In the crowded landscape of television police procedurals, where detectives in crumpled coats chase justice, the BBC's Line of Duty has long reigned as the undisputed champion. Yet, as the second season of Criminal Record premieres on Apple TV Plus, stars Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo assert their show carves a distinct path, delving into deeper societal issues and character complexities.
A Different Breed of Police Drama
"First of all, I think the show tends to deal with hotter issues," explained Peter Capaldi, who portrays DCI Daniel Hegarty, when contrasting Criminal Record with series like Line of Duty. Capaldi's claim holds weight: the first season tackled institutionalized racism and systemic corruption within the police force, while this new installment ventures into the timely realms of deepfakes and online misinformation.
Unlike many procedurals that offer simplistic resolutions, Criminal Record embraces ambiguity, focusing on the moral gray areas of its characters. "There are grey areas, and we like to explore those," Capaldi emphasized, noting the show's commitment to layered portrayals where heroes and villains aren't clearly defined.
Character Depth Over Conventional Tropes
"I think we're allowed the time to explore the characters a little more deeply," Capaldi continued, highlighting a key differentiator. Cush Jumbo, who plays DS June Lenker, echoed this sentiment, stating, "We can make a character that is traditionally bad very complex, and make an audience be confused about why they might like them, even though they should hate them."
The dynamic between Hegarty and Lenker stands as a unique selling point—a dysfunctional inversion of the classic buddy cop formula. To preserve this tension, the actors deliberately avoided rehearsing together. "I'll never predict it. I never know what she's going to do, and I think rehearsal tends to drain that a little bit," Capaldi revealed, with Jumbo adding that this approach prevents their characters from becoming "too buddy-buddy."
Navigating Hot-Button Issues with Care
The show's engagement with contemporary topics isn't incidental. "We're always trying to make a show that is incredibly exciting to watch and very entertaining, but we cannot ignore the world that we live in," Jumbo explained, acknowledging a responsibility to handle real-world issues sensitively. She credited writer Paul Ruttman for embedding the series in the zeitgeist, making it feel ripped from today's headlines.
Capaldi pointed out the structural advantage of police dramas: "One of the great things about police shows is that they already have a structure that the audience can buy into. So we can explore quite complex issues, but we always have a SWAT team, a car chase, and a shootout." This blend of entertainment and social commentary allows Criminal Record to deliver thrilling moments while probing societal challenges.
The Challenge of Restraint
For Capaldi, known for expressive roles like Malcolm Tucker, playing the reserved Hegarty required significant effort. "It's quite hard really, because it's not my natural go-to place," he admitted. "It takes me all of my energy to control my face, to try and be still. I'll be exhausted at the end of the day to have a wipe down because I've been sitting quietly." This restraint, however, contributes to the character's enigmatic presence.
Season 2 Premiere Details
Criminal Record season two launched globally on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, on Apple TV Plus, with new episodes releasing weekly every Wednesday until June 10, 2026. The series continues to be praised for its dark, ambitious storytelling and the compelling chemistry between Capaldi and Jumbo, solidifying its place as a standout in the police drama genre.
