Whether you're a Happy Valley or a Broadchurch fan, you'll know that almost all "perfect" crime dramas have a troubled detective at the centre of them - which is why Apple TV+'s latest offering has got us rather excited. Inspired by true events, Smoke is the streamer's gripping new crime series, which follows said detective and an enigmatic arson investigator as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists - and it's got all the making of the ultimate binge watch.

With a release date set and not too far away, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming series, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.

What is Smoke about?

Created by US crime novelist Dennis Lehane (Shutter Island, Gone Baby Gone), the nine-episode series is inspired by true events and follows two investigators, enigmatic arson expert Dave Gudsen (Taron Egerton), and haunted detective Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett). The pair are on the trail of two serial arsonists and, according to the official synopsis, their race to stop them “ignites a twisted game of secrets and suspicions.”

What to read next
smoke
Robert Falconer

While the synopsis is, admittedly, a little on the vague side, we know that good things tend to come from shows with a troubled detective at the heart of them. Need we remind you of Broadchurch, Happy Valley, Marcella… we could go on. On that basis, we're calling Smoke crime drama perfection in the making.

Is Smoke based on a true story?

smoke
Robert Falconer

Sort of. According to Apple TV+, the series is inspired by true events and, specifically, Truth Media’s podcast Firebug, which was hosted by Kary Antholis. The podcast, which debuted in 2021, delved into the life of a serial arsonist who, for 10 years, terrorised Southern California, burning down businesses in broad daylight. Four people were murdered, then, a manuscript for a novel led to the criminal – a firefighter of all people - being exposed. It's worth tuning in if you haven't already.

Who’s starring in Smoke?

smoke
Robert Falconer

The cast of Smoke includes:

  • Taron Egerton (Rocket Man, Carry-On)
  • Jurnee Smollett (Lovecraft Country)
  • Rafe Spall (Trying)
  • Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine (Memories of Love Returned)
  • Hannah Emily Anderson (The Purge, Jigsaw)
  • Anna Chlumsky (Inventing Anna)
  • Adina Porter (The Last Word)
  • Greg Kinnear (Little Miss Sunshine)
  • John Leguizamo (Ice Age, Encanto)

Is there a trailer for Smoke?

Yes, you can watch the trailer for Smoke below:

How can I watch Smoke?

Good news – we have a confirmed release date! Smoke will premiere globally with its first two episodes on Apple TV+ on Friday 27th June. New episodes will follow every Friday until 8th August.