Iran, once again, has been convulsed by massive protests against the country’s totalitarian rulers by citizens fed up with hyper-inflation, cruel repression, and lack of basic human rights.
A disturbing Political story, “You Might Not Like What Comes Next in Iran: Chances of a democratic transition are slim,” says:
Iran’s repressive, clerical regime is fighting for its life. There are lots of reasons to hope that it collapses. The Islamic Republic is violent, corrupt and theocratic. It systematically discriminates against women and minorities, and its policies have led to economic disaster. When Iranians take to the streets to protest, the regime murders them.
Over 2,500 Iranians have been killed in the last three weeks, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based human rights advocacy organization. That’s horrendous. More than 18,000 have been arrested.
Watching the terrific Apple TV series, Tehran, won’t improve the situation in Iran. But it will help you understand some of the dynamics in that country through a highly entertaining cinematic lens that is now in its third season. I asked Claude, an AI model, if Tehran was any good. Here’s the response, which is right-on, based on how much I like Tehran.
Based on the reviews, Tehran is generally considered excellent. The series has been very well-received by both critics and audiences:
What critics say: Season one holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it won the International Emmy Award for best drama series in 2021, becoming the first Israeli series to win this award. Critics praise it as a geopolitical thriller that balances global intrigue with personal stakes.
What makes it good:
- The show is intense and gripping from the start, with excellent pacing and plenty of suspenseful twists
- Characters speak in their native languages (Hebrew, Persian, English), which adds authenticity
- The production quality is strong – it was filmed in Athens doubling for Tehran
- It presents a nuanced view of the Israel-Iran conflict rather than simplistic good guys vs bad guys
- Season 2, which added Glenn Close, is considered even better than the first season, and Season 3 (which just premiered on Apple TV+ in January 2026 with Hugh Laurie) has been getting strong reviews
Potential downsides:
- Some viewers note occasional plot holes and moments where the protagonist makes questionable decisions
- It’s an Israeli production about Iran, so it has a particular perspective on a sensitive geopolitical conflict
- The first episode can be a bit hard to follow before the plot clarifies
If you enjoy spy thrillers like Homeland or Fauda, this seems like a strong choice. The consensus is it’s one of Apple TV+’s best shows.
I discovered Tehran in 2022, watching Seasons 1 and 2. Recently I started watching Season 3, but quickly realized that Tehran’s plotting is so complex, I was having difficulty remembering key things about the main characters.
So I decided to start over. Currently I’m about halfway through Season 1. It’s just as enjoyable the second time around, even though I can remember what happens in some of the key scenes. But since Tehran is so gripping and fast-moving, I’m still surprised in every episode, since it was impossible for me to remember everything that happens in the series.
I watch a lot of thriller/espionage shows. Tehran is one of my top picks. Maybe the absolute top pick.
I like how Tehran presents an Iranian counter-intelligence official with considerable sympathy, a bit surprising given that this is an Israeli production. Though cruel, he is dedicated to his job and tender toward his wife. There’s lots of nail-biting action, but this is mixed in with slower-paced drama. All in all, Tehran is a fascinating look at a part of the world that is in the news right now. The show features Iranian dissidents, which makes it especially relevant to current events.
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