Apple TV's lineup is packed with heavy hitters, but a gritty London crime thriller is quietly stealing the spotlight. Criminal Record, starring Peter Capaldi as the morally complex DCI Daniel Hegarty and Cush Jumbo as DS June Lenker, has become a streaming sensation since its Season 2 premiere on April 22, 2026. The show's steady climb on global charts proves that audiences are hungry for smart, tense storytelling.
On April 23, just one day after the new season dropped, Criminal Record hit No. 5 among Apple TV shows worldwide, according to FlixPatrol. It trailed only heavyweights like Margo's Got Money Troubles and Imperfect Women. In the U.S., it also landed at No. 5 on Apple TV's TV chart, jumping four spots—a strong early signal for a returning thriller. But what's more impressive is its staying power. By April 30, it held at No. 8 on the U.S. TV chart and climbed to No. 7 overall on Apple TV's U.S. list, outperforming library staples like Ted Lasso and For All Mankind. As of May 1, it remains visible globally at No. 7 among Apple TV shows, ahead of Shrinking and The Last Thing He Told Me.
The series, created by Paul Rutman, follows the uneasy partnership between Hegarty and Lenker as they navigate a web of corruption and moral ambiguity. Season 2 raises the stakes with a new case: a young man is killed at a political rally, leading the duo into a far-right bomb plot that tests their loyalties. The eight-episode season airs weekly through June 10, and early buzz suggests it's even more gripping than the first.
Critics have been quick to praise the sophomore outing. Criminal Record Season 2 debuted with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, though it has since settled into the high-80s as more reviews roll in. That initial reaction, however, solidified its status as a sleeper hit. For fans of crime dramas like Jude Law and Jason Bateman's Black Rabbit, this is a must-watch.
What makes Criminal Record stand out in Apple TV's crowded crime-drama bench is its nuanced characters and atmospheric London setting. Capaldi brings a weary intensity to Hegarty, while Jumbo's Lenker is a sharp counterbalance. Their dynamic—partners forced together by circumstance—fuels the show's tension. The series also benefits from strong writing that avoids easy answers, diving into the moral rot that made Season 1 so compelling.
Streaming success isn't just about premiere numbers; it's about longevity. Criminal Record has proven it can hold its own against bigger titles, a feat that's rare for a show without a massive marketing push. As May 2026 unfolds, it's becoming a go-to for viewers seeking a sophisticated thriller. If you're looking for something to binge, this is a solid pick—especially if you enjoyed the twisty narrative of Apple TV's Pluribus.
With Season 2 still airing, Criminal Record is trending on Apple TV and showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you're a fan of Capaldi's previous work or just love a good crime story, this series deserves a spot on your watchlist. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses.
