Smoke TV Series: Episodes, True Story & Season 2
You’ve probably seen the trailers for Smoke, the Apple TV+ crime drama that’s been generating chatter since its June 2025 premiere. This guide answers all the top questions so you can jump in spoiler-free.
Total episodes: 9 · Streaming platform: Apple TV+ · Creator: Dennis Lehane · Premiere date: 2025 · Genre: Crime drama · Based on: Firebug podcast
Quick snapshot
- 9 episodes in season 1, streaming exclusively on Apple TV+ (Newsweek)
- Inspired by real arsonist John Leonard Orr (Biography.com)
- Season 2 renewal status and whether the series will continue as a limited or ongoing show are not yet announced by Apple TV+ (Us Weekly)
- Finale ends on a cliffhanger, but no official renewal or cancellation as of late 2025 (YouTube)
Six key facts define Smoke at a glance, from its creator to its source material.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Creator | Dennis Lehane |
| Streaming on | Apple TV+ |
| Total episodes | 9 |
| Genre | Crime drama |
| Based on | Firebug podcast |
| Premiere year | 2025 |
How many episodes are in Smoke?
Episode count
Smoke season 1 consists of 9 episodes, according to Esquire. The series launched with two episodes on June 27, 2025, and the remaining seven aired weekly on Fridays, culminating on August 15, 2025.
Episode list
- Episode 1: “Pilot”
- Episode 2: “Your Happy Makes Me Sad”
- Episode 3: “Weird Milk”
- Episode 4: “Strawberry”
- Episode 5: “Size Matters”
- Episode 6: “Manhood”
- Episode 7: “Whitewashed Tombs”
- Episode 8: “Mercy”
- Episode 9: “Mirror, Mirror”
All episode titles are listed by Wikipedia. The pattern: nine episodes, each running roughly 45–55 minutes, dropping weekly after a two-episode premiere. The implication: you can binge the first two and then settle into a weekly rhythm.
The 9-episode count is standard for a premium cable-style drama, but it leaves exactly enough room for a tight arc without filler.
Is Smoke based on a true story?
Real-life inspiration
Smoke is not a direct dramatization of a single case, but it is inspired by the true story of arsonist John Leonard Orr, a former fire captain who set dozens of fires in California. The series draws on the criminal case of Orr, who was convicted of setting fires that killed four people and injured dozens.
What is the Firebug podcast?
The show is based on the Firebug podcast, which chronicled Orr’s crimes and the investigation. The creator Dennis Lehane has said the podcast provided the narrative framework. The series fictionalizes the characters and setting while keeping the core arsonist profile.
The catch: Smoke uses real-life horror as a springboard, but it takes creative liberties to build a whodunit around the detective’s perspective.
Is Smoke worth watching?
Critical reception
Reviews have been mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a moderate score, with praise for its visual style and tension but criticism of uneven writing and character development. TheWrap’s review notes that the show’s “atmospheric dread” carries the first half. User ratings hover around 7/10 on IMDb, with many viewers citing the finale’s twist as a highlight. The series earns points for performances, especially Taron Egerton’s lead role, but some find the plot predictable.
Why this matters: if you’re a fan of slow-burn crime dramas with a strong lead, Smoke delivers atmosphere. If you need tight plotting, it may frustrate.
Is Dave the arsonist in Smoke?
Spoiler: who is the arsonist
Spoiler warning: The identity of the arsonist is revealed in the season finale. Without giving away the twist, the show’s narrative centers on a detective (played by Taron Egerton) investigating a series of arsons. The finale, titled “Mirror, Mirror,” offers a chilling reveal that recontextualizes earlier events. According to IMDb, the finale sets up a possible second season with that reveal.
The pattern: the show follows the classic “the killer is closer than you think” structure, similar to many true-crime adaptations.
Is Smoke season 2 coming out?
Renewal status
As of late 2025, Apple TV+ has not officially renewed or cancelled Smoke for a second season. The network’s decision is still pending, and the series’ mixed reception may influence the outcome.
Possible release date
If renewed, a season 2 would likely arrive in 2026, given typical production timelines. The finale’s cliffhanger suggests the creators have more story to tell, but no official announcement has been made.
The trade-off: fans who want closure may need to wait, or accept that the show might end on that cliffhanger.
Is episode 9 of Smoke the finale?
Season 1 finale
Yes, episode 9, “Mirror, Mirror,” is the season 1 finale. It aired on August 15, 2025, and concludes the first season’s arc while leaving a door open for season 2. The episode features a major face reveal that has been widely discussed by critics.
The implication: treat episode 9 as a season finale, not a series finale, unless renewal news changes that.
Where can I watch Smoke?
Streaming on Apple TV+
Smoke streams exclusively on Apple TV+. You need a subscription to access the full season. The service is available in over 100 countries, and a free trial may be offered for new subscribers. The first two episodes are available from June 27, 2025, with a new episode each Friday until the finale.
The pattern: standard Apple TV+ release schedule — no binging the whole season at once unless you wait until after the finale.
Apple TV+’s library is smaller than Netflix or Amazon Prime, so Smoke is a major original for the platform. If you’re already a subscriber, you’re set. If not, consider whether the show alone justifies the monthly fee.
en.wikipedia.org, epguides.com, tvmaze.com, en.wikipedia.org
Frequently asked questions
What is the rating of Smoke on Rotten Tomatoes?
As of late 2025, the series holds a moderate score on Rotten Tomatoes. Exact percentage varies by time; check the site for the latest.
Is Smoke a limited series or ongoing?
It has not been officially classified as a limited series. The cliffhanger finale suggests the creators intend it as ongoing, but Apple TV+ has not confirmed.
Who plays the lead detective in Smoke?
Taron Egerton plays the lead detective, a role that anchors the series.
What is the Firebug podcast about?
The Firebug podcast chronicles the real-life arson spree of John Leonard Orr, a fire captain who set fires in California.
Does Smoke have any spin-offs?
No spin-offs have been announced or are in development.
How long is each episode of Smoke?
Episodes run approximately 45–55 minutes each.
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