Apple TV+ continues to build its reputation as a home for quality crime dramas, and the streaming service has just announced the return date for one of its most acclaimed thrillers. Criminal Record, the London-set police drama starring Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo, is coming back for a second season this spring with a storyline that escalates from a single murder investigation to a race against a terrorist threat.
What You Need to Know About Season 2
Criminal Record season 2 will premiere on Wednesday, April 22, with new episodes releasing weekly through June 10. If you enjoyed the first season’s exploration of truth and justice in modern policing, this second chapter promises to raise the stakes considerably.
The new season kicks off with a young man being stabbed to death at a political rally. This tragic event forces rival detectives June Lenker (played by Cush Jumbo) and Daniel Hegarty (Peter Capaldi) into an uneasy partnership once again. What starts as a straightforward murder investigation quickly transforms into something much larger: an undercover operation to prevent a far-right bombing plot in London.
Why the First Season Earned Critical Praise
The show’s debut season, which aired in 2024, impressed both critics and audiences with its thoughtful approach to contemporary policing challenges. It earned a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its strong writing and compelling performances from its lead actors.
At its core, Criminal Record examines what happens when truth becomes subjective in law enforcement. The series is set against the backdrop of modern London, exploring the complex dynamics between different police officers, their methods, and their motivations. It’s a character-driven drama that doesn’t rely on cheap thrills or oversimplified moral lessons.
Apple TV+ Is Building a Strong Crime Thriller Lineup
If you’re drawn to this genre, Apple’s streaming service has quietly assembled an impressive collection of crime dramas. Currently, Hijack starring Idris Elba is airing its latest season, and Criminal Record will follow shortly after that series concludes.
Beyond these two shows, the platform offers several other well-crafted options worth your time. Slow Horses has become a fan favorite with its darkly comedic take on British intelligence work. Black Bird delivered a gripping limited series about a prisoner who must befriend a suspected serial killer. Presumed Innocent offered a sophisticated legal thriller, while Dope Thief provided a more unconventional take on crime storytelling.
This growing library suggests Apple is making a real investment in the thriller genre, moving beyond its initial focus on prestige dramas and science fiction to offer more variety for subscribers.
How to Watch
Apple TV+ is available as a standalone subscription for $12.99 per month, though you can save money by bundling it with other Apple services through Apple One. If you haven’t watched the first season yet, you have several months to catch up before the new episodes arrive in April.
The service works across a wide range of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TV boxes, smart TVs, streaming sticks, and even gaming consoles. You can also watch through a web browser on any computer.
What Makes This Show Worth Your Time
In an era where crime dramas often blend together, Criminal Record stands out for a few key reasons. First, it takes its subject matter seriously without becoming preachy or heavy-handed. The show acknowledges the complexity of modern policing, including institutional problems and personal biases, while still telling an engaging story.
Second, the performances from Capaldi and Jumbo provide genuine weight to the material. These aren’t stock detective characters following a predictable formula. Their relationship is complicated, sometimes adversarial, and always interesting to watch.
Finally, the London setting feels authentic rather than touristy. The city becomes a character in itself, with the show exploring different neighborhoods and communities in ways that inform the story rather than just providing backdrop.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to watch season 1 before starting season 2?
A: While season 2 introduces a new case, it continues the relationship between the two main detectives established in the first season. Watching season 1 will give you important context about their dynamic and history, making season 2 more rewarding.
Q: How many episodes will season 2 have?
A: Based on the announced premiere date of April 22 and finale date of June 10, with weekly releases, season 2 will likely consist of 8 episodes, matching the structure of the first season.
Q: Can I watch Criminal Record without an Apple TV device?
A: Yes, Apple TV+ works on many devices beyond Apple hardware, including Samsung and LG smart TVs, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation and Xbox consoles, and through web browsers on any computer.
First and Geek Verdict
Criminal Record season 2 arrives at a good time for Apple TV+, which has been steadily improving its content library. The jump from a single murder case to a terrorist plot sounds ambitious, but if the show maintains the character depth and thoughtful storytelling of its first season, it should work well. For fans of intelligent crime dramas that respect their audience, this is definitely worth adding to your watchlist. The weekly release schedule also gives you a chance to discuss episodes as they air rather than racing through everything at once, which suits this type of layered storytelling. If you’re looking for something more substantive than typical procedural fare, Criminal Record delivers that without feeling overly academic or slow-paced.
