New ‘intense and twisty’ TV show remake of classic thriller streaming now

The star-studded new TV show is a remake of one of Martin Scorsese's best thriller movies.

Consisting of 10 episodes, the plot synopsis for the series states: "A storm is coming for happily married attorneys Anna (Amy Adams, Arrival) and Tom Bowden (Patrick Wilson, The Conjuring).

"This is after Max Cady (Oscar-winner Javier Bardem, No Country For Old Men), the notorious killer they are responsible for putting behind bars, is let out of prison — and he wants vengeance."

Scorsese's iconic 1991 film starred Robert De Niro as Cady, who was Oscar-nominated for his terrifying performance.

Jessica Lange and Nick Nolte played the couple he terrorises.

Watch the trailer for Cape Fear (2026) right here:

The Scorsese movie was actually a remake of an earlier 1962 film of the same name, which itself was based on the 1957 novel The Executioners.

Apple TV's new version of the story was created by Nick Antosca (The Act, A Friend of the Family, Channel Zero). Scorsese serves as a producer on the series, alongside Steven Spielberg.

The 2026 update of Cape Fear has received very positive reviews.

Critics have singled out the show's villainous turn from Bardem, its tense atmosphere, and its narrative twists for praise.

That said, some argued that at 10 episodes, the series feels overstretched.

Javier Bardem as Max Cady in Cape Fear

You can read a sample of some of the glowing reviews for Cape Fear (2026) below:

The Guardian: "It is, to be sure, a masterclass in tension, in taking things right to the edge of credulity but never over, and it never forgets the power of the jump scare."

Globe and Mail: "It’s fine psychological drama throughout, catapulted by top-notch performances that leave a mark. The result is a modern take on a classic story, with plenty of new twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat."

NPR: "Bardem is riveting here, but he's by no means the only reason to watch. The story may be familiar, but this new Cape Fear rolls out one surprise after another."

RogerEbert.com: "It’s a lurid, explicitly violent, well-acted, and preposterously plotted fever dream that had me rolling my eyes at certain twists and turns, even as I found myself eager to gobble up the next episode."

Variety: "The latest adaptation, an Apple TV series created by Nick Antosca, is perhaps the most unnerving and intense retelling yet."

TheWrap: "Bardem is giving a masterclass in reinterpreting a classic like Cady. The sociopathic tendencies of this man are a feast for Bardem to exploit, savour, and, ultimately, weaponise… if these 10 hours are good for anything, it’s to give him time to go nuts."

How to watch Cape Fear (2026)

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Cape Fear's first two episodes are streaming on Apple TV now. The rest of its 10 episodes will drop weekly on Fridays.