12 12 12 on Apple TV: Reviews, release schedule and what its about

12 12 12 is a new eight-part heist thriller starring Jamie Dornan and Anthony Mackie, arriving on Apple TV on Friday, 13 November 2026. But while its ambitious premise has attracted attention, early reviews have been largely negative, with several critics questioning whether the series lives up to its potential.

The thriller takes an unusual approach to telling a crime story, with every episode unfolding across three different timelines. It follows a daring bank robbery in Zurich, the criminals behind it and a disgraced FBI agent determined to catch them.

With an impressive ensemble cast and a release schedule stretching into Christmas Day, there is plenty for viewers to discover. Here is everything you need to know about 12 12 12, including its plot, cast, episode count, release dates and what critics have said.

What is 12 12 12 about?

12 12 12 centres on an ambitious heist, with each episode exploring three separate periods in the story: the 12 months of planning, the 12 hours of the robbery itself and the 12 days that follow.

The series follows a disgraced FBI agent, played by Anthony Mackie, and an American career criminal, portrayed by Jamie Dornan. The pair become embroiled in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse across Europe, with neither willing to give the other an easy victory.

At the heart of the story is an audacious raid on a bank vault buried deep beneath the streets of Zurich. The three-timeline structure promises to reveal different aspects of the operation, from the preparation and execution to the consequences that follow.

The unusual format is central to the show’s identity, although it has also proved divisive among critics.

Who is in the cast of 12 12 12?

The Apple TV thriller brings together an international ensemble led by two familiar screen stars.

The main cast includes:

Jamie Dornan – an American career criminal at the centre of the heist.
Anthony Mackie – a disgraced FBI agent caught up in the pursuit.
Jack Kesy
Agathe Rousselle
Sallie Harmsen
José Garcia
Kali Reis – the Emmy Award nominee.

Dornan and Mackie lead the series, with their characters locked in a dangerous contest that stretches across Europe.

How many episodes of 12 12 12 are there?

There are eight episodes in the first season of 12 12 12.

The series premieres globally on Apple TV on Friday, 13 November 2026, with the first two episodes available on launch day. After that, viewers will receive one new episode every Friday until the finale on 25 December.

What is the 12 12 12 release schedule?

Here is the full eight-episode release schedule:

Release date	Episodes
Friday, 13 November 2026	Episodes 1 and 2
Friday, 20 November 2026	Episode 3
Friday, 27 November 2026	Episode 4
Friday, 4 December 2026	Episode 5
Friday, 11 December 2026	Episode 6
Friday, 18 December 2026	Episode 7
Friday, 25 December 2026	Episode 8 – finale

The series therefore begins with a double-episode premiere before moving to a weekly Friday release. The final instalment arrives on Christmas Day.

What are the reviews saying about 12 12 12?

Despite its high-profile cast and distinctive storytelling format, 12 12 12 has received a largely unfavourable response from critics. Several reviews have questioned the show’s ability to sustain its central idea across all eight episodes.

The Hollywood Reporter is particularly critical, writing:

“The chances of it remaining in any conversation about genre highlights, however, is close to nil. I’ve watched all eight episodes, and the first two illustrate the premise’s potential, the next four illustrate the premise’s limitations, and the last two scrap the premise entirely to deliver an increasingly irritating series of unexciting twists leading to an unsatisfying conclusion”

The Radio Times is similarly unimpressed, writing:

“Apple TV’s gimmicky heist drama is trying too hard”.

Yahoo! offers a somewhat more positive assessment, describing the series as:

“12 12 12 is glossy, occasionally exciting, intermittently ingenious and frequently preposterous”

However, the publication also calls it:

“one hell of a mess”.

Collider is among the more enthusiastic reviewers. While its assessment is not without criticism, it describes 12 12 12 as a:

“very strong heist thriller that doubles as the perfect holiday viewing”.

The response is therefore far from unanimous, but the overall critical picture is mixed to negative. While some reviewers see flashes of ingenuity and entertainment, others feel the ambitious format struggles to deliver a satisfying conclusion.

Is 12 12 12 worth watching?

That may depend on how much you enjoy elaborate heist stories and unconventional storytelling. The combination of a European bank robbery, three interlocking timelines and a battle between a disgraced FBI agent and a career criminal gives 12 12 12 an intriguing starting point.

Jamie Dornan and Anthony Mackie also provide a strong central pairing, while the eight-episode format gives the story room to explore the planning, robbery and aftermath.

However, the early reviews suggest viewers should approach the series with measured expectations. The Hollywood Reporter and Radio Times are particularly negative, while Yahoo! finds the show entertaining in places but deeply flawed. Collider is more supportive, offering a reason for heist fans to give it a chance.

How can I watch 12 12 12?

12 12 12 premieres globally on Apple TV on Friday, 13 November 2026. The first two episodes will be available from launch, with the remaining six released weekly on Fridays.

The eight-part thriller concludes on Christmas Day – Friday, 25 December 2026.

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