By: MJ Asuncion
The new crime drama “Smoke” has reunited the creative team behind AppleTV+’s acclaimed hit film Black Bird – Creator/Writer Dennis Lehane and actor Taron Egerton. The two reteam for the series is inspired by truth.media’s “Firebug,” a podcast about the crimes of arsonist John Leonard Orr.
Set in the fictional town of Umberland in the Pacific Northwest, “Smoke” follows arson investigator Dave Gudsen (Taron Egerton) who reluctantly teams up with police detective Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett) to pursue two serial arsonists. One has been terrorizing the town for over a year and the other for six months. The clock is ticking, as they learn to work together before one or both the arsonists strike again. With every potential new development, there seems to be just another dead end. As they race to catch a break in the case under extreme pressure, secrets and suspicions start to mount. It will only be a matter of time before things really catch fire and someone gets burned.
The series places two great actors as its leads, Taron Egerton as the enigmatic arson investigator Gudsen and Jurnee Smollett as the troubled detective Calderone. The dynamic between the two characters is essential to the series, and Egerton and Smollett are exceptional opposite each other. The cast of “Smoke” also includes great talents Race Spall, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Hannah Emily Anderson, Anna Chlumsky, Adina Porter, Greg Kinnear and John Leguizamo.
Taron Egerton is an Emmy Award nominee who is known for his versatility and stage and screen performances with countless roles under his belt. He has received critical acclaim for his portrayal of singer-songwriter Elton John in the film Rocketman (2019), winning him a Golden Globe. Egerton has a natural ability to adapt and mold himself into any role. His excellent execution of even the smallest facial expressions and shifts of body language contribute to a perfect portrayal of Gudsen, the self-assured and inscrutable ex-firefighter turned arson investigator. Jurnee Smollett started her career as a child actor on sitcoms like ‘Full House’, later gaining recognition for her role on Eve’s Bayou (1997), winning her a Critic’s Choice Award. Her rare talent has garnered prestige and acclaim, earning her numerous nominations and awards. She is best known for her starring role in the HBO drama ‘Lovecraft Country’, her performance praised by industry insiders and critics alike. Smollett has said that her role as detective Calderone on the series Smoke is the most challenging one she has had to take on. Her character is a former marine, so Smollett trained intensely in order to put on 15 lbs. of muscle. She transformed herself physically, mentally, and spiritually to play the part of the confident, headstrong, determined detective.
Dennis Lehane and Taron Egerton served as executive producers, alongside Richard Plepler on behalf of EDEN Productions and Bradley Thomas and Dan Friedkin through Imperative Entertainment, as well as Kari Skogland, Joe Chappelle and Jane Bartelme. The series directors include Jim McKay, Joe Chappelle and Kari Skogland. The series creator Lehane is also an accomplished author, publishing more than a dozen novels. Lehane has a way of writing characters with a lot of contradiction and complexity, and it is clearly visible with “Smoke.”
“Smoke” will debut globally on AppleTV+ on June 27, 2025 with two episodes. New episodes premiere every Friday through August 15th, 2025. After catching the pilot and second episode, I am on the edge of my seat to see how the story will unfold. Be sure to tune in to this gripping new crime thriller!