SummaryArson investigator Dave Gudsen (Taron Egerton) and police detective Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett) seek to find two serial arsonists in the crime drama written and created by Dennis Lehane and inspired by some real events discussed in truth.media's Firebug podcast.
Created By:Dennis Lehane
Smoke
Season 1 Premiere:
Jun 27, 2025
Metascore
Generally Favorable
61
User score
Mixed or Average
4.9
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All Seasons
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
60% Positive
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
30% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
10% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Sep 4, 2025
80
“Smoke” has everything fans of Lehane’s books or TV shows have come to expect, mystery, action, violence, foreboding atmosphere but this series also has dark comedy and bits of fantasy. There are times when you’re not so sure where the fictional Dave’s fictional book ends and this fictional version of a true story begins.
Jun 27, 2025
75
“Smoke” is well-made and tremendously acted, and while the plot does go up in — ahem — smoke late in the game, the actors always keep us invested.
User score
Mixed or Average
33% Positive
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
38% Mixed
15 Ratings
15 Ratings
30% Negative
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
Jul 26, 2025
7
This series is all about Taron Egerton, who continues to deliver exceptional performances. Apparently, showrunner Dennis Lehane felt the same way, because he cast him for the lead in his last very successful series “Black Bird” (my review). Egerton plays an unusual arson investigator, who’s working on two cases. He’s joined by Jurnee Smollett, adding a sly personality as the cop assigned to assist him. Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine is undeniably disturbing as one of the arsonists. These 3 keep the series interesting. Lehane gives them compelling interactions, while including some intense moments of fiery action. As with many series, it could have been tighter, but it remains an absorbing cop drama, with Egerton’s layered, powerful performance that gives the series its fire. (Review based on 6 out of 9 one-hour eps)
Jul 26, 2025
5
Not too bad but a bit creepy. I suppose that's the theme of the series. Not my cup of tea though. I was looking for a mystery not a creepy mystery. Our view is: "skip if you aren't into creepy mysteries."
Jun 26, 2025
70
An extraordinarily well-acted, formally inconsistent adaptation of the podcast Firebug.
Jun 27, 2025
67
There are a number of moments where the series feels like it takes things too far, whether it’s in the minor details or major plot twists. But if you can accept “Smoke” as a gonzo piece of sensationalism, it’s a thoroughly entertaining ride.
Jun 26, 2025
60
A show with about as much restraint as its fiends, sabotaging its frequently gripping action via a handful of crucial over-the-top contrivances.
Jun 27, 2025
40
Despite feinting towards subversion, Lehane has produced a typical—overlong, caricature-laden, easy to watch but also to forget—streaming crime show.
Jun 25, 2025
37
The show is pulpy without being entertaining, with a ludicrous showdown in the finale that’s followed a few scenes later by another, even more ludicrous staredown. Plenty of smoke. No fire.
Aug 17, 2025
4
Not worth the time or amount of episodes. Below average acting, story and series.
Jul 25, 2025
4
Series is not great but watchable. Wish it was a little better - arson investigation is an interesting yet underexplored topic in media. I think the plot would have been interesting enough without the whole "twist" of who the arsonist is. Main complaint is that the protagonist(s) are both EXTREMELY unlikable.
Production Company:
- Apple Studios
- Crime Story Media
- EDEN Productions (II)
- Imperative Entertainment
- Truth Podcasting
Initial Release Date:Jun 27, 2025
Number of seasons:1 Season
Rating:TV-MA
Awards
Critics Choice Awards Celebration of Cinema & Television
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Guild of Music Supervisors Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
