Peter Capaldi, widely recognized for his portrayal of the titular Time Lord in Doctor Who, has consistently demonstrated his acting prowess throughout his career. His ability to elevate a family-friendly sci-fi series with the depth of an experienced performer has cemented his status as a favorite among many viewers. A testament to his talent can be seen in episodes like "Heaven Sent," where Capaldi masterfully delivers a monologue conveying grief almost entirely on his own.

Given Capaldi's remarkable acting ability, it comes as no surprise that projects starring him often receive stunning critical and audience reception. This was precisely the case with the first season of Apple TV's British thriller, Criminal Record. Created by Paul Rutman, the initial eight-episode drama premiered in early 2024, earning an impressive 95% rating from critics on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.

Earlier this week, Detective Sergeant June Lenker, played by Cush Jumbo, and Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty, played by Capaldi, made their eagerly awaited return in Season 2 of Criminal Record. Episode 1, titled "Is It Him?," which premiered on Apple TV, saw both Jumbo and Capaldi seamlessly pick up their roles as they embark on another quest for justice, directed by Ben A. Williams and penned by Rutman.

Remarkably, this second season has already surpassed the near-perfect critical reception of Season 1. On Rotten Tomatoes, Criminal Record Season 2 currently holds a perfect 100% score, based on early reviews. Critics are offering gushing praise for the series' return. Sarah Dempster of The Guardian commended the show's "relatively straightforward and beautifully paced storytelling," noting how "its narrative twists emerging like handkerchiefs from a sleeve." Similarly, Lacy Baugher from Digital Spy praised it as "a darker and more ambitious outing" compared to its predecessor. Richard Valero of Fandom Wire echoed this sentiment, stating, "If you were a fan of Criminal Record season 1, you are in for an absolute treat with an even better second season." Criminal Record is available to stream on Apple TV.