollett, the series goes beyond surface-level thrills and leans into moral ambiguity, testing its characters as much as its audience. With its mix of psychological intrigue, striking performances, and real-life roots, Smoke is shaping up to be one of the standout dramas of 2025, necessitating a closer look.
‘Smoke’ Has a Story That Burns Beyond the Surface
Apple TV+
Smoke begins with a reluctant partnership. Taron Egerton plays Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson investigator, who is forced to work with Detective Michelle Calderone, portrayed by Jurnee Smollett. Their uneasy collaboration comes in the wake of a series of destructive fires sweeping through the Pacific Northwest. The chemistry between the flawed duo works wonders for the appeal of the show, moving it beyond simply being a hunt for the culprits.
Visually, the series vividly captures the terrifying allure of fire. Director Kari Skogland skillfully uses smoke and flame as storytelling devices, shrouding truths and exposing vulnerabilities. Each episode layers the investigation with psychological depth, revealing not only the devastation of the fires but also the unraveling lives of those drawn into the case.
The brilliance of Smoke also lies in its ability to transcend the typical crime-drama trope. Instead of focusing solely on action, the series explores themes of denial, obsession, and moral conflict. By situating the narrative in the present day, Smoke is able to adopt a layered approach, making the flame a metaphor for the characters on screen, elevating the series into something richer than a standard thriller.
‘Smoke’ Has Been Well Received by Critics
Apple TV+
Since its debut in late June, Smoke has drawn strong attention from critics. The series currently holds a 73% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on more than 50 reviews. While not universally acclaimed, the primary consensus is that the show is a bold, worthwhile addition to the true-crime genre.
Critics have particularly praised the performances of Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett, whose on-screen tension beautifully anchors the series. The Guardian described Egerton’s work as “increasingly layered,” while others have noted that Egerton and Smollett’s contrasting approaches to justice keep viewers hooked. Viewers have also highlighted the atmosphere masterfully crafted by Kari Skogland, applauding the balance of suspense and character-driven drama. These elements come together to give the series a distinct identity, allowing it to firmly establish its presence within a crowded field of true-crime series.
Another admirable feature about Smoke is its willingness to be patient. Despite being a miniseries, the show does not rush through. Early episodes of the series unfold slowly, layering detail and psychological nuance before the narrative fully ignites. This deliberate pacing gives weight to the series’ emotional impact, ensuring that when the big moments hit, they land with resonance.
‘Smoke’ Has Its Roots in Real Life
A still from Smoke
Apple TV+
Making Smoke all the more compelling is the fact that it is grounded in real events. The series is adapted from the investigative Firebug podcast, which chronicled the chilling case of John Leonard Orr, a fire investigator who was later exposed as a prolific arsonist. Orr was convicted of setting hundreds of fires across California, including one that claimed multiple lives.
While inspired by these true events, the Apple TV+ series is not an entirely faithful adaptation. The creator of the show, Dennis Lehane, has exercised a degree of creative freedom in bringing the narrative to screens. For instance, Lehane has chosen to transplant the story into a fictional Pacific Northwestern town, shift the timelines to the present, and reimagine the investigative process to heighten the drama. It is clear that Lehane’s primary aim is not a strict retelling but an attempt to probe into the psychology of arson, examining the elements of denial, ego, and self-deception. In doing so, he has created a show that is less about replicating and exploiting history and more about exploring timeless human flaws.
The link between fact and fiction makes Smoke incredibly powerful. Viewers familiar with Orr’s case will instantly recognize the echoes of reality, while newcomers to the cast will undoubtedly find themselves drawn into a story that feels both plausible and unsettling. By balancing authenticity with narrative invention, Smoke captures the disturbing and chilling reality that some of the most destructive monsters can hide behind the very institutions meant to protect us. As producer Marc Smerling puts it:
“We just miss them. We don’t see them, because we’re not looking very hard on a psychological level. You have to understand people at a deeper level than the surface.”
In a streaming era where viewers are spoiled for choice, it takes something special for a show to break through the noise, and Smoke has managed to do just that. With its stellar cast, focus on a narrative of intense true crime, and real-life roots, Smoke has delivered a series that is gripping without being gratuitous, making it a show that definitely deserves a viewer’s attention.
Smoke is now available on Apple TV+.
Release Date
June 26, 2025
Network
Apple TV+
Directors
Kari Skogland
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