The latest addition to Apple TV+’s impressive lineup, Dope Thief brings a fresh perspective to the crime drama genre. Based on Dennis Tafoya’s 2009 novel of the same name, this gripping series follows two friends who pose as DEA agents to rob Philadelphia drug dealers. But the scheme spirals into chaos when they unknowingly target a major narcotics operation. With its first two episodes now streaming, and six more to go, here are 3 reasons to watch Dope Thief. The compelling show deserves your attention (so far).
3 reasons to watch Dope Thief on Apple TV+
Knowing legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott (Gladiator II, Napoleon) would serve as executive producer and direct the first episode of Dope Thief, I had high hopes for the show. And so far, it hasn’t disappointed me. Some of the early reviews surprised me — like The Guardian calling it a cross between Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Breaking Bad. Dope Thief puts some humor across in the characters’ interactions, true to life, but it’s not at all a comedy like Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It tracks with Breaking Bad as a potentially great crime drama, though.
That said, episode two fell short of Scott’s taut episode one in some ways. Introducing more characters, the second episode, directed by Jonathan van Tulleken (Shogun, Upload), feels more scattered and considerably longer. But there’s plenty of action. Of course, it remains to be seen if the other directors in the mix, like Marcela Said (Narcos: Mexico, Gangs of London), can live up to the first episode.
1. Brian Tyree Henry delivers a career-defining performance.
Photo: Apple TV+
At the heart of Dope Thief is Brian Tyree Henry’s (Atlanta, Causeway) masterful portrayal of Ray, a complex character navigating a dangerous world of his own making. Henry, in his first executive producer role, brings remarkable depth to Ray’s character, seamlessly shifting between confident swagger during cons and raw vulnerability in private moments. His chemistry with Wagner Moura (Narcos, Civil War), who plays his partner Manny, creates a dynamic that feels authentic and lived-in.
The supporting cast further elevates the series with stellar performances. Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Voyager, Orange Is the New Black) brings warmth and complexity to her role as Theresa, Ray’s beloved stepmother. She gives as good as she gets in terms of familial trash talk. And Ving Rhames (Mission Impossible, Pulp Fiction) commands attention as Bart, Ray’s incarcerated father. Each character feels fully realized, contributing to a tapestry of relationships that drive the narrative forward.
2. It’s a crime drama true to The Wire‘s compelling realism.
Photo: Apple TV+
Dope Thief distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to storytelling. Set in a post-vaccine era of the COVID pandemic, the series uses Philadelphia’s distinct character as more than just a backdrop — it’s practically a character itself. We meet realistic characters in dog-eared Philly and Pennsylvania locations. A friend of mine mentioned critics comparing the show to the HBO classic The Wire, and the notion rings true — Dope Thief seems like The Wire of Philadelphia in its compelling realism. After two episodes, it’s too early for praise that high, but it’s tempting to bestow it.
And as such the show’s creators have crafted a narrative that balances intense action sequences with thoughtful exploration of consequences and moral ambiguity.
The first two episodes waste no time establishing the stakes. Opening with an explosive sequence that immediately hooks viewers, the show maintains its momentum while carefully developing its central themes. The series explores addiction, loyalty and the ripple effects of criminal choices with nuance and depth rarely seen in the genre.
3. It shows movie-quality production values and stylistic brilliance.
Photo: Apple TV+
Under the direction of legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott in the pilot episode, Dope Thief showcases production quality that rivals feature films. The series benefits from Apple TV+’s commitment to premium content, which is fairly evident in every frame. The action sequences are meticulously choreographed, while quieter moments are handled with equal care and attention to detail.
The show’s visual style deserves special mention. The cinematography captures Philadelphia’s gritty essence while maintaining a polished look that never feels artificial. The attention to regional authenticity — from Eagles merchandise to Pennsylvania Dutch lingo — creates an immersive viewing experience that helps set the series apart from typical crime dramas.
Watch the trailer for Dope Thief:
With 2 episodes in the can and another weekly, don’t miss it
Dope Thief continues its weekly release schedule through April 25. Each episode after the first two comes out on Fridays (or, as savvy viewers know, typically on Thursday at or after 6 p.m. Pacific). Viewers can anticipate even more intense developments. Some early Dope Thief reviews suggest the series gets better as it progresses. Critics praise its ability to maintain tension while deepening character relationships and raising stakes. But some reviews offer less praise, criticizing the show for failing to regain the first episode’s heights.
Nevertheless, for fans of sophisticated crime dramas, Dope Thief on Apple TV+ offers a compelling blend of stellar performances, intricate storytelling and high production values. With Brian Tyree Henry leading an exceptional cast and Ridley Scott setting the visual tone, this series promises to be one of the year’s standout shows. Don’t miss it.
Watch it on Apple TV+
You can watch Dope Thief on Apple TV+. It’s available by subscription for $9.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. Customers who buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.
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