Smoke (2025–)

Smoke (2025–) is one of the most anticipated American crime‑drama miniseries of the year, blending procedural grit, psychological intensity, and moral ambiguity. Created and written by **Dennis Lehane**, and starring **Taron Egerton** and **Jurnee Smollett**, this English‑language series premiered on **June 27, 2025** on Apple TV+.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Movie Overview

Overview & Premise

**Smoke** is inspired by the true‑crime “Firebug” podcast detailing arsonist John Leonard Orr’s crimes. Set in the fictional Pacific Northwest town of Umberland, the story follows **Dave Gudsen** (Taron Egerton), a conflicted arson investigator, and **Detective Michelle Calderone** (Jurnee Smollett), as they reluctantly team up to hunt two serial arsonists.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Dennis Lehane reframes this hunt as a psychological drama, probing themes of obsession, internal conflict, and self‑deception. The narrative shifts focus from the arsonists’ identities to the emotional and moral struggles of those chasing the truth.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Cast & Characters

• Taron Egerton as Dave Gudsen – a borderline obsessive arson investigator and former firefighter.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Jurnee Smollett as Detective Michelle Calderone – a driven detective assigned to assist Gudsen.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Rafe Spall as Captain Steven Burke – Calderone’s officer-conflicted superior and past lover.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Freddy Fasano – a suspect with eerie ties to the community.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Hannah Emily Anderson as Ashley Gudsen – Dave’s second wife seeking normalcy.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Greg Kinnear as Commander Harvey Englehart – head of the fire department.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• John Leguizamo as Ezra Esposito – former detective, now struggling with addiction.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Production & Release

The series was announced in December 2022 under the working title **Firebug**. Filming began in Vancouver and Maple Ridge, Canada, in March 2024.:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Apple TV+ announced a global premiere for **June 27, 2025**, launching with the first two episodes, followed by weekly episodes through **August 15, 2025**, totaling nine episodes.:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Critical Reception & Reviews

**Smoke** currently holds a **71% approval rating** on Rotten Tomatoes and a **60/100 Metacritic** score, reflecting “generally favorable” reviews.:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Reviews note the show’s atmospheric tension and psychological depth as it builds. Early episodes are described as clichéd or slow-burning, but the intensity and strong performances—especially by Egerton and Smollett—elevate the experience.:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

A standout moment emerges in Episode 8’s shocking twist, where Calderone accidentally kills Steven Burke and frames Gudsen—blurring loyalties and shifting viewer alignment.:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Why It Matters

**Smoke** stands out for its:

• Psychological complexity: Treats fire and arson as metaphors for inner turmoil, breaking from genre norms.:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Creative pedigree: From Dennis Lehane, whose work in *Shutter Island* and *Mystic River* underscores his mastery in crime storytelling.:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Impressive cast: Egerton and Smollett anchor the drama with nuance, supported by compelling ensemble performances.:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Slow‑burn efficacy: Though the pacing is restrained early on, the deeply layered character arcs and mounting tension reward patient viewers.:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Summer storytelling impact: Amid a content drought, *Smoke* emerges as a textured crime narrative worth rallying behind.:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

Summary

**Smoke (2025–)** is a dark, suspenseful crime drama from Dennis Lehane, premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+. With strong performances by Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett, its narrative arcs move from procedural to psychological explorations of guilt, loyalty, and the allure of deception.

The miniseries unfolds over nine episodes, gripping viewers with early twists and an unforgettable mid‑season reveal. It’s a character‑driven story that rewards those willing to sit with discomfort and moral ambiguity.

In a slow‑burn television landscape, *Smoke* is catching eyes—and hearts—through its haunting tone, layered storytelling, and the human cost of fire.

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