8.3/10
96% Critics / 86% Audience
In the crowded world of spy thrillers, Slow Horses stands out as something truly unique. Adapted from Mick Herron’s Slough House novels, this Apple TV+ series swaps polished superspies for a group of disgraced MI5 agents exiled to bureaucratic drudgery under the watchful, abrasive eye of Jackson Lamb. Starring Gary Oldman, in what many critics call one of the finest performances of his career, the series has become a modern favorite for fans of both espionage drama and dark comedy.
Since its premiere on April 1, 2022, the show has gone from strength to strength. Each season adapts one of Herron’s novels, from Slow Horses and Dead Lions to Real Tigers, Spook Street, and most recently London Rules in 2025. With its mix of political intrigue, dysfunctional workplace dynamics, and razor-sharp writing, Slow Horses has been hailed as one of the most compelling spy dramas of the decade.
Slow Horses – Official Series Trailer
What is Slow Horses About?
At its core, Slow Horses is about Slough House, a place where MI5 agents are sent after making career-ending mistakes. Nicknamed “slow horses,” these agents spend their days on tedious, menial work meant to drive them into resignation. But under their slovenly and acerbic boss Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), they inevitably stumble into real cases that put Britain at risk.
The series cleverly balances bureaucratic misery and high-stakes espionage. One moment, agents are being humiliated by Lamb’s biting sarcasm, and the next, they’re dragged into deadly conspiracies involving kidnappings, assassinations, or political corruption. By grounