The ensemble cast elevates “Smoke” into a must-watch thriller. Alongside Egerton and Smollett, the series features Rafe Spall as Calderone’s complicated superior, Greg Kinnear as a fire department commander, and John Leguizamo in a fiery supporting role. Anna Chlumsky, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Adina Porter, and Hannah Emily Anderson round out the lineup, bringing depth to a story that thrives on interpersonal dynamics. Critics highlight standout performances, particularly Egerton’s ability to portray a man wrestling with ambition and vulnerability, and Smollett’s sharp, grounded detective work.
The series’ production values shine, especially in its fire scenes, which rely on practical effects for authenticity. A notable opening sequence places Egerton in a real blaze, navigating a hoarder’s house engulfed in flames. Lehane has emphasized the commitment to realism, noting that these scenes avoid heavy CGI to maintain a visceral impact. Thom Yorke’s haunting title track, available on Apple Music, adds an atmospheric layer to the show’s moody Pacific Northwest setting, filmed primarily in Vancouver.
Inspired by True Crime, Elevated by Fiction
“Smoke” draws from the chilling real-life crimes of John Leonard Orr, a notorious serial arsonist responsible for over 2,000 fires in the 1980s. While the series takes creative liberties, setting its story in the fictional town of Umberland, it captures the psychological complexity of chasing someone who thrives on destruction. The narrative explores not just the investigation but the emotional toll on its characters, particularly Gudsen, whose obsession with the case strains his personal life. Calderone, meanwhile, brings a fresh perspective, unburdened by the local department’s loyalties, which proves crucial as suspicions point toward someone within the firefighting community.
The show’s roots in the “Firebug” podcast add a layer of authenticity, but Lehane avoids a straightforward retelling. Instead, he weaves a narrative that blends dark comedy, moral ambiguity, and moments of surreal fantasy, though some reviews suggest the story’s twists can feel uneven in the latter episodes. The balance of grounded crime drama and psychological exploration keeps viewers hooked, even as the plot occasionally wanders into ambiguity.
Why “Smoke” Stands Out on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ continues to carve out a niche for prestige dramas, with “Smoke” joining the ranks of hits like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Silo. Priced at $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial, the platform offers access across devices, from iPhones and iPads to smart TVs and web browsers at tv.apple.com. The service’s summer lineup, including Jason Momoa’s Chief of War and the third season of Foundation, ensures a steady stream of fresh content alongside “Smoke.” For viewers, the series offers a chance to dive into a visually striking thriller that doesn’t shy away from complex characters or intense stakes.
The early buzz around “Smoke” points to its strong performances and gripping premise, even if it doesn’t reach the critical heights of “Black Bird,” which scored a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. With a Metacritic score of 67/100, the series earns praise for its cast and cinematography but faces critique for a narrative that sometimes loses momentum. Still, for fans of Egerton’s charismatic intensity or Lehane’s knack for morally gray storytelling, “Smoke” delivers a compelling reason to tune in.
A Thriller That Sparks Curiosity
“Smoke” isn’t just about catching arsonists—it’s about the blurred lines between heroism and obsession, trust and betrayal. Egerton and Smollett’s chemistry drives the series, while Lehane’s writing probes the psyche of those who fight fires and those who start them. As Apple TV+ expands its catalog, “Smoke” stands as a bold addition, blending real-world inspiration with cinematic flair. For viewers eager to explore a new crime drama or follow Egerton’s evolving career, this series offers a fiery escape worth streaming.
