Photo credit: Prime video/Youtube
Prime Video is giving viewers a first look at Criminal, an upcoming crime drama starring Charlie Hunnam, Adria Arjona, Luke Evans and Emilia Clarke. The streaming platform has released the official teaser for the eight-episode series, which explores crime, family secrets, betrayal and dangerous relationships.
Based on the acclaimed graphic novel series by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, Criminal brings an interconnected world of thieves and outlaws to television. The story follows generations of criminal families whose past decisions continue to shape their futures.
The series will arrive on Prime Video in two parts in January 2027. Its release will introduce viewers to two connected stories adapted from the original comics.
Charlie Hunnam leads the Criminal cast
Hunnam leads the series as Leo Patterson, a careful thief who wants to escape the criminal life he inherited.
However, his plans become complicated through his relationship with childhood friend Ricky Lawless, played by Gus Halper. Unlike Leo, Ricky is determined to follow in the footsteps of his notorious father.
Their complicated history becomes even more difficult when Ricky’s older brother, Tracy Lawless, returns from military service. Luke Evans plays Tracy, whose return forces the family to confront secrets from its past.
Meanwhile, Adria Arjona plays Greta, a sharp-tongued car thief connected to Leo’s history. Emilia Clarke portrays Mallory, Ricky’s girlfriend, who worries about the dangerous decisions he may make to survive.
The supporting cast also features Richard Jenkins, John Hawkes, Kadeem Hardison, Logan Browning, Michael Mando, Garrett Hedlund and Patrick J. Adams.
Criminal adapts two popular graphic novel stories
The upcoming drama draws from the work of Brubaker and Phillips, whose Criminal comic book series first appeared in 2006.
Rather than following one criminal operation, the television adaptation explores several interconnected stories. It examines how family loyalty, old betrayals and personal decisions can influence future generations.
The first installment adapts Coward, a story centered on Leo Patterson and Ricky Lawless. Their friendship and criminal backgrounds become increasingly complicated as past events return to haunt them.
Additionally, the second installment adapts Lawless. It focuses on Tracy Lawless and his return after choosing military service over prison.
When Ricky becomes involved with dangerous people, Tracy must confront the criminal world he once left behind.
When will Criminal premiere on Prime Video?
Prime Video will release the eight-episode series in two installments.
The first four episodes, titled Criminal: Part One — Coward, will premiere on January 13, 2027. Meanwhile, Criminal: Part Two — Lawless will arrive on January 27, 2027.
The release strategy gives audiences two connected stories within the same crime universe.
Filmmakers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck direct the first four episodes. Dee Rees is also among the executive producers, alongside Brubaker, Phillips and other members of the creative team.
Watch the official Criminal teaser
The first teaser offers an introduction to the series and its crime-filled world. It also gives viewers an early look at the ensemble cast and the relationships driving the story.
With an established graphic novel behind it and a recognizable cast, Criminal is positioning itself as one of Prime Video’s upcoming crime drama releases.
As the January premiere approaches, viewers can watch the official teaser on the streaming platform’s YouTube channel.
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