Apple TV+ is bringing back the crime thriller Criminal Record for a second season, set to hit the platform on April 22, 2026. Instead of dropping all episodes at once, the streamer is once again opting for a weekly rollout, designed to keep conversation and speculation alive over several weeks.
Release schedule: when season 2 lands on Apple TV+
The second season of Criminal Record is officially scheduled to premiere on April 22, 2026 on Apple TV+. New episodes will arrive every week, with the season wrapping up on June 10, 2026.
This staggered schedule fits Apple TV+’s broader approach to its thrillers and dramas: stretch the viewing experience over time to build momentum, encourage theories, and keep the show visible in feeds and recommendations for longer stretches.
What season 2 is about: a new case with political stakes
Created by Paul Rutman, the show returns to the world of law enforcement and institutional tension in a major city, this time anchored in a case that quickly becomes political.
Season 2 once again centers on Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo. Capaldi plays Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty, while Jumbo portrays Detective Sergeant June Lenker. Their dynamic, already strained and confrontational in the first season, becomes even more complex as the new investigation unfolds.
The season kicks off with the stabbing of a young man during a political gathering. At first glance, it appears to be a straightforward criminal investigation. But the story quickly escalates into an undercover operation, as the two detectives are drawn into efforts to stop a planned far-right attack in the heart of the city.
Through this plotline, the series continues to dig into:
- deep ideological divisions within society,
- institutional failures when it comes to dealing with radicalization,
- and the constant power struggle between law enforcement, elected officials and public opinion.
Cast and creative team: who returns in season 2
Alongside the returning leads, season 2 expands its ensemble with new faces joining the universe of the show. Among the additions are Dustin Demri-Burns, Luca Pasqualino, Luther Ford and Lyndsey Marshall, who help deepen a world that already has a strong identity, while keeping a coherent tone with what came before.
The series is produced by Tod Productions and STV Studios. Paul Rutman not only created the show but also serves as an executive producer, joined by Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo on the producing side. Direction is handled by Ben A. Williams and Joelle Mae David, ensuring artistic continuity between the first and second seasons.
How the show fits into the Apple TV+ lineup
With Criminal Record, Apple TV+ continues to strengthen its collection of high-stakes thrillers, sitting alongside other standout titles on the service. The series has carved out a place as one of the platform’s most closely watched projects in its region of origin, thanks to its grounded storytelling and its direct, unflinching look at contemporary tensions.
Season 2 is positioned to appeal not just to viewers who enjoy crime procedurals, but also to audiences interested in politically and socially charged narratives that mirror real-world issues.
FAQ
When will Criminal Record season 2 be available to stream?
Season 2 of Criminal Record will be available on Apple TV+ starting April 22, 2026, with the season unfolding week by week.
On which date does the season 2 finale air?
The final episode of the second season is planned for June 10, 2026, concluding the weekly release window.
Do Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo reprise their roles?
Yes. Peter Capaldi returns as Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty and Cush Jumbo is back as Detective Sergeant June Lenker in season 2.
What themes does season 2 explore?
The second season tackles ideological divides, institutional shortcomings in dealing with radicalization, and the shifting balance of power between the police, politics and public opinion, all framed through a murder investigation that turns into an undercover operation.
