Apple TV’s Nocturne is an upcoming crime thriller starring Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, and Stephen Graham. The 10 episode series follows a former homicide detective whose quiet life in a small Pennsylvania town falls apart when a dangerous serial killer threatens his family.
The show is based on the crime novels by Lars Kepler, the pen name used by Swedish writers Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril. Rowan Joffé and John Hlavin developed the story for television, with Hlavin serving as showrunner.
Nocturne premieres on Apple TV on October 30, 2026. The first two episodes will arrive together, followed by one new episode each Friday until the season finale on December 25.
Here is everything to know about Nocturne, including its cast, characters, story, episode release schedule, and streaming details.
‘Nocturne’ Release Date
Nocturne premieres globally on Friday, October 30, 2026, on Apple TV. The first season will have 10 episodes, making it a full season rather than a weekly limited release of just a few episodes.
Apple TV confirmed the premiere date in July 2026 and later released the official trailer and key art in September. The series will begin with two episodes on launch day. The remaining episodes will arrive weekly.
The show is rated TV-MA in the United States, with content advisories for language and violence. Apple TV’s official series page has the latest release information.
Where to Watch ‘Nocturne’
Nocturne will stream exclusively on Apple TV. Viewers will need access to the service to watch the series when it premieres.
The show will be available through the Apple TV app and website, along with supported smart TVs, streaming devices, phones, tablets, and computers. Availability and subscription prices may vary by country.
You can find the series on the official Apple TV page.
There is no confirmed release on Netflix, Prime Video, or any other streaming service. Apple TV is the announced home for the series.
What Is ‘Nocturne’ About?
Nocturne follows Jonah Lynn, a former soldier who becomes a homicide detective in Philadelphia. After years of working in a tough city, Jonah moves to a small town in western Pennsylvania in search of a quieter life.
That peace does not last long. The town and Jonah’s family come under threat from Jurek Walter, a cunning serial killer whose crimes have left one victim still missing.
The investigation takes a new turn when a victim believed to be dead unexpectedly turns up alive. Jonah must race to find the last missing person, while his surrogate daughter, FBI agent Saga Bauer, goes undercover to get answers from Jurek.
The case puts Jonah in a difficult position. He wants to protect his family, but stopping Jurek may require him to take risks that could put the people closest to him in danger.
The official premise suggests that the story will focus on the search for a missing victim, the investigation into Jurek’s crimes, and the complicated relationship between Jonah and Saga. It also sets up a tense battle between a detective trying to protect his family and a killer who knows how to exploit other people’s fears.
‘Nocturne’ Cast and Characters
The series brings together actors from crime dramas, thrillers, and character driven television. Here are the main cast members and the roles they play.
Liev Schreiber as Jonah Lynn
Liev Schreiber plays Jonah Lynn, a former soldier who works as a homicide detective. After years on the streets of Philadelphia, Jonah moves to a small Pennsylvania town in the hope of finding a quieter life.
His plans change when Jurek Walter’s crimes threaten the people he loves. Jonah must balance his work as a detective with his duty to protect his family.
Schreiber is known for playing Ray Donovan in the crime drama Ray Donovan. His other screen credits include Spotlight, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and A Small Light.
Zazie Beetz as Saga Bauer
Zazie Beetz plays Saga Bauer, an FBI agent and Jonah’s surrogate daughter. She becomes a key part of the effort to stop Jurek Walter.
Saga goes undercover to get information from the killer, putting herself in a dangerous position. Her investigation could provide the answers Jonah needs, but facing Jurek brings its own risks.
Beetz is known for playing Sophie Dumond in Joker and Van in Atlanta. She has also appeared in Deadpool 2 and The Harder They Fall.
Stephen Graham as Jurek Walter
Stephen Graham plays Jurek Walter, the serial killer at the centre of the story. Jurek is described as a highly cunning criminal whose actions threaten Jonah’s family and the town.
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The search for his last missing victim drives much of the plot. Saga’s undercover work also brings her into direct contact with him, setting up a dangerous psychological contest.
Graham has built a strong screen career with roles in This Is England, Boardwalk Empire, The Irishman, and Adolescence. His performance as Jurek is one of the main reasons to watch the series.
