Apple TV+'s Upcoming Crime Drama Smoke to Rival Black Bird’s Success

Apple TV+ continues to raise anticipation with its upcoming summer lineup, including highly anticipated new seasons for some of its fan-favorite shows. Among the exciting new entries, the platform has just revealed a fresh crime drama titled Smoke, which is set to premiere on June 27. This gripping series comes from the talented creators behind one of Apple TV+’s most critically acclaimed series, Black Bird, which earned a stellar 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes and won multiple prestigious awards. Smoke promises to bring another intense and captivating story, and here’s why it could be your next binge-worthy obsession.

Apple TV+ has already established itself as a powerhouse of high-quality content, particularly within the crime drama genre. Black Bird, the limited series from 2022, received rave reviews and accolades for its chilling story, superb acting, and gripping narrative. With a solid 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the show captured the attention of critics and viewers alike, and now its creators are back with Smoke, a brand-new series that carries the same suspenseful promise.

Set to premiere on June 27, Smoke will drop its first two episodes, with additional episodes releasing weekly until August 8. The premise of the show is still somewhat vague, but it’s based on the Firebug podcast, a real-life account of a serial arsonist who wreaked havoc across Southern California for a decade. The arsonist’s spree resulted in multiple murders and destroyed numerous businesses. The story takes a dramatic turn when a manuscript for a novel leads investigators to the unlikeliest of suspects.

At the helm of Smoke is Black Bird creator Dennis Lehane, who returns to guide this new project, bringing along the same talented director team. The star-studded cast features Taron Egerton, who takes on a leading role, and Greg Kinnear, returning from Black Bird. Additionally, the show boasts an impressive roster of supporting actors, including Emmy-nominated Jurnee Smollett, Anna Chlumsky, and the Emmy-winning John Leguizamo, all of whom are expected to bring depth and intensity to the story.

With such a powerhouse team, Smoke has all the right ingredients to replicate Black Bird’s success and could very well emerge as the next big hit for Apple TV+.

What Undercode Says: A Deeper Dive Into Smoke and its Potential

When comparing Smoke to its predecessor, Black Bird, the key takeaway is the powerful combination of storytelling, talent, and real-life intrigue. Black Bird garnered massive acclaim, especially for its emotionally intense narrative and character-driven storytelling, so expectations for Smoke are high. One of the strongest selling points of Smoke is its foundation in the Firebug podcast. The real-life inspiration behind the story adds a layer of authenticity that crime drama fans will appreciate.

While Black Bird focused heavily on the emotional toll of a specific crime, Smoke takes a different, but equally gripping, approach by intertwining arson with murder. This shift to a fire-based narrative could offer fresh plotlines while still maintaining the dark, immersive atmosphere that made Black Bird so captivating. The arsonist’s decade-long spree and the eventual discovery of the killer add layers of suspense, especially when the suspect turns out to be the most unexpected person.

Dennis Lehane’s involvement as the show’s creator signals that Smoke will likely adopt the same slow-burn, character-centric storytelling that made Black Bird so effective. Lehane has a knack for developing complex characters who are both deeply flawed and compelling, and this series promises no less. The presence of Taron Egerton, who impressed audiences in Black Bird, adds further intrigue to the project. Egerton’s ability to portray emotionally conflicted characters will undoubtedly contribute to the series’ potential success.

The supporting cast also deserves attention. Jurnee Smollett, Anna Chlumsky, and John Leguizamo are all actors who bring nuance to every role they take on. Their inclusion adds a sense of credibility to the show, with each actor capable of playing roles that range from vulnerable to gritty. Together, they create a dynamic ensemble that will likely captivate audiences from the first episode.

However, as with any highly anticipated project, the question remains: can Smoke live up to the high bar set by Black Bird? While it’s tempting to compare the two, it’s essential to recognize that Smoke will have its own unique identity. It will be interesting to see how the writers blend the crime procedural with character drama and how they manage to make the story feel fresh while honoring its real-life roots.

If the series can replicate the critical acclaim of Black Bird, Apple TV+ could cement itself even further as a top-tier platform for drama, especially in the true-crime genre.

Fact Checker Results: A Quick Review

Smoke is based on the Firebug podcast, which chronicles the true story of a serial arsonist in Southern California.
The show features an all-star cast including Taron Egerton, Greg Kinnear, Jurnee Smollett, Anna Chlumsky, and John Leguizamo.
Apple TV+ is offering a limited-time special of $2.99 per month for new subscribers, making it a great time to dive into the platform’s rich content library.