Apple TV+ has had a stellar 2026, delivering fan favorites like Silo, Your Friends & Neighbors, and Sugar, while also introducing fresh hits such as Widow's Bay, Star City, and Margo's Got Money Troubles. But as the year winds down, the streamer is closing out with a bang—thanks to a gritty crime thriller that has taken the streaming world by storm.
Nocturne, a ten-part series that premiered on October 30, has quickly climbed to the No. 1 spot on Apple TV's global charts, overtaking heavyweights like Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, and Silo. The show, developed by John Havlin (Shooter) and created by Rowan Joffe, is based on Lars Kepler's novels Lazarus and The Sandman. It's another masterful adaptation from Apple, which has become known for turning books into must-watch television.
The series centers on a retired detective who is drawn back into the dark world of law enforcement when a cold case suddenly heats up with a new lead. What follows is a tense, psychological cat-and-mouse game with some truly depraved killers. It's a show tailor-made for fans of detective and serial killer dramas—dark, brooding, and unflinching.
Leading the charge is an impressive ensemble cast: Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan), Stephen Graham (Adolescence), Zazie Beetz (Atlanta), Bill Camp (Presumed Innocent), Rory Culkin (Under the Banner of Heaven), Chrissy Metz (This Is Us), Poorna Jagannathan (Lanterns), and Gary Carr (The Peripheral). Their performances are widely praised, even by critics who find the plot familiar.
Is 'Nocturne' Worth Watching?
Critics are divided on Nocturne. On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds an 88% critics' score, but audiences are less enthusiastic, giving it a 58% after just two episodes. Many reviewers note that the show leans heavily on well-worn tropes of the detective and serial killer genre, making it feel predictable at times.
Collider's Charlie Ridgely called it "a solid crime thriller that could've been even better," adding that it's "a deeply engaging and thought-provoking tale bolstered by a fantastic cast, keeping it afloat when some of the production elements struggle with their identity." ScreenRant's Dani Kessel Odom echoed that sentiment, praising the cast's performances even "when it's obvious what's coming." Polygon's Aimee Hart, however, couldn't get past the narrative's predictability, expecting it to become a "cop-heavy drama we've seen a thousand times before."
Despite the mixed reviews, Nocturne's streaming success is undeniable. It's a testament to Apple TV's ability to attract top-tier talent and produce high-quality, binge-worthy content. If you're a fan of dark crime thrillers, this one is worth a shot—especially if you enjoy seeing a stellar cast elevate familiar material.
New episodes drop every Friday, so there's plenty of time to catch up. And if you're looking for more underrated gems on Apple TV, check out our picks for overlooked retro sci-fi and gothic dramas you might have missed. For more streaming recommendations, see what's trending on Prime Video this November.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on Nocturne and all your favorite shows.
