Apple TV+ has quietly pulled the plug on Dope Thief, the Ridley Scott-produced crime thriller that premiered early last year. Despite strong reviews and a compelling premise, the show won't be returning for a second season, according to producer David W. Zucker.
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Zucker confirmed that Apple opted not to continue the series, though he noted it performed relatively well for the streamer. "There was a way we potentially could have gone forward with that story, and I think it performed relatively well for Apple. But it wasn't one that they opted to continue with," he said. He also left the door slightly ajar, admitting that he "never thought we would make Alien: Earth or Blade Runner 2099," suggesting that a revival isn't entirely out of the question, even if it seems unlikely now.
What Was 'Dope Thief' About?
The series followed two lifelong friends and small-time crooks, played by Wagner Moura and Brian Tyree Henry, who pose as DEA agents to rob a rural house. Their scheme goes disastrously wrong, plunging them into a massive drug conspiracy spanning the Eastern Seaboard. The show was created by Peter Craig, who also co-wrote Gladiator II with Scott.
Ridley Scott, best known for sci-fi classics like Blade Runner and Alien, served as an executive producer through his Scott Free banner and even directed an episode of the first season. The cast also originally included Michael Mando, but he was replaced by Moura after an on-set clash with another co-star.
Scott's Busy Production Slate
While Dope Thief may be dead, Scott remains incredibly active. He's currently gearing up for the release of The Dog Stars, a dystopian sci-fi epic starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, marking his return to the genre after nearly a decade. He also produced the upcoming Hulu series Alien: Earth, which has already been renewed for a second season. FX picked up the show, written by Fargo's Noah Hawley, and cameras are rolling for Season 2, likely arriving before the end of 2027.
For fans of thriller TV series, Dope Thief offered a gritty, high-stakes ride that earned a 10/10 from some critics. Its cancellation adds to a pattern of Apple TV+ quietly ending promising shows, much like Scott's earlier series Raised by Wolves, which was also canceled after two seasons.
What's Next for the Cast?
Wagner Moura and Brian Tyree Henry both delivered standout performances in Dope Thief, and fans can expect to see them in upcoming projects. Henry, in particular, has been on a hot streak with roles in Godzilla vs. Kong and the acclaimed series Atlanta. Meanwhile, Moura is set to star in the upcoming Narcos spin-off.
For now, the first and only season of Dope Thief is available to stream on Apple TV+. If you're looking for more overlooked R-rated thrillers or want to dive into the best crime shows ever made, we've got you covered.
