Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo are back for more tense police work in the second season of Criminal Record on Apple TV. The critically acclaimed British crime thriller returns this spring with a brand-new case that forces its two rival detectives into an uneasy partnership. With the stakes higher than ever, the show brings back several familiar faces while introducing a handful of new characters that promise to shake things up.
The eight-episode second season starts streaming on April 22, 2026, with new episodes arriving every Wednesday until the finale on June 10. The series will be available for viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and globally on Apple TV+. Here is everything you need to know about who is who in the new season.
The Lead Detectives Return for Another Round
The heart of Criminal Record has always been the complicated relationship between its two lead detectives. Season two brings them back together, but this time they are forced to work on the same side.
Peter Capaldi as Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty
The Oscar and BAFTA-winning actor slips back into the role of the cunning and morally complex Daniel Hegarty. In the new season, Hegarty has moved into the shadowy world of police intelligence. He is now a key figure in the department, holding information that June Lenker desperately needs. Capaldi brings his signature intensity to the character, making Hegarty someone viewers love to watch even when they are not sure they can trust him.
Cush Jumbo as Detective Sergeant June Lenker
June Lenker returns as the senior officer at the scene of a tragic crime. When a young man is stabbed to death during a political rally that turns violent, June finds herself consumed by guilt. She is determined to find the killer, but her investigation leads her straight back to Daniel Hegarty. Jumbo’s portrayal of June grounds the series with a strong moral compass, even as her character is forced to make difficult choices.
“June Lenker is the senior officer on the scene when a political rally is attacked by far-right counter-protestors. The violent clash leaves a young man dead and June, consumed with guilt, is desperate to bring the unknown killer to justice.”
The dynamic between these two characters shifts in season two. They are no longer just opponents but are thrown into an alliance that neither of them wants. Hegarty may have the answers June needs, but getting his help comes with a dangerous bargain.
Familiar Faces Coming Back
Alongside the two leads, several cast members from the first season are returning to reprise their roles.
Shaun Dooley
Shaun Dooley is back as a member of the ensemble cast. Dooley has been part of the Criminal Record family since season one, and his character continues to play a role in the complex world of London policing.
Stephen Campbell Moore
Stephen Campbell Moore also returns for the second chapter. His character remains an important piece of the puzzle as the story moves from a murder investigation into something much bigger.
Charlie Creed-Miles
Charlie Creed-Miles rounds out the returning cast members. Creed-Miles brings his experience to the show, adding depth to the police force dynamics that the series explores so well.
New Additions to the Cast
Season two of Criminal Record expands its world with five new cast members. These actors join the series as the story broadens to include far-right extremists, undercover operations, and a bomb plot threatening London.
Luther Ford
Luther Ford is one of the fresh faces joining the series. While details about his specific role are being kept under wraps, his addition to the cast has generated interest among fans of British television.
Dustin Demri-Burns
Dustin Demri-Burns joins the ensemble for season two. Known for his work in British comedy and drama, Demri-Burns brings versatility to the show. His character is expected to be involved in the new case that June and Hegarty are investigating.
Luca Pasqualino
Luca Pasqualino is another new name in the credits. Pasqualino steps into the world of Criminal Record as the series takes a darker turn toward undercover operations and terrorist plots.
Lyndsey Marshal
Lyndsey Marshal joins the cast in season two. Marshal has a strong background in period dramas and crime thrillers, making her a solid fit for the show’s intense atmosphere.
Peter Sullivan
Peter Sullivan rounds out the new cast members. Sullivan is no stranger to British television, and his involvement in season two adds another layer of experience to an already talented group.
What Season Two Is All About
The new season of Criminal Record takes the story in a fresh direction. The official synopsis reveals that a young man is stabbed to death at a political rally. The event, which starts as a clash between political protesters and far-right counter-protestors, quickly becomes something far more dangerous.
June Lenker is the senior officer at the scene. She carries the weight of what happened and pushes hard to find the person responsible. But the investigation does not stay simple for long. What looks like a murder case opens the door to something bigger.
“It seems as if her best hope is Daniel Hegarty, now a key figure in the shadowy world of police intelligence. He may have the answers she needs but to get his help she will have to accept a dangerous bargain.”
Daniel Hegarty sits on information that June needs. Their history makes any partnership difficult, but the threat level keeps rising. The hunt for one killer turns into an undercover operation meant to stop a far-right bomb plot in the heart of London.
The season promises to keep viewers on edge as the two detectives navigate their rocky relationship while trying to prevent a terrorist attack. The show explores how policing becomes nearly impossible when the truth is constantly shifting.
Behind the Scenes
Criminal Record comes from the mind of BAFTA-nominated writer Paul Rutman, known for his work on Vera and Indian Summers. The series is produced by Tod Productions and STV Studios, with strong creative leadership guiding the second season.
Elaine Collins, a BAFTA Scotland Award winner, serves as an executive producer alongside Rutman, Capaldi, and Jumbo. Chris Sussman also joins as an executive producer for season two. The directing duties are handled by Ben A. Williams and Joelle Mae David.
David Mortimer, Managing Director of STV Studios, expressed excitement about the show’s return following the success of the first season.
“Following the global success of the first series, I’m thrilled that Apple TV+ has committed to a second series of our critically acclaimed thriller, Criminal Record. Landmark dramas like this, together with strong returning factual and entertainment series alongside exciting new formats with international appeal, are driving the creative and commercial momentum within STV Studios.”
The first season of Criminal Record earned strong reviews from critics and audiences alike. It holds a 90% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes and quickly became one of Apple TV’s standout UK dramas. The show has been praised for its sharp writing and the electric chemistry between Capaldi and Jumbo.
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When and Where to Watch
Criminal Record season two premieres on Apple TV+ on April 22, 2026. The season consists of eight episodes, with the first dropping on premiere day and new episodes following weekly. The season finale airs on June 10, 2026.
Viewers around the world can watch the series on Apple TV+. The streaming service is available in over 100 countries and regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India. You can watch on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony, as well as streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
For those who missed the first season, all episodes of Criminal Record season one are currently streaming on Apple TV+. Watching the first season will give you a solid understanding of the complicated history between June Lenker and Daniel Hegarty before they are forced to work together again.
The second season picks up with the characters in new places. Hegarty has moved deeper into police intelligence work while June remains on the front lines. Their paths cross again under circumstances that neither of them could have predicted, setting the stage for another tense chapter in this acclaimed crime thriller.
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