Cush Jumbo Discusses Season 2 of Apple TV+’s Criminal Record and Challenging Stereotypes of Black Women [Exclusive]

May 16, 2026

MadameNoire was on the scene for the Season 2 launch luncheon party of the action-packed thriller Criminal Record on Apple TV, held at Harlem’s beloved Red Rooster on April 22. Managing editor Danica Daniel caught up with series star Cush Jumbo, who returns as the fierce and “ballsy” Detective June Lenker, only this time, she’s taking things to an entirely new level.

Season 2 tracks Lenker through a densely plotted, character-driven narrative set in contemporary London, where truth often slips from grasp. After a young man is fatally stabbed during a political rally, Lenker and her adversary Daniel Hegarty (Peter Capaldi) are compelled into a fragile partnership. What starts as a homicide inquiry soon escalates into a covert mission to thwart a far-right bombing scheme at the center of the city.

Season 2 of Criminal Record tackles real life issues.

Season 2 Launch Party Criminal Record on April 22., Cush Jumbo, AppleTV+

That authenticity extended behind the scenes as well. Jumbo praised the writers behind Season 2 of Criminal Record for their diverse perspectives that brought power and conviction to the story.

“We had an amazing room of people who represented London. Which already added this additional element to it.”

Cush Jumbo says fans will get to see June as she fights through “messy” heroism.

When shaping June for Season 2, Jumbo wanted to push beyond a traditional portrayal, leaning into the complexity of the character’s moral compass and the darkness surrounding her. She became particularly interested in exploring the idea of “messy” heroism.

“Both seasons have very dark elements to them and we’re living in a very dark world. But I really got a bit fixated on the idea that June could be, almost at her own detriment, one of the last remaining people fighting for the right things, almost like a unicorn,” she explained. “Like, someone who’s actually still fixated on having an iron moral compass to the point where her life is unraveling.”

Cush Jumbo in "Criminal Record," now streaming on Apple TV.

That authenticity extended behind the scenes as well. Jumbo praised the writers behind Season 2 of Criminal Record for their diverse perspectives that brought power and conviction to the story.

“We had an amazing room of people who represented London. Which already added this additional element to it.”

Cush Jumbo says fans will get to see June as she fights through “messy” heroism.

When shaping June for Season 2, Jumbo wanted to push beyond a traditional portrayal, leaning into the complexity of the character’s moral compass and the darkness surrounding her. She became particularly interested in exploring the idea of “messy” heroism.

“Both seasons have very dark elements to them and we’re living in a very dark world. But I really got a bit fixated on the idea that June could be, almost at her own detriment, one of the last remaining people fighting for the right things, almost like a unicorn,” she explained. “Like, someone who’s actually still fixated on having an iron moral compass to the point where her life is unraveling.”

Cush Jumbo in "Criminal Record," now streaming on Apple TV.

She continued, “I wasn’t really interested in playing a goody-two-shoes. I used to love The Wire. I was hooked on that show because the heroes were messy and the villains were complicated. I found myself charmed by them. I wanted to be their friend sometimes, and then I would go, ‘Why are you doing that?!’ People aren’t neat.”

A major question this season is why June would choose to work with Hegarty again. The answer unfolds as her career advances, she’s rising in the ranks and delivering strong performances, until the shocking murder at the rally changes everything.

“June being June feels completely responsible for it,” shared Jumbo, and that will send viewers on a rollercoaster this season as the weight drives her relentless pursuit of justice, even as she teeters on the edge of burnout, struggling to balance her demanding career with life at home with her son.

The emotional weight of tackling this season’s heavier themes pushed Jumbo to stay grounded, making a point to check in with herself throughout the show, while also leaning on steady support from the show’s producers.

“Our nervous systems don’t understand all the time that were pretending so I mean any actor has to be careful of their nervous system, but I think Black actors particularly have to be careful of their nervous systems because we have within our bodies generational trauma,” she said. “You have to look after yourself when you do these kinds of things. If somebody is going to hold you down and strangle you, and you got to do that nine times in the day, it has to be planned really well.”

She added, “The show has been amazing at making sure our crews and our casts are supported, making a sensitive show in a sensitive way, where as sometimes in the business we lean towards making sensitive shows in I think quite irresponsible ways. It matters because these are our bodies and our minds. I felt the most looked after I’ve ever felt on a show.”

When she’s not on screen, Jumbo finds joy in music, naming Donna Summer and the late, great D’Angelo among her favorites. She’s also a fan of The Real Housewives franchise, and even has a tagline ready if she ever joined the cast:

“You might like the parts I play, but you’re never going to play me,” she said.

Season 2 of Criminal Record is out now on Apple TV. Will you be watching?

Danielle Brooks

I am a staff writer at New York Beacon, where I focus on culture, entrepreneurship, and the emerging voices redefining Black America. My work highlights innovators, artists, and founders whose stories often unfold beyond mainstream headlines but shape communities in meaningful ways. Through precise reporting and thoughtful storytelling, I aim to document progress, challenge narratives, and contribute to a stronger Black press tradition.