Apple TV+’s Smoke has ignited the summer TV landscape, quickly becoming the #1 streaming show worldwide and dominating trending charts with its gripping story, star-studded cast, and dark twists.
Created by Dennis Lehane and inspired by true events, Smoke follows a troubled arson investigator and a determined detective as they hunt two serial arsonists in the Pacific Northwest.
Main Cast & Characters of Smoke (Apple TV+)
| Actor | Character Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Taron Egerton | Dave Gudsen | Arson investigator, ex-firefighter, and secretive protagonist haunted by his own demons. |
| Jurnee Smollett | Detective Michelle Calderon | No-nonsense detective with a traumatic past, driven to solve the arson cases. |
| Rafe Spall | Steven Burke | Michelle’s married colleague and former lover, adds tension to the investigation. |
| Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine | Freddy Fasano | Fast-food worker and suspected arsonist, a mysterious figure in the case. |
| Hannah Emily Anderson | Ashley Gudsen | Dave’s wife, a librarian struggling with her husband’s secrets and the family’s safety. |
| Greg Kinnear | Harvey Englehart | Chief of the Umberland Fire Department, Dave’s boss and mentor. |
| John Leguizamo | Ezra Esposito | Dave’s disgruntled ex-partner, now a sleazy producer, brings comic relief and tension. |
| Anna Chlumsky | Dawn Hudson | Detective and Michelle’s colleague, adds a new dynamic to the investigation. |
| Adina Porter | Brenda Cephus | Key supporting role, details emerging as the series unfolds. |
Supporting & Recurring Characters
- Luke Roessler as Emmett: Dave’s stepson, caught in the crossfire of family and fire.
- Mishka Thébaud as Benji: A figure in the investigation’s web.
- Dakota Daulby as Lee: Connected to the arson cases.
- Dani Alvarado as Young Renata/Grace Calderone: Flashbacks to Michelle’s past.
- Aiyanna Miorin as Young Michelle: Explores Michelle’s childhood trauma.
- Erin Karpluk as Reba Daniels: Community member affected by the fires.
- Nozipho Mclean as Rose: Supporting role in the investigation.
- Sierra Godswill as Sophie Calderone: Michelle’s family member.
- David James Lewis as Arch Stanton: Guest role, adds intrigue to the case.
- Mackenzie Cardwell as Lauren Englehart: Harvey’s daughter, involved in the fire department’s storylines.
- Anthony Scardera as Anthony, Alex Barima as Draymond, Maya Ford as Darlene, Kurt Long as Roger Tillman, Paula Burrows as Ellie Tillman: Additional supporting cast.
Trending Plotlines & Why the Cast Is Going Viral
- Taron Egerton’s dual role as both investigator and arsonist is fueling massive online debate and fan theories.
- Jurnee Smollett’s performance is being praised for its emotional depth and intensity, with her character’s backstory trending on social media.
- Greg Kinnear and John Leguizamo add star power and comic relief, making their scenes some of the most discussed on fan forums.
- The show’s twisty, character-driven narrative and psychological depth are setting it apart from other crime dramas, with hashtags like #SmokeAppleTV and #DaveGudsen trending worldwide.
Smoke Apple TV Cast – At a Glance
| Actor | Notable Previous Roles |
|---|---|
| Taron Egerton | Rocketman, Black Bird, Kingsman |
| Jurnee Smollett | Lovecraft Country, Underground |
| Greg Kinnear | As Good as It Gets, House of Cards |
| John Leguizamo | Romeo + Juliet, Encanto |
| Anna Chlumsky | Veep |
| Rafe Spall | Life of Pi, The Big Short |
| Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine | The Chi, Queen of Katwe |
| Hannah Emily Anderson | Jigsaw, The Purge |
| Adina Porter | American Horror Story, True Blood |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the main character in Smoke?
Taron Egerton stars as Dave Gudsen, an arson investigator with a dark secret.
Who plays Detective Michelle Calderon?
Jurnee Smollett brings depth and intensity to the role of Michelle Calderon.
Why is Smoke trending on Apple TV+?
The show’s shocking twists, complex characters, and top-tier performances have made it the #1 show on Apple TV+ and a trending topic across social media.
Is Smoke based on a true story?
Yes, it’s inspired by the true crime podcast Firebug and the real-life arsonist John Leonard Orr.
Smoke is more than just a crime drama, it’s a showcase of powerhouse performances and intricate storytelling. With its all-star cast, psychological twists, and viral buzz, it’s the must-watch series of the summer. Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation heats up!
About Smoke
Smoke is an American crime drama miniseries created by Dennis Lehane, inspired by Firebug, a podcast about the crimes of arsonist John Leonard Orr. It premiered on Apple TV+ on June 27, 2025.
A detective and an arson investigator work together to stop two serial arsonists in the Pacific Northwest.
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