Apple TV+ has quietly built a reputation for delivering top-tier thrillers, and Criminal Record is proving to be one of its crown jewels. The British detective drama returned for a second season on April 22, 2026, and immediately stormed the streamer's viewership charts both in the U.S. and globally. According to FlixPatrol, it overtook heavyweights like For All Mankind, Ted Lasso, and Silo to become the most-watched show on the platform.
The series, which first premiered in 2024 with an acclaimed eight-episode debut, follows the tense partnership between two mismatched detectives played by Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi. Set in contemporary London, the first season unraveled a sprawling conspiracy behind the murder of a young woman, tackling themes of race and institutional corruption. It earned a Certified Fresh 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes—but season 2 has somehow raised the bar even higher, currently holding a perfect 100% rating.
A Streaming Success Story
Apple TV+ has long been celebrated for its sci-fi hits like Silo and Severance, but Criminal Record proves the streamer can compete with Prime Video and Netflix in the thriller space. While Prime Video boasts Reacher and Bosch, Apple now has a formidable one-two punch with Criminal Record and Slow Horses. For fans of the genre, this is a must-watch that rivals the 2020s' three true action-thriller masterpieces.
The show also gives Peter Capaldi another unforgettable role. Best known for his foul-mouthed turn in The Thick of It and as the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who, Capaldi brings his signature intensity to the screen. He's also appeared in the Paddington films and James Gunn's The Suicide Squad. Cush Jumbo, who broke out on The Good Wife, matches him beat for beat as his reluctant partner.
What to Expect from Season 2
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, early reviews suggest the new season deepens the conspiracy and raises the stakes. The show's ability to blend police procedural with social commentary has drawn comparisons to neo-noir masterpieces with perfectly crafted scripts. New episodes drop weekly, with the season finale scheduled for June 10, 2026.
For those who haven't caught up, the first season is still available on Apple TV+ and serves as an essential binge before diving into the new episodes. With its perfect critical score and surging popularity, Criminal Record is cementing itself as one of the best British detective thrillers of the decade.
