Apple TV Plus Spy Series Achieves Critical Perfection
The third season of the gripping geopolitical thriller Tehran has accomplished a remarkable feat in the world of television criticism, securing a flawless 100% fresh score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. This places the Apple TV Plus original series among an elite group of shows to receive such unanimous acclaim from professional critics during their broadcast run.
A Stellar Cast Led by Familiar Faces
Created by Moshe Zonder, the Israeli spy drama features a superb ensemble cast that includes Hollywood icon Glenn Close and British acting legend Hugh Laurie, who many viewers will recognise from his celebrated role in the BBC's The Night Manager. The series is anchored by Niv Sultan's compelling performance as Mossad agent Tamar Rabinyan, a hacker operative navigating dangerous undercover missions in Iran's capital.
Audience Reactions: From Captivation to Criticism
Viewer responses have been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans expressing their admiration across social media and review platforms. One enthusiastic supporter declared the show "one of the best series I've ever watched on Apple, if not all of cable," while another praised its "suspense, geopolitical tension and wonderful acting." Multiple viewers have described Tehran as the most captivating thriller they've encountered in years, highlighting its authentic atmosphere and intelligent character development.
However, the series hasn't resonated with every viewer. Some criticism has emerged regarding pacing issues, with one person noting that "everything seemed to be dragged out way too long," while another viewer struggled with the multilingual presentation, stating the lack of sufficient English dialogue made the series challenging to follow.
Critical Acclaim and Narrative Complexity
Professional critics have been equally impressed with the show's third season. The Globe and Mail remarked that describing Tehran as "twisty is an understatement," applauding its expertly crafted narrative turns that maintain constant suspense. The Telegraph highlighted the season as "tense, timely and with a whole lotta Laurie," celebrating its return as one of television's premier thrillers.
The series follows Tamar Rabinyan as she operates under a false identity in Tehran, initially tasked with sabotaging Iran's nuclear programme before becoming trapped in a complex web of deception that threatens her loved ones. This high-stakes premise has evolved across three seasons, with the latest instalment premiering on January 9, 2026, and releasing episodes weekly until its February 27 finale.
Impressive Ratings Across the Board
Beyond the perfect score for its current season, Tehran maintains strong overall ratings, with a 92% critics score and an 85% audience rating across all episodes. This consistent performance demonstrates the series' ability to maintain quality and viewer engagement throughout its run, a challenging achievement for any long-form narrative.
As streaming platforms continue to compete for premium content, Tehran represents a significant success for Apple TV Plus, combining international intrigue, top-tier performances, and sophisticated storytelling that has captured both critical and audience attention. The series continues to stream exclusively on the platform, offering new viewers the opportunity to experience the tension and drama that has made it one of the most discussed thrillers in contemporary television.
