Apple TV’s 8-Part Crime Thriller With 90% On Rotten Tomatoes Keeps Getting Better Ahead Of Its 2026 Return

Although it might not be AppleTV+’s most famous series, the crime thriller Criminal Record has recently become even more compelling as it prepares for a return in 2026. Created by Paul Rutman, Criminal Record is a well-received British crime drama featuring Peter Capaldi as DCI Daniel Hegarty and Cush Jumbo as DS June Lenker.

Detectives Hegarty and Lenker are an unlikely pair. Hegarty is a seasoned, old-school cop, and Lenker is a newer, less experienced officer. Despite their differences, both are skilled and determined to succeed. They get their opportunity when a mysterious phone call leads them to investigate a cold case – a murder that was never solved.

Criminal Record Is A Killer Crime Thriller Starring Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo

While the show features talented actors like Zoë Wanamaker and Charlie Creed-Miles, it’s the dynamic between Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo that truly makes Criminal Record compelling. The first season, which came out in January 2024, centers around a gripping mystery that grows increasingly intricate with each new episode.

The series Criminal Record created a convincingly cold mood that matched its grim story, and it felt realistic – unlike many police shows that go over the top. Peter Capaldi, known from Doctor Who, and Cush Jumbo, from The Good Fight, both gave strong performances, but their characters’ connection didn’t distract from the compelling mystery at the heart of the show.

Many psychological thrillers rely on surprise twists just to shock the audience, but Criminal Record felt more intelligent and well-crafted. The season finale hinted at a potential second season, but the eight episodes as they stand tell a complete and satisfying story.

Criminal Record Season 2 Can Make Its Mystery Story Even Better

The show’s engaging storytelling proved successful! Criminal Record was renewed for a second season in February 2024, and filming began in 2025. Season 2 will bring back stars Peter Capaldi and Nicola Jumbo, and will also feature new cast members Peter Sullivan, Dustin Demri-Burns, and Lyndsey Marshall.

Season 2 of Criminal Record will premiere on Apple TV in late April 2026, with the last episode airing in June 2026. Unlike many shows available today, Criminal Record releases episodes weekly, similar to how TV shows were traditionally broadcast.

It’s notable that Rutman began his career working on popular British police dramas like Inspector Lewis and Vera before creating this Apple TV+ series. While the first season of Criminal Record didn’t have any weak episodes, its format felt more like a classic network television police show than a modern streaming series.

This is likely a positive development for the show’s future. As Criminal Record prepares for its second season in 2026, it can offer viewers a classic police procedural – a type of show that’s becoming increasingly uncommon in today’s rapidly evolving television environment.

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2026-03-01 21:48