Apple TV+'s gripping crime drama Black Bird has been hailed as far superior to Netflix's current hit I Will Find You, earning a rare 98% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the latter's 60%.
The six-episode series, starring Taron Egerton, is based on the true story of Jimmy Keene, a former aspiring sports star who turns to drug dealing. After being sentenced to 10 years in prison on drug and weapons charges, Jimmy receives a life-changing offer from the FBI: befriend suspected serial killer Larry Hall (played by Paul Walter Hauser) and coax a confession to help locate the bodies of over a dozen women. In exchange, Jimmy's criminal record would be wiped clean.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
Black Bird debuted in 2022 to widespread acclaim, scoring 98% from critics and 95% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. In contrast, I Will Find You, which landed on Netflix on June 18 and quickly climbed to number one, has only a 60% critic score and 65% audience score.
One fan described Black Bird as "a gripping thrill ride from start to finish. Beautifully acted and very well written. The worst part about the show was that it ended!" Another called it a "chilling but surprisingly heroic true-crime drama" where "the tension never lets up."
Viewer Reactions
Viewers have been captivated by the psychological intensity. One said: "I literally watched all six episodes in a row because I needed to know what happened. It’s gripping, intense, and at some points I just wanted it all to be over because the psychological pressure on Jimmy becomes almost too much even I felt it— but in a way that keeps you hooked."
Another added: "As a guy who thought he'd check out one episode, Black Bird absolutely wrecked my sleep schedule—in the best way."
Black Bird is available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+.
