Apple TV+ has been on a roll in 2026, with hits like Shrinking Season 3, Your Friends and Neighbors Season 2, and the Godzilla spin-off Monarch: Legacy of Monsters keeping subscribers glued to their screens. Now, one of the streamer's most underrated gems is back and climbing the charts: the British crime thriller Criminal Record.
Created by Paul Rutman, Criminal Record first premiered in early 2024 with eight gripping episodes that earned critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. The series stars Cush Jumbo as Detective Sergeant June Lenker and Peter Capaldi as Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty, two London detectives whose lives become dangerously entangled after a murder case reveals deep-seated corruption and personal vendettas.
Season 2 kicked off on Thursday, April 24, with an episode titled "Is It Him?" directed by Ben A. Williams and written by Rutman. The premiere picks up with June once again crossing paths with Hegarty, who offers her a spot in his intelligence operation to track down a killer. Early reviews from fans are glowing, with many praising the show's tense atmosphere and sharp writing.
Thanks to the Season 2 debut, Criminal Record has surged back into Apple TV+'s top five most-watched shows in the U.S., and ranks fifth globally—even hitting third place in some countries. The series is a perfect example of how a slow-burn British crime thriller can captivate a global audience, especially when led by a powerhouse like Capaldi.
Speaking of Capaldi, the Scottish actor is best known for two iconic roles: the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who (a fan-favorite era now seen as one of the show's best) and the foul-mouthed spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in the comedy The Thick of It. In Criminal Record, he brings a chilling intensity that reminds viewers why he's one of the most versatile actors working today.
If you're looking for a binge-worthy crime thriller this weekend, Criminal Record is a must-watch. For more recommendations, check out our Netflix Binge Guide: 3 Shows to Devour This Weekend (April 24) or dive into HBO's Most Underseen Crime Masterpiece: 'Full Circle'.
All episodes of Criminal Record are available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more streaming news and reviews.