Bill Camp as Dave Ellison
Bill Camp plays Dave Ellison, a character connected to the investigation. Apple TV lists him among the main cast, but the platform has not shared a full character biography.
Camp is known for his work in The Night Of, Joker, Dark Waters, and The Queen’s Gambit.
Rory Culkin as Karl Anders
Rory Culkin plays Karl Anders. Further details about his role in the investigation have not been fully disclosed in Apple TV’s official material.
Culkin has appeared in Signs, Scream 4, Lords of Chaos, and the series Under the Banner of Heaven.
Chrissy Metz as Ida Frost
Chrissy Metz plays Ida Frost. Apple TV has confirmed her character name, although it has not revealed many details about her place in the story.
Metz is best known for playing Kate Pearson in This Is Us. Her other credits include American Horror Story: Freak Show and Breakthrough.
Gary Carr as Nathan Pollock
Gary Carr plays Nathan Pollock. Details about his role and his connection to Jonah’s case remain limited.
Carr has appeared in Downton Abbey, The Deuce, and The Peripheral.
Poorna Jagannathan as Quinn
Poorna Jagannathan is also part of the ensemble cast as Quinn. Apple TV has confirmed her involvement in the series, though its public synopsis offers little information about the character.
Jagannathan is known for playing Nalini Vishwakumar in Never Have I Ever and Dr. Nalini in other television projects, along with roles in The Night Of and Defending Jacob.
Other Cast Members
The announced ensemble includes several additional actors, with more character details expected as the series approaches its premiere.
Landon Valentin is listed in Apple TV’s cast information as Michael Frost. David Rysdahl is also involved with the production, though Apple TV’s main announcement does not specify his character.
‘Nocturne’ Episode Release Schedule
The first season of Nocturne will contain 10 episodes. Apple TV has confirmed a two episode premiere on October 30, followed by weekly releases through December 25, 2026.
Here is the complete release schedule based on the announced weekly rollout.
| Episode | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | October 30, 2026 |
| Episode 2 | October 30, 2026 |
| Episode 3 | November 6, 2026 |
| Episode 4 | November 13, 2026 |
| Episode 5 | November 20, 2026 |
| Episode 6 | November 27, 2026 |
| Episode 7 | December 4, 2026 |
| Episode 8 | December 11, 2026 |
| Episode 9 | December 18, 2026 |
| Episode 10 | December 25, 2026 |
Apple TV has not yet published a complete official list of episode titles and individual plot summaries in its main announcement. The schedule above reflects the confirmed premiere date and weekly release pattern, rather than unverified episode titles.
Who Created ‘Nocturne’?
Nocturne was developed for television by John Hlavin, who serves as showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Rowan Joffé created the series for television and also writes and executive produces.
Hlavin has worked on projects including Shooter and The Man Who Fell to Earth. Joffé is known for Tin Star and Ballad of a Small Player.
Tim Van Patten directs the first two episodes and serves as an executive producer. His directing credits include The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones, and Masters of the Air.
The series is produced for Apple TV by A+E Studios in association with Range Studios. Schreiber and Beetz are also executive producers.
Is ‘Nocturne’ Based on a Book?
Yes. Nocturne draws on the crime novels the pen name of Swedish writing duo Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril
Apple TV has linked the series to the novels The Sandman and Lazarus, which form part of the Joona Linna crime series. The books follow investigations connected to the fictional detective Joona Linna and are known for their dark crimes and psychological tension.
The television adaptation centres on Jonah Lynn and Saga Bauer. Viewers should not assume that every detail from the books will carry over unchanged, as the series has been developed for television.
Thehile the cast and premise suggest that the adaptation will place a strong focus on the clash between Jonah, Saga, and Jurek
Nocturne arrives on Apple TV on October 30, 2026, with a story built around a missing victim, a dangerous serial killer, and a detective caught between his job and his family. Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, and Stephen Graham lead a cast that should appeal to viewers who enjoy dark crime dramas.
The first season will run for 10 episodes, with its finale scheduled for December 25. More details about the episode titles and the characters are expected as Apple TV shares further information.
