Imagine a heist that takes an entire year to plan. Twelve hours in which a single mistake could bring everything crashing down. And then twelve more days when the consequences become even more dangerous than the crime itself. That is the premise behind “12 12 12”, Apple TV’s new crime thriller starring Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan, who find themselves on opposite sides of an intense game of cat and mouse.
Zurich, a Bank Vault, and a Plan That Could Go Wrong
At the heart of the story is a daring raid on a high-security bank vault buried deep beneath the streets of Zurich. This is no ordinary robbery driven by money alone. Every detail matters, every participant has their own agenda, and trust could turn out to be the most costly mistake of all.
Anthony Mackie plays a disgraced former FBI agent whose career has fallen apart. His adversary is an American career criminal played by Jamie Dornan. Both men understand the price of risk, but their motives and methods lead them toward a confrontation in which even the winner may not be safe.
Known to audiences worldwide for playing Sam Wilson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mackie takes on a much darker crime-driven role here. Dornan, recognized for his diverse performances in film and television, gets the chance to portray a man accustomed to operating on the edge of the law.
Three Timelines, One Major Heist
The defining feature of “12 12 12” is built right into its title. The story unfolds across three distinct timeframes, each revealing a different side of the crime.
12 months — the planning. This is when the crew comes together, the operation is carefully mapped out, and the risks that may surface much later begin to take shape. A major heist starts long before the first lock is broken: with calculations, agreements, and decisions that cannot be undone.
12 hours — the heist itself. Once the plan moves into action, there is almost no time left to think. Any unexpected development can trigger a chain reaction. The tension comes not only from the danger but also from the constant feeling that the situation could spiral out of control at any moment.
12 days — the aftermath. The most compelling part may begin after the criminals leave the vault. Who will manage to escape? Can the truth remain hidden? And what happens when every participant tries to save themselves first? This final phase transforms the robbery into a high-stakes game with an unpredictable ending.
This structure allows viewers to examine the same operation from different perspectives: from meticulous planning to split-second decisions and the long chain of consequences that follows. The audience will not only wonder, “Will they pull it off?” but also ask a far more intriguing question: “Where exactly did everything go wrong?”
When a Heist Becomes a Personal War
In crime thrillers, car chases and shootouts are only part of the spectacle. The psychological battle is just as important, as characters try to anticipate their opponents’ moves while concealing their own intentions.
In “12 12 12,” this game unfolds against a European backdrop, while the central conflict between a former FBI agent and a professional criminal promises to become deeply personal. When one character understands how the system works and the other is used to finding ways around it, the line between hunter and prey grows increasingly blurred.
The series was created and produced by Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble. BAFTA-winning filmmaker Kari Skogland also serves as an executive producer and directs several episodes, including the pilot. The cast additionally features Jack Kesy, Agathe Rousselle, Sallie Harmsen, José Garcia, and Kali Reis.
When Does It Premiere?
Apple TV has released the official trailer for the eight-episode series. The global premiere is scheduled for November 13, 2026, with the first two episodes arriving on launch day. New episodes will then be released weekly through December 25.
The series is produced by Paramount Television Studios and Anonymous Content. Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan are also attached as executive producers.
