In the competitive world of streaming content, true crime continues to captivate audiences. Apple TV+ has expanded its offerings in this genre with the release of Smoke, a miniseries that premiered on June 27, 2025. Starring Taron Egerton, the series explores themes of arson, obsession, and identity through a narrative that combines intense psychological drama with real-life inspiration, making the Taron Egerton true crime series a notable addition to the genre.
Smoke unfolds in the Pacific Northwest, where a wave of destructive fires prompts an uneasy alliance between two investigators. Egerton portrays Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson investigator, who must partner with Detective Michelle Calderone, played by Jurnee Smollett. Their collaboration not only drives the investigation but also provides a compelling character study that adds emotional depth to the series.
A Visual and Narrative Blend That Elevates the Thriller
The series successfully captures the terrifying and mesmerizing power of fire, using smoke and flame as both literal and symbolic storytelling tools. Directed by Kari Skogland, Smoke uses these elements to expose hidden truths and vulnerabilities within its characters. Rather than solely emphasizing action, the narrative delves into complex subjects such as denial, obsession, and moral dilemmas, rendering the flames as metaphors for the characters’ inner turmoil. This approach makes the series richer than typical crime dramas, offering viewers layered psychological intrigue alongside the suspense.
Strong Performances Garner Critical Praise
Since its release, Smoke has captured critical attention, holding a 73% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 50 reviews. Critics highlight the powerful performances by Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett, whose contrasting styles deepen the show’s tension and emotional pull. The Guardian described Egerton’s portrayal as “increasingly layered,” underscoring how his character’s complexity grows throughout the series. Many reviewers also commend the dynamic between Egerton’s Gudsen and Smollett’s Calderone, which sustains engagement and adds nuance to the investigation.
Additionally, Kari Skogland’s direction is praised for balancing suspenseful storytelling with character-driven drama, creating a distinct atmosphere that distinguishes Smoke amid a crowded field of true-crime series. The series employs a patient pace, gradually building psychological detail before events escalate, which strengthens its emotional impact and ensures the climactic moments resonate deeply with the audience.
Inspired by True Events, but Creatively Reimagined
Smoke is inspired by the real-life story chronicled in the investigative podcast Firebug, which examined the case of John Leonard Orr, a fire investigator convicted of arson for setting hundreds of fires in California, including one that resulted in fatalities. Creator Dennis Lehane adapted this material, relocating the story to a fictional town in the Pacific Northwest and updating the timeline to the present day.
Lehane’s adaptation takes creative liberties to focus on the psychological motivations behind arson rather than providing a strict historical retelling. His intent is to explore themes such as denial, ego, and self-deception, shedding light on how individuals, even those tasked with preventing crimes, can harbor dangerous secrets. This blend of fact and fiction makes the series both believable and unsettling, allowing viewers to confront the disturbing reality that evil can hide behind trusted institutions.
Producer Marc Smerling emphasized the importance of psychological insight over surface-level observation, stating:
“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.”
—Marc Smerling, Producer
A New Benchmark for Streaming True Crime Dramas
In a streaming environment filled with countless options, Smoke has managed to stand out due to its combination of a strong cast, intense true crime material, and thoughtful storytelling rooted in real-world events. Starring Taron Egerton alongside Jurnee Smollett, John Leguizamo, and Rafe Spall, the series offers viewers a compelling mix of psychological drama and suspense without resorting to sensationalism.
The show’s willingness to explore complex human flaws through its characters and to adopt a measured pacing contributes to its emotional weight and lasting impact. For audiences drawn to well-crafted crime stories that prioritize substance, Smoke represents a significant achievement for Apple TV+. It highlights not only the dangers of literal fires but also the metaphorical fires burning within, offering both thrilling entertainment and meaningful reflection.
Smoke is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+.
