Apple TV+ has quietly built a reputation as a powerhouse for sci-fi storytelling, with hits like Severance, Silo, and For All Mankind. But one of its most intriguing series flew under the radar when it debuted in 2024: Sugar. Now, the show is officially returning for a second season on June 19, 2026, and it's time to uncover why this crime thriller is actually a sci-fi gem in disguise.
Created by Mark Protosevich—who wrote I Am Legend and the English-language Oldboy remake—Sugar stars Colin Farrell as John Sugar, a private investigator with a deep love for classic film noir. The first season presented itself as a modern detective story, complete with moody lighting and a hard-boiled protagonist. But halfway through, the series pulled off a jaw-dropping twist that transformed it into something entirely different: a sci-fi mystery thriller that recontextualized everything viewers thought they knew.
That bold narrative pivot earned Sugar a "Certified Fresh" 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Farrell's cool, compelling performance. The consensus notes the show's ample style, even if the clues could be stronger. Collider's Nate Richard called the twist "so bold and so out-there that it becomes an entirely different show altogether." For those who haven't watched yet, it's best to go in blind—but know that this is not your typical detective series.
The second season will consist of eight episodes, continuing the story of John Sugar as he navigates a far-reaching conspiracy that blurs the line between crime and science fiction. The first season was directed in part by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Fernando Meirelles (City of God), who helmed five of the eight episodes. While details on Season 2's plot remain under wraps, fans can expect more of the same genre-bending twists that made the debut so memorable.
Apple TV+ has become a destination for ambitious sci-fi, from the dystopian drama of Silo to the mind-bending workplace thriller Severance. Sugar fits right in, but its unique blend of noir and sci-fi sets it apart. If you're a fan of crime thrillers that surprise you, check out Robert Pattinson's nail-biting crime thriller 'Good Time' while you wait for Sugar's return.
For those who love a good twist, Sugar is a must-watch. It's a show that rewards patient viewers and challenges genre expectations. As the streaming landscape fills with predictable procedurals, Sugar stands out as a refreshingly original take on the detective story—one that just happens to have a sci-fi heart.
Mark your calendars for June 19, 2026, when Sugar Season 2 drops on Apple TV+. In the meantime, catch up on Season 1 if you haven't already—you won't regret it. And if you're in the mood for more genre-bending thrills, Netflix's 'Bodies' offers a similar blend of time and genre.
