Apple TV+ has announced the April 22 premiere date for season 2 of the acclaimed London crime thriller 'Criminal Record,' starring Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo.
Apple TV+ is doubling down on crime thrillers with the April 22 premiere of Criminal Record season 2, continuing the story of two London detectives caught in a web of political intrigue and police corruption. The series, which stars Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who) and Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife), earned a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score during its 2024 debut season and returns with an even more explosive storyline.
What to Expect in Season 2
The new season kicks off with a politically charged murder that quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. According to Apple's official synopsis:
"Criminal Record is a powerful, character-driven drama set in the heart of contemporary London, exploring the impossibility of policing when the truth is up for grabs. In season two, when a young man is stabbed to death at a political rally, rival police officers June Lenker (Jumbo) and Daniel Hegarty (Capaldi) are forced into an uneasy alliance. But what starts as a hunt for a murderer escalates into an undercover operation to foil a far-right bomb plot in the heart of London."
This plot escalation promises to raise the stakes significantly from season 1, moving from a single case of potential wrongful conviction to a broader investigation involving domestic terrorism and political extremism. The dynamic between Capaldi's grizzled veteran detective and Jumbo's ambitious younger officer will likely be tested as they navigate this high-stakes operation.
Apple TV+'s Crime Thriller Strategy
Apple's investment in the crime thriller genre appears to be paying off. The platform currently hosts several acclaimed entries in the category, including:
- Hijack - The current Idris Elba-starring series that's wrapping up its run
- Slow Horses - Gary Oldman's MI5 spy thriller with dark comedy elements
- Black Bird - A true crime drama starring Taron Egerton
- Presumed Innocent - The Jake Gyllenhaal-led legal thriller
- Dope Thief - Brian Tyree Henry's crime drama
With Criminal Record season 2 premiering on April 22 and running through June 10, Apple is strategically positioning it to capture viewers as Hijack concludes. The weekly release schedule (first episode April 22, then weekly through June 10) follows the binge-watching trend that's become standard for streaming platforms.
Why This Matters for Apple TV+
The 90% Rotten Tomatoes score for season 1 demonstrated that Criminal Record could compete with established crime dramas on other platforms. By renewing it for a second season and setting a prime spring premiere date, Apple is signaling confidence in the show's ability to attract and retain subscribers.
Crime thrillers have proven to be reliable performers in the streaming wars, offering the kind of serialized storytelling that keeps viewers coming back week after week. For Apple TV+, which costs $12.99 per month (or comes bundled in Apple One), having a strong lineup of genre content is crucial for justifying the subscription cost against competitors like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.
How to Watch
You can catch up on season 1 now on Apple TV+, and season 2 will be available starting April 22. If you're new to the platform, Apple offers a free trial period, and the service is included in various Apple One bundle tiers at a discounted rate compared to the standalone subscription.
Have you seen the first season of Criminal Record? Are you planning to tune in for season 2? The show's exploration of police ethics and institutional corruption feels particularly relevant in today's climate, and with Capaldi and Jumbo leading the charge, it's likely to be one of spring's most talked-about streaming releases.
Comments
Please log in or register to join the discussion