Apple TV+ is taking a bold swing into high-stakes crime drama territory with its upcoming original series 12 12 12, a genre-bending heist thriller led by Marvel’s Anthony Mackie and Belfast star Jamie Dornan. Directed by Kari Skogland (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), this series is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects in Apple’s 2025 slate—and possibly its most cinematic.
A Time-Splitting Crime Saga
The title 12 12 12 isn’t just a stylistic flourish. The series’ narrative is uniquely structured around three timelines:
- 12 months before the heist – the buildup and planning
- 12 hours during the heist – the chaotic, real-time execution
- 12 days after the heist – the tense unraveling of consequences
This triptych storytelling approach has drawn comparisons to 24, Heat, and The Town, but with a twist that’s more methodical and emotionally layered.
Image: NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Plot and Characters
The story centers on a disgraced FBI agent (Mackie) pursuing a mysterious and brilliant criminal (Dornan) across Europe. Their rivalry escalates until it converges beneath the streets of Zurich in an audacious vault heist that has reportedly been described as “genre-redefining.”
Newly cast Kali Reis—best known for True Detective: Night Country—plays a key role in the cat-and-mouse chase, adding further depth and grit. Agathe Rousselle (Titane) and Sallie Harmsen (Blade Runner 2049) have also joined the growing international ensemble, giving the project an even sharper edge of prestige and diversity.
Also onboard is Icelandic actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, whose past roles in Trapped and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty bring a gravitas that fits perfectly with the globe-trotting, high-stakes tone of the series.
Production and Creative Team
12 12 12 is produced by Skydance Television and Anonymous Content, both of which have deep experience with complex, prestige storytelling (Severance, True Detective, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey). Mackie and Dornan aren’t just starring—they’re also serving as executive producers, signaling just how personally invested they are in the project.
Filming is set to take place in Hungary, with Apple reportedly sparing no expense to bring the series’ international scope and sophisticated set pieces to life.
What Makes This Different?
Unlike traditional heist shows that focus primarily on action or suspense, 12 12 12 aims to thread in deeper psychological themes. The three-pronged timeline structure is expected to explore the morality, planning, adrenaline, and fallout of the crime from every angle—mirroring the evolving personas of its leads.
If Apple TV+’s previous hits like Hijack, Slow Horses, and Severance are any indication, this series could once again set a high bar for streaming thrillers in 2025.
Where It Fits In Apple TV+’s 2025 Lineup
12 12 12 joins a rich roster of new Apple TV+ originals this year, including the cyberpunk thriller Neuromancer, the reimagined Cape Fear series, and the sci-fi mystery Star City. Apple is clearly betting big on genre fiction and international storytelling, and this show stands out as one of its marquee offerings for the summer.
While a firm release date hasn’t been set, the show is expected to premiere in late summer 2025. Stay tuned—this one looks like it could be Apple’s next breakout hit.
Key Takeaways
- “12 12 12” is the new heist drama on Apple TV+ starring Anthony Mackie, Jamie Dornan, and Kali Reis.
- It’s part of Apple’s May 2025 slate, with Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (from “Severance”) joining the cast.
- Apple TV+ subscriptions are $9.99/month after a 7-day free trial, and you get access to all the Apple Originals.
Notable Apple TV+ Releases and Highlights for May 2025
Apple TV+ is really pushing out a bunch of fresh content this May. There are several big releases on the way, loaded with big names, clever scripts, and some pretty slick production work.
Featured Original Series
Probably the buzziest series this month is the sci-fi comedy/thriller Murderbot. It’s based on Martha Wells’ award-winning books and follows a security android who, well, hacks itself and ends up obsessed with trashy TV and its own freedom. Who can’t relate, at least a little?
- Severance Season 2 – Back after a killer first season, the psychological thriller picks up where it left off
- For All Mankind – The alternate-history space saga keeps going strong
- Mythic Quest – The gaming-office comedy is back with more industry in-jokes
There’s also Deaf President Now!, a limited series about the 1988 Gallaudet University protests. The cast is mostly deaf, which is rare and, honestly, pretty overdue. It’s already getting some awards buzz for how real it feels.
Highly Anticipated Premieres and New Arrivals
Fountain of Youth is Apple’s big adventure flick this month. Think Indiana Jones but with a shinier budget—explorers chasing legends, dodging danger, and, of course, dealing with rival treasure hunters.
New Original Content:
- Lulu Is a Rhinoceros – Animated, family-friendly, probably adorable
- Dope Thief – Gritty crime drama based on a bestseller
- Wild Things – Gorgeous nature docuseries about endangered animals
Government Cheese is another one to watch—a comedy about economic inequality, which might sound heavy, but it’s from the folks behind Ted Lasso and Little America, so you know it’ll have heart.
