Apple TV+ has built a reputation for delivering premium storytelling across genres, from sci-fi hits like Severance, Foundation, and Pluribus to gripping crime dramas that leave a lasting mark. Among those, Black Bird stands out as one of the platform’s most unforgettable series—an intense, psychologically rich thriller that continues to resonate with viewers even three years after its debut.
While the streaming landscape has been flooded with true-crime content, Black Bird distinguishes itself with its chilling dive into the mind of a serial killer and the desperate man tasked with drawing him out. Based on Dennis Lehane’s adaptation of Jimmy Keene’s memoir In with the Devil: A Fallen Hero, a Serial Killer, and a Dangerous Bargain for Redemption, the series follows Keene (played by Taron Egerton), a former high school football star whose promising life is derailed when he’s caught in a drug sting. Facing a lengthy sentence without parole, Keene is offered an extraordinary deal: gain the trust of inmate Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser), a suspected murderer of at least 14 women, and extract a confession.
What makes Black Bird so compelling is its refusal to follow crime-drama clichés. Keene is no flawless hero—he’s a man weighed down by personal failures and privilege, someone the FBI might view as expendable in their dangerous mission. Egerton, known for his charismatic roles, delivers a layered performance that captures both Keene’s vulnerability and moral ambiguity.
Opposite him, Hauser offers a chilling portrayal of Hall—a seemingly mild, almost childlike figure whose calm demeanor masks a monstrous capacity for violence. His unsettling normalcy makes his crimes even more disturbing, and the psychological cat-and-mouse game between Keene and Hall is tense, unpredictable, and deeply unnerving.
The supporting cast elevates the series further. Ray Liotta, in one of his final roles, plays Keene’s father, “Big Jim,” a man whose criminal past has profoundly shaped his son’s life. Liotta and Egerton share emotionally charged scenes that explore the generational scars of toxic masculinity, failed expectations, and fractured family bonds. Greg Kinnear also delivers a strong performance as Detective Brian Miller, whose investigation into Hall’s crimes is hindered by conflicts between local law enforcement and the FBI.
Beyond its gripping narrative, Black Bird asks bigger questions. It examines the banality of evil, the structural flaws in the prison system, and the psychological toll of living in close proximity to violence. The series doesn’t shy away from showing the disturbing realities of abuse, manipulation, and control—making it not just a thrilling watch, but an important one.
In just six episodes, Black Bird packs more tension, emotional weight, and character depth than many multi-season dramas. It’s a haunting reminder that some of the most dangerous monsters blend seamlessly into everyday life—and that justice often comes at a steep personal cost.
