A new serial killer thriller is coming to Apple TV just in time for Halloween. Based on the bestselling crime novels by Swedish author Lars Kepler, Nocturne follows a homicide detective whose attempt at a quieter life is shattered when people in his community begin disappearing and clues point to a notorious serial killer who has been locked away for years.
Nocturne premieres Friday, October 30, 2026, exclusively on Apple TV, with the first two episodes available to stream. Following the premiere, the 10-episode series will release new episodes weekly.
The series was adapted to television by BAFTA Award winning showrunner, Rowan Joffé. Emmy-winning director Tim Van Patten, known for his work on The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, directs the premiere episodes.
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What is ‘Nocturne’ About?
Nocturne follows Jonah Lynn, an ex-soldier turned homicide detective who leaves Philadelphia behind for a quieter life in a small western Pennsylvania town. But when a series of mysterious disappearances in his new town begins to resemble the crimes of infamous serial killer Jurek Walter, Jonah brought into the investigation.
There’s just one problem: Jurek has been locked away in a high-security psychiatric hospital for years. So how could he possibly be connected to the new disappearances?
As Jonah and the FBI investigate, the sudden reappearance of one of Jurek’s previous victims, still alive after years of captivity, turns the case into a race against time as they realize another missing person may still be alive. Jonah turns to his protégée, FBI agent Saga Bauer, who goes undercover inside the psychiatric hospital to get close to Jurek. But the closer Saga gets to Jurek, the more she realizes just how dangerous his ability to manipulate others can be, even from behind bars.
The series is based on The Sandman and Lazarus, two novels from the internationally bestselling Joona Linna crime series by Lars Kepler, the pen name of Swedish husband-and-wife writing duo Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril.
Want a sneak peek before the premiere? Take a look at the official Nocturne trailer for a preview.
Cast & Characters of ‘Nocturne’
Here’s a look at the confirmed cast of Nocturne:
Liev Schreiber as Jonah Lynn
Known from: X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Ray Donovan, Asteroid City, The French Dispatch
Liev Schreiber stars as Jonah Lynn, a former soldier and homicide detective who has spent years investigating violent crimes in Philadelphia. Hardened by his experiences, Jonah is a no-nonsense, headstrong detective whose protective instincts and strong sense of responsibility often come at the expense of his own well-being. Desperate for a change, Jonah relocates to a small town in western Pennsylvania, where he hopes to find a quieter life.
Jonah previously helped put notorious serial killer Jurek Walter behind bars, but when similar crimes begin occurring years later in his new town, he’s forced to revisit a case he thought was permanently closed. His determination to stop Jurek is deeply personal, particularly when he realizes his friends and family are at risk.
As the investigation progresses, Jonah’s commitment to doing what’s right begins to clash with his desperation to stop the killer, pushing him to question how far he’s willing to go to protect the people he loves.
Zazie Beetz as Saga Bauer
Known from: Atlanta, Joker, Deadpool 2, Nine Days, They Will Kill You, Bullet Train
Zazie Beetz plays Saga Bauer, a promising young FBI agent who isn’t afraid to stick her neck out in pursuit of the truth. Intelligent, resourceful and confident in her abilities, Saga pushes to take on the undercover assignment involving Jurek Walter, convinced she has what it takes to outsmart the psychopath despite Jonah’s repeated warnings.
Jonah and Saga share a close bond that goes back years. Jonah was once her late father’s police partner and best friend and stepped in to help raise Saga after his death. Now a father figure and mentor to the young FBI agent, Jonah is understandably protective of her, though Saga is determined to prove she’s capable of handling herself.
To uncover the truth about the last missing victim, Saga goes undercover as a patient inside the psychiatric facility where Jurek is being held. But going undercover means more than simply assuming a false identity. Saga must convincingly portray a troubled patient while attempting to outsmart a master manipulator who is no stranger to deception himself. Despite her experience in the FBI, the assignment threatens to take a serious psychological toll as Saga finds herself virtually alone to fend against Jurek’s mind games.
Stephen Graham as Jurek Walter
Known from: Snatch, Boiling Point, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Adolescence
Stephen Graham portrays Jurek Walter, a convicted serial killer who has spent years confined to a high-security psychiatric hospital. Deceptive and scarily clever, Jurek seems to constantly be one step ahead. He also has an unnerving ability to make people question their own judgment, making even the smartest detectives’ heads spin. He knows exactly what to say to get a reaction, and he’s more than happy to let others underestimate him.
Despite his imprisonment, Jurek becomes the prime suspect when a new string of disappearances bears his unmistakable calling card. With the police getting more and more desperate for answers, he has information they need. But getting a straight answer out of someone who lies as easily as he breathes is another matter entirely.
Rory Culkin as Karl Anders
Known from: Signs, Mean Creek, Lords of Chaos, You Can Count on Me, Castle Rock
Rory Culkin plays Karl Anders, a kindhearted nurse working at the psychiatric facility where Jurek Walter is being held. Responsible for bringing Jurek his medication and meals, Karl develops an unusually close relationship with the convicted killer, who quickly recognizes and exploits his desire for companionship and affection. Karl’s trusting nature makes him particularly susceptible to Jurek’s influence.
Bill Camp as Dave Ellison
Known from: The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Sound of Freedom, 12 Years a Slave, Matchbox: The Movie
Bill Camp plays Dave Ellison, a police chief in the small Pennsylvania town where Jonah Lynn relocates to. While Ellison’s position in local law enforcement is established, not much has been revealed about his personality or his relationship with Jonah.
Chrissy Metz as Ida Frost
Known from: This Is Us, American Horror Story, Breakthrough, The Hunting Wives
Chrissy Metz plays Ida Frost, a mother whose worst nightmare becomes reality when her two children go missing. With their disappearances potentially linked to Jurek Walter, Ida is left with more questions than answers, facing the agonizing uncertainty of not knowing what happened to her children or whether she’ll ever see them again.
Gary Carr as Nathan Pollock
Known from: Death in Paradise, 21 Bridges, Bolden, The Deuce, The Peripheral, Genius
Gary Carr plays Nathan Pollock, a character whose background and connection to Jonah Lynn have yet to be established. Although Nathan is expected to appear throughout the series, little has been revealed about his character ahead of the premiere.
Watch ‘Nocturne’ With DIRECTV
Ready to unravel the mystery? Nocturne premieres October 30, 2026, exclusively on Apple TV, with new episodes arriving weekly.
Watch Nocturne and on Apple TV with DIRECTV.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nocturne based on a true story?
Do you need to read the Lars Kepler books before watching Nocturne?
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