Standout Performances and Cast Highlights
Jude Law’s turn in Fountain of Youth is apparently something special—he brings more to the role than just the usual action-hero stuff. His chemistry with Jurnee Smollett is getting a lot of early praise, too; she really flips some genre expectations on their head.
If you’re into voice acting, Murderbot is worth checking out. The way they’ve designed the android’s voice is just… different, and it works.
Notable Cast Appearances:
- Taron Egerton in Deaf President Now!
- Andrew Garfield popping up in Dope Thief
- Billy Crudup returns in The Morning Show
There’s also the doc Bono: Stories of Surrender, where Bono gets surprisingly open about everything from fame to activism. Even if you’re not a U2 fan, it’s pretty compelling stuff.
Genres, Themes, and Unique Qualities of May’s Lineup
Apple TV+ is really flexing its range in May 2025. You’ve got sci-fi, docs, comedies, dramas—honestly, a little of everything. If you’re after variety, you’ll probably find something here.
Diversity in Genre and Storytelling
Apple TV+ is mixing it up this month. “Murderbot” is probably the most talked-about—sci-fi, comedy, and a bit of existential dread all rolled into one. If you’re more about adventure, “Fountain of Youth” is your ticket: high stakes, big action, and those sweeping shots Apple loves.
Drama’s getting a boost too, with “Lulu Is a” joining Apple’s already-strong lineup. They’ve built a name for themselves with quality dramas like “Black Bird” and “Pachinko,” which aren’t afraid to get deep or a little weird.
Comedy fans, don’t worry—there’s plenty for you. A few new workplace comedies are dropping, which should help balance out the heavier stuff. It’s a good mix, honestly.
Adaptations, Real Events, and Social Impact
There’s a nice thread of real-life inspiration this month. “Deaf President Now!” dives into a landmark moment for disability rights, and “Bono: Stories of Surrender” gives you a peek behind the curtain of a rock star’s life.
Apple’s got a thing for adapting books, too. They seem to treat the source material with real respect—Dennis Lehane’s work, for example, gets the red carpet treatment.
“Smoke” is another standout, following an arson investigator through some tough times. It’s not exactly light viewing, but it’s honest, which is refreshing.
What’s cool is that Apple tackles social issues without turning every episode into a lecture. It’s subtle, but it sticks with you.
Comparisons to Other Streaming Services
Apple TV+ doesn’t really play the same game as Netflix. Where Netflix is all about quantity, Apple’s going for quality—fewer shows, but each one feels like an event.
Their production values are consistently high, and they’ve got the awards to prove it, even if the library’s smaller. It’s a pretty focused approach: they’re not trying to be everything for everyone, just really good at what they do.
Almost everything dropping in May is an Apple Original, which is kind of rare these days. If you’re looking for something you haven’t already seen somewhere else, this is the place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple TV+ has a lot going on for subscribers this month—shows, movies, and a few perks you might not know about. Here’s a quick rundown for May.
What is the release date for the Apple TV+ exclusive series scheduled for May?
“Foundation” Season 2 is still rolling out new episodes every Friday through May 2025.
Other big premieres? “Severance” Season 2 is finally back, landing on May 12, 2025.
What are the subscription costs for Apple TV+ as of May?
Right now, Apple TV+ runs $9.99 per month, and there’s a one-week free trial for new folks.
If you want more Apple stuff, the Apple One bundle starts at $19.95/month and includes TV+, Music, and more.
You can share your subscription with up to six family members at no extra charge, which is actually pretty generous.
Can you list the new channels added to Apple TV+ in May?
Apple TV+ still isn’t doing traditional channels—it’s all about originals.
That said, sports fans will notice more MLB Friday Night Baseball games starting May 3, 2025.
There’s also a new section for documentary content, with a focus on nature and science.
How can viewers access the Apple TV+ free trial for 3 months?
If you buy a new Apple device, you get 3 months of Apple TV+ free when you activate it.
T-Mobile customers with the right plan can snag the “Apple TV+ on Us” deal through their account.
And if you’re a student with an Apple Music student plan, TV+ is included—no extra charge.
What are the latest series additions to the Apple TV+ catalog?
“Slow Horses” Season 4 kicked off in early May, picking up the story of those disgraced MI5 agents.
For the kids (or, you know, anyone who likes animation), “Sago Mini Friends” dropped on May 8, 2025.
And don’t miss “Masters of the Air,” a World War II drama produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg—yep, that’s the real deal.
Will there be any collaboration with Skydance on Apple TV+ content premiering in May?
Looks like Apple and Skydance Media are teaming up again—”Ghosted 2″ is landing on the platform come May 22, 2025. Not too far off, right?
They’re also rolling out a brand new animated feature, which is supposed to premiere on May 30, 2025. Honestly, I’m kind of curious to see what they do with that.
On top of that, the two companies have teased three more joint projects in the works. Details? Well, they’re keeping those under wraps for now, but we should be hearing more later this month. Stay tuned, I guess.
