What do you get when you mix serial arson, a true crime podcast, and a sharp-suited Taron Egerton? A slow-burning new thriller on Apple TV+ that’s already sparking curiosity — and debate — among critics. With high expectations riding on its star-studded cast and the pedigree of creator Dennis Lehane, Smoke arrives on screen ready to light a fire under summer viewing schedules.
A fiery premise with a familiar scent
Smoke dives straight into the heat with a storyline focused on serial arsonists, loosely inspired by the true crime podcast Firebug. It brings together two determined investigators — played by Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett — who team up to hunt down firestarters in a world where everyone seems to be hiding something.
The series comes from the mind of Dennis Lehane, known for gritty, atmospheric narratives. His previous Apple TV+ miniseries, Black Bird, left a high bar — and yes, critics are already drawing comparisons. Smoke, they say, carries echoes of that earlier hit but takes a different route through its themes, focusing more on identity, deception, and the emotional smokescreens we all create.
Critics weigh in: mixed heat
The first wave of reviews has rolled in, and while no one’s hailing it as a masterpiece, Smoke is far from a flop. Over at The Playlist, the verdict is simple: this is a thriller that may lack Black Bird‘s depth, but still serves up addictive storytelling — and a terrific showcase for Egerton’s talents.
Rolling Stone flags a dip in narrative control toward the end, especially around the character of Michelle, whose choices get a little murky. But even in its messier moments, the show hits on truthful insights about self-deception and identity.
Collider echoes that cautious praise. According to them, the series may not grip you from frame one, but it’s solidly built, well-paced, and satisfying — even if the deja-vu from Black Bird occasionally creeps in.
Flaws, fire, and a stellar cast
One recurring theme? The ambiguous narrative. Some viewers may find themselves frustrated with the series’ reluctance to play its cards clearly. Yet, as IGN notes, the performances — particularly from Egerton and Smollett — bring such intensity and nuance that you’ll keep watching, hungry for answers that don’t always arrive on time.
TV Guide is frank: it’s not perfect. But the moments that hit the mark, driven largely by the cast’s emotional range and screen presence, elevate the whole show. The acting, more than the plot twists or structure, gives Smoke its staying power.
Then there’s The A.V. Club, pointing out that the series reveals two major twists early on — and maybe too early. The cat-and-mouse chase that follows struggles to maintain the same energy, with a finale that feels more like a graceful landing than a dramatic climax.
One to watch — or wait on ?
So, is Smoke the next big thing on Apple TV+? Probably not. But is it worth a watch? If you enjoy character-driven thrillers with a smouldering pace and razor-sharp performances, absolutely. With a Metacritic score of 67, it lands in that middle ground of “pretty good, but not mind-blowing.” And sometimes, that’s all you need.
Lehane has already hinted he’d like to take this world further — whether he gets the chance may depend on how Smoke performs with audiences. The embers are glowing. Now we’ll see if the fire catches.
Meet Bill, a curious mind with a rebellious streak and a shared enthusiasm for lifestyle and culture. Like his longtime collaborator William, he’s captivated by the pulse of current events. But Bill brings a twist, he thrives on spontaneity, often following instinct over convention. His unconventional flair adds a dynamic edge to the team, making every project a little less predictable and a lot more exciting.
