Apple TV has released the first images from The Wanted Man and confirmed that the Hugh Laurie-led crime drama will premiere globally on 6 January 2027.
The eight-part series stars Laurie as Felix Carmichael, the head of a powerful British crime organisation whose position begins to collapse after he is betrayed from within and sent to prison. Laurie also executive produces. The first two episodes will arrive together, followed by a new episode every Wednesday through 17 February 2027.
The Wanted Man premieres on Apple TV in January 2027
Apple confirmed the premiere date alongside a new set of first-look images, giving viewers their clearest look yet at the crime drama first announced in May 2025.
The Wanted Man will launch on Wednesday, 6 January 2027 with two episodes. The remaining six episodes will then be released weekly, taking the series through to 17 February.
What is The Wanted Man about?
Laurie plays Felix Carmichael, a crime boss whose long-established organisation is thrown into crisis when someone inside his own operation betrays him. After being sent to Staplehurst prison, Felix is forced to fight for survival while his family, business and fortune are placed at risk.
His response is to plan an escape, giving the series a story built around betrayal, prison survival and a fight to regain control of an empire that is beginning to fall apart around him.
When Apple originally announced the series in May 2025, it described Carmichael as the head of British crime syndicate The Capital, a figure who had remained untouchable for two decades before finally being apprehended.
Hugh Laurie leads the cast
Laurie is joined by Thandiwe Newton, Fionn Whitehead, Gina McKee, Hazel Doupe, Elliott Heffernan and Stephen Dillane.
The cast brings plenty of recognisable drama experience to a series centred on shifting loyalties and the fallout from Carmichael’s imprisonment. Newton is known for Westworld, Whitehead appeared in Dunkirk, while Dillane will be familiar to many viewers from Game of Thrones.
The team behind Hijack and Lupin is involved
The Wanted Man is created, written and executive produced by George Kay, whose previous work includes Apple TV thriller Hijack and Netflix series Lupin. Kay also serves as showrunner.
The production comes from New Pictures and Kay’s Observatory Pictures. Willow Grylls and Matt Sandford are among the executive producers, David Meanti serves as series producer and Jakob Verbruggen directs.
That combination gives the series an experienced thriller team behind the camera, particularly for viewers familiar with the tension-driven storytelling of Hijack or Lupin.
When and where can you watch The Wanted Man?
The Wanted Man will stream globally on Apple TV from 6 January 2027. Two episodes will be available at launch, followed by one new episode each Wednesday until the finale on 17 February.
For readers comparing the wider streaming landscape, our streaming services comparison looks at how the major platforms stack up, while our recent Apple TV pricing coverage explains the latest subscription position.
What to watch for next
Apple’s first-look announcement focuses on images, casting and release details rather than a trailer, so there is still plenty to learn about the series’ tone and the relationships surrounding Carmichael’s downfall.
With Laurie leading the cast and Kay behind the series, The Wanted Man is now firmly on Apple TV’s early-2027 drama slate.
