Apple TV+ set June 27, 2025 for the global debut of Smoke, the newly retitled crime drama formerly known as Firebug. Adapted and show-run by novelist-turned-screenwriter Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone), the nine-episode limited series drops its first two installments on premiere day and then settles into weekly Friday releases through August 15.
From Hit Podcast to Prestige Television
Smoke began life as the 2021 true-crime podcast Firebug, which chronicled the real-world hunt for serial arsonist and firefighter John Leonard Orr. Apple snapped up the rights in 2022, pairing Lehane’s brooding sensibilities with the streamer’s growing appetite for darker, adult dramas. The title change—announced during post-production—reflects Lehane’s focus on the elusive traces arsonists leave behind rather than the flames themselves.
The Investigation
Set against Oregon’s rain-soaked small towns and evergreen forests, the series follows maverick fire investigator Dave Gudsen (Taron Egerton) and homicide detective Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett) as they chase two separate firebugs:
- A methodical supermarket arsonist whose fires feel like symbolic protests.
- A far more chaotic bomber who stuffs milk jugs with fry oil and gasoline.
As the body count rises, Gudsen’s encyclopedic knowledge of burn patterns becomes both an asset and a source of suspicion—especially once evidence hints he may understand the killers a little too well.
Cast & Creative Muscle
- Taron Egerton serves as executive producer, marking his third high-profile Apple project after Black Bird and Tetris.
- Jurnee Smollett returns to genre territory after Lovecraft Country, bringing grit and empathy to Calderone.
- A formidable supporting lineup—Greg Kinnear, John Leguizamo, Rafe Spall, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Anna Chlumsky, and Adina Porter—rounds out the task force and suspects.
- Radiohead’s Thom Yorke composes an unsettling main-title theme, blending distorted strings with field recordings of actual wildfire crackle.
- Episodes are directed by Karin Kusama (Destroyer), Mimi Cave (Fresh), and Patty Jenkins (Monster), giving each chapter a distinct visual rhythm while maintaining a cohesive noir palette.
Themes Beyond the Flames
Lehane uses arson as a lens to explore moral duality—how obsession can burn away the line between protector and predator. The series dives into:
- Psychology of fire-setting – drawing on real research that links arson to control and intimacy rather than simple thrill-seeking.
- Institutional blind spots – showing how budget cuts and jurisdictional turf wars let serial firebugs operate in plain sight.
- Environmental anxiety – weaving current fears about West Coast wildfire seasons into the narrative without feeling exploitative.
Early Buzz
A Tribeca Festival sneak preview last week earned standing ovations for Egerton’s slow-burn performance and Smollett’s sharp counterbalance. Critics praised the show’s tactile production design—charred supermarket aisles recreated on a decommissioned Atlanta soundstage—and Yorke’s “industrial lullaby” score. Some reviewers flagged pacing dips in mid-season episodes, but most agree Lehane sticks the landing with a final-act reveal that reframes the entire investigation.
Why Smoke Matters in Apple’s Line-Up
Apple TV+ has built a reputation for prestige dramas that balance star power with auteur voices—think Severance’s existential office horror or Slow Horses’ sardonic spycraft. Smoke slots neatly into that strategy while broadening the platform’s true-crime footprint. It also gives Egerton another showcase; the actor’s Golden Globe-nominated turn in Rocketman proved his range, and his Apple projects have consistently pulled strong viewership numbers.
Smoke arrives just in time for summer binge season, offering a tightly wound blend of procedural thrills, psychological mystery, and atmospheric dread. If Apple’s track record and Lehane’s pedigree are any guide, this is one fire worth running toward, not away from.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+’s “Smoke” (previously “Firebug”) stars Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett as investigators on the trail of serial arsonists.
- The crime drama miniseries comes from Dennis Lehane and is inspired by a podcast about real-life arson cases.
- It’s set to premiere on June 27 2025 as part of Apple’s growing collection of original series.
Overview of Smoke on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is adding a seriously gripping new crime drama to its lineup with “Smoke,” a series about the hunt for serial arsonists, and yeah, it’s based on true events. The show mixes a killer cast with a premise that should hook any crime thriller fan.
Plot Summary and Inspiration
“Smoke” tells the story of a detective with his own demons teaming up with an arson investigator (that’s Taron Egerton) as they chase down two serial arsonists. The nine-episode limited series is inspired by true events covered in the “Firebug” podcast hosted by Kary Antholis.
The show borrows a lot from real-life arson cases, which gives the fictional story an extra layer of realism. It started out being called “Firebug,” but looks like they settled on the name “Smoke” for the final release.
If you like stories that dig into the psychology of criminals, this one promises to go deep—especially when it comes to the investigators and the people they’re after. Expect some nail-biting investigations and a look inside the minds of both the hunters and the hunted.
