Is “Dope Thief” on Apple TV+ a True Story?

Ready to dive into the new Apple TV+ series, Dope Thief? Premiering this Friday (March 14), the show stars Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura as two long-time friends from Philly who take on the risky role of posing as DEA agents to pull off a daring robbery. Their scheme ends up exposing a major narcotics operation on the Eastern Seaboard, setting the stage for a high-stakes drama.

While Dope Thief isn’t a true story, it does draw inspiration from real life. The show is based on a novel by Dennis Tafoya, who once worked as an emergency medical technician in Philadelphia. Tafoya’s experiences led him to write a gripping tale of crime and consequences, exploring the darker side of the city and its underworld.

In his own words, Tafoya shared, “When I was an EMT in a Philadelphia emergency room, biker gangs used to rent farmhouses and set up speed labs in the countryside not far away.” This real-life encounter with danger and mystery fueled his imagination, leading to the creation of Dope Thief.

To bring the novel to the screen, the adaptation process began in 2022, with screenwriter Peter Craig and legendary director Ridley Scott on board to capture the essence of Tafoya’s story. While the TV show diverges from the novel in its second half, Craig promises to keep the spirit and intensity of the original work alive on screen.

Drawing inspiration from classic crime films of the 1970s, Dope Thief aims to immerse viewers in a world of suspense, action, and moral dilemmas. The show’s creators have worked hard to ensure that every detail, from the characters to the setting, feels authentic and engaging.

So, mark your calendars for the premiere of Dope Thief on Apple TV+ this Friday. Get ready for a thrilling ride through the streets of Philadelphia and into the dark heart of the criminal underworld. With a talented cast, a gripping storyline, and a touch of realism, this series promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.