If you think modern crime series are no longer capable of surprising you, Apple TV has a counterargument ready. Nocturne is a new ten-episode psychological thriller in which an investigation into a series of murders turns into a personal war. At the center of the story are a former soldier, a detective with a troubled past, a dangerous killer, and an FBI agent forced to confront the murderer almost entirely on her own.
The leading roles are played by Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, and Stephen Graham, while the story is based on Lars Kepler’s internationally acclaimed series of novels about detective Joona Linna.
When the Quiet Life Comes to an End
Liev Schreiber’s character, Jonah Lynn, is a former serviceman who became a homicide detective. After a difficult period in his life, he leaves the streets of Philadelphia and moves to a small town in western Pennsylvania, hoping to finally find some peace and quiet.
But crime stories rarely allow their protagonists to simply leave their problems behind.
A serial killer named Jurek Walter, played by Stephen Graham, appears in the town. He does more than simply leave victims in his wake — he turns the hunt for him into a psychological game. And this time, the stakes are particularly high for Lynn: the criminal is threatening his family.
The Most Dangerous Case Is Personal
Lynn realizes that a conventional investigation will not be enough. To find Walter’s last missing victim, he brings in Saga Bauer, an FBI agent and his adopted daughter, played by Zazie Beetz.
This is where the crime story takes on a completely different dimension. The protagonists are not simply faced with a mystery they need to solve. They are dealing with an adversary who knows how to manipulate people, create fear, and push those pursuing him into making mistakes.
For Saga, it becomes a game in which any wrong move could cost her life. For Lynn, it is a case in which professional duty can no longer be separated from personal feelings.
Stephen Graham as the Antagonist
Stephen Graham is particularly intriguing in the role of Jurek Walter. The actor, known for his powerful dramatic performances, finds himself on the other side of the detective story here — playing the man the protagonists are trying to stop.
The trailer focuses not only on the crimes themselves but also on the psychological confrontation. Walter is not a typical screen criminal who can simply be tracked down. His presence gradually infiltrates the lives of the protagonists, turning the investigation into a dangerous test of nerves.
A Familiar Story in a New Package
Nocturne adapts Lars Kepler’s popular book series about Joona Linna. The television adaptation was created by BAFTA Award winner Rowan Joffé, who is also working on the series alongside John Hlavin.
The opening episodes are directed by Emmy Award winner Tim Van Patten. A+E Studios and Range Studios are also involved in the production, while the executive producers include Schreiber, Beetz, Joffé, Hlavin, and the authors of the book series, Lars Kepler — Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril.
Ten Episodes to Discover Who Is Hunting Whom
The series will consist of ten episodes. Joining the main trio are Bill Camp, Rory Culkin, Chrissy Metz, Poorna Jagannathan, and Gary Carr.
Nocturne premieres on Apple TV on October 30, 2026. The first two episodes will be released simultaneously, followed by new episodes every Friday through December 25.
It is exactly the kind of format that works well for a crime thriller: one case, one dangerous adversary, and enough time to gradually develop the psychological confrontation.
