Apple TV is about to say goodbye to one big show and hello to another. Dark Matter is close to wrapping up its second season, and a new crime thriller called Nocturne is ready to take its place. It stars Stephen Graham as a very scary serial killer, and the first two episodes land this week.
When does Nocturne come out?
The official premiere date is Friday, October 30. But Apple TV usually puts new episodes online the night before, at 9 PM ET. That means the first two episodes should start streaming on Thursday, October 29, which should be early Friday morning in India.
The first season has 10 episodes. After the two-episode premiere, new episodes arrive every Friday, and the finale is listed for December 25. So if you like a weekly habit, this one will keep you company all the way to Christmas.
What is the story about?
Jonah Lynn, played by Liev Schreiber, is an ex-soldier turned homicide detective. He is tired of working the rough streets of Philadelphia, so he moves to a small town in Western Pennsylvania hoping for a quiet life. That plan does not last long.
A clever and cruel serial killer named Jurek Walter, played by Stephen Graham, begins to target the town and Jonah’s family. When the search for Jurek’s last missing victim starts, Jonah has to make a painful choice. He sends Saga Bauer, an FBI agent he treats like a daughter, to face Jurek directly. She is played by Zazie Beetz. Apple’s own question for viewers is simple: how far will Jonah go?
Who is in the cast?
Along with Schreiber, Graham and Beetz, the cast includes Rory Culkin as Karl, Bill Camp as Chief Ellison, Gary Carr as Nathan, and Chrissy Metz as Ida. Poorna Jagannathan is also part of the group. Many of these actors come from well-known shows and films, so you will probably spot a few familiar faces.
Rowan Joffe created the series, and John Hlavin co-runs it with him. Both are also executive producers and writers.
Where does the story come from?
Nocturne is based on two novels by Lars Kepler, The Sandman and Lazarus. These are the fourth and seventh books in the Joona Linna series. Lars Kepler is actually the pen name of a married couple, Alexander Ahndoril and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril.
In the books, Jurek Walter is a notorious killer in Sweden, and the story follows a detective who knows exactly how dangerous he is. The show moves the action to the United States, but the core idea stays the same: a killer who gets under people’s skin and an agent who has to face him. Apple says the ten novels in the series have sold 20 million copies worldwide. You do not need to read them before watching, though they might be a fun follow-up.
The full release plan
The first two episodes are called “Lazarus, Come Forth!” and “For Such a Time as This.” Then episode 3, “Eyes on the Inside,” arrives on November 6. The next ones follow on November 13, November 20, November 27, December 4, and December 11, with titles like “The Courier,” “Solitude,” “Only Connect,” and “Grey Skies” announced for episodes 4 to 7. The last three episodes are still a little unclear, so it is worth checking Apple TV closer to the date.
What else to watch this week?
If you like moody mysteries, there is another one worth a look. Netflix’s Filipino series has been getting attention for its slow-burn dread, and our article on the Balaraw: Blood Island release date explains why it gives off Lost vibes.
If you need a break from dark stories, Prime Video has a lighter option. Our piece on Drive: The Pretenders covers a racing romance built around a fake engagement and a scandal.
And for something funnier, Netflix’s teen workplace comedy is already out. You can read about its future in our article on Minimum Wage Season 2, where we ask whether the pizza shop crew has been renewed.
Should you watch it?
If you enjoy detective stories with a truly frightening villain, Nocturne looks like a strong pick. It has a serious cast, a tense setup, and a story that already works in print. A weekly release also means you can take your time and talk about each episode with friends.
Nocturne starts streaming on Apple TV on October 30, 2026, with the first two episodes.