Smoke Lights Up Apple TV+ with Fiery True-Crime Thriller
Apple TV+ unveils its latest prestige crime series, Smoke, inspired by the chilling real-life story of a serial arsonist and adapted from the hit true-crime podcast Firebug.
Apple TV+ continues its true-crime streak with Smoke, a gripping nine-episode miniseries that premiered globally on June 27, 2025. Created by Dennis Lehane (Black Bird, Mystic River), the show blends high-stakes drama with the psychological underpinnings of serial arson. The first two episodes are already streaming, with new installments dropping each Friday until the finale on August 15.
Drawing inspiration from the Firebug podcast by Truth Podcasting Corp, Smoke offers a fictionalized retelling of the real-life crimes committed by John Leonard Orr, a fire captain turned serial arsonist. While names and some narrative elements have been changed, the emotional and investigative core of the story remains chillingly authentic.
Smoke stars Taron Egerton as arson investigator Dave Gudsen and Jurnee Smollett as detective Michelle Calderone. Together, they track a series of deadly blazes that point to not one but two serial arsonists. Egerton also serves as executive producer, adding weight to an already stellar production lineup.
The opening scene, now available as a teaser, sets the tone with haunting visuals of flames and a philosophical voiceover about the nature of destruction. It introduces viewers to the show’s central question: what drives someone to watch the world burn?
Supporting cast members include Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall, Anna Chlumsky, and John Leguizamo, creating a dynamic ensemble that adds depth to each fiery encounter. The series was shot in Vancouver, starting in March 2024, capturing a moody, smoke-filled aesthetic true to its theme.
At the heart of Smoke is a meditation on damage, both inflicted and endured. Gudsen and Calderone are not just chasing firestarters; they’re confronting the damage left in their personal and professional lives. It’s a study in obsession, power, and the blurry line between justice and vengeance.
Produced by Apple Studios alongside Truth Media, Crime Story, and others, Smoke showcases the platform’s continued commitment to premium, podcast-adapted storytelling. With Firebug’s creator Kary Antholis also on board as executive producer, the series ensures narrative authenticity rooted in the podcast’s meticulous research.