Casting and Main Characters
Taron Egerton leads the charge as the enigmatic arson investigator. If you know him from “Rocketman” or the “Kingsman” movies, you already know he can carry a show.
There’s a pretty solid supporting cast too. Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall, Hannah Emily Anderson, and Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine are all on board, which should add some real depth to the lineup.
Details about who’s playing who are still kind of under wraps, but the main focus is definitely on the dynamic between Egerton’s arson investigator and his detective partner. Their pursuit of the two arsonists is what really drives the tension in the series.
Creators, Production Companies, and Showrunner
Dennis Lehane is at the helm here—he’s the one who created “Firebug.” You might know him from “Mystic River” or “Shutter Island,” so this guy knows his way around a crime story.
The production team is kind of a who’s who: Apple Studios leads, working with Eden Productions, Crime Story Media, and Truth Podcasting Corp. That mix brings together old-school production chops with a real knack for podcast storytelling.
Taron Egerton is also on the executive producer list, along with Bradley Thomas, Dan Friedkin, and Richard Plepler. Kary Antholis, who hosted the original podcast, is involved too.
The series is set to premiere on Apple TV+ in June, adding yet another high-profile original to Apple’s ever-expanding roster.
Notable Details and Related Media
“Smoke” taps into those infamous arson cases that rocked California in the ’80s and ’90s. The show mixes fiction with some real history, which makes for a pretty compelling crime drama if you ask me.
Filming Locations, Dates, and Production Insights
Apple TV+‘s “Smoke” started filming in Vancouver in early 2023. Vancouver’s kind of a go-to for shows that need to double for California, especially if you want that ’80s/’90s vibe.
The production team apparently went all-in on getting the period details right, recreating the look of Glendale Fire Department back then. Props and costumes? All sourced from actual historical references—pretty cool, honestly.
They even shot a bunch of scenes in real fire stations to nail the atmosphere. And they brought in actual fire investigation pros to make sure the arson scenes felt legit.
Key Production Facts:
- Main filming: 2023-2024
- Episodes: 8 for season one
- Special effects: Over 20 fire specialists on the team
- Expected premiere: Late 2025 on Apple TV+
Connections to Other Works and Influences
“Smoke” is the latest in Apple’s growing crime drama lineup, following stuff like Black Bird, which also had a true crime angle. Dennis Lehane, the creator, is bringing his crime-writing chops to the table.
If you’ve read “Mystic River,” “Gone Baby Gone,” or “Shutter Island”—all Lehane’s work—you know what kind of storytelling to expect. His style definitely shapes the tone and pacing here.
The series pulls from the Firebug podcast, which dug into how a manuscript floating around Hollywood ended up exposing the origins of some devastating fires. The real-life story involved a California arson investigator who, shockingly, turned out to be an arsonist himself.
Egerton’s character—the arson investigator—teams up with a detective to track down serial arsonists. There’s a good chance the character is at least loosely inspired by John Orr, the infamous California arsonist who was once a fire captain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple TV+’s upcoming drama series “Smoke” has people talking. Here are some quick answers to the most common questions about this Taron Egerton-led crime show.
What is the release date for Smoke on Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ has given “Smoke” the green light, but there’s no official premiere date yet. If you poke around Reddit, you’ll see folks guessing that it probably won’t be out for a while—Apple’s programming is pretty packed.
The show’s still in production, so don’t expect it before late 2025 or maybe even early 2026.
Who is included in the cast of Apple TV+’s Smoke series?
Taron Egerton is front and center as the arson investigator. Recently, Apple TV+ announced some new cast members.
Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall, Hannah Emily Anderson, and Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine are all on board in major roles. The show also reunites Egerton with Dennis Lehane, who he worked with on “Black Bird.”
How many episodes are in the first season of Smoke on Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ hasn’t dropped the official episode count for “Smoke” yet. But if you look at similar series, it’s probably safe to guess there’ll be 8 to 10 episodes in the first season.
We’ll know for sure once the release date gets closer and production wraps up.
Has Smoke on Apple TV+ been renewed for a second season?
Nope, not yet. “Smoke” hasn’t been renewed for season two. That’s pretty normal—Apple usually waits to see how the first season lands before ordering more.
Since the first season is still filming, it’s way too early for any renewal news.
Can I stream Apple TV+ content, such as Smoke, through my web browser?
Absolutely. You can stream Apple TV+ stuff—including “Firebug” when it finally drops—right in your web browser at tv.apple.com (as long as you’ve got a subscription).
It also works on Apple devices, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming gadgets like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
What are the filming locations for the Smoke TV series?
So far, Apple hasn’t really shared any concrete info about where “Firebug” is being filmed. The show’s based on real events tied to a notorious California arsonist, so you’d think at least some of it might be shot in California. Still, that’s just speculation for now.
Guess we’ll have to wait a bit—more production details will probably trickle out as the series gets closer to wrapping up.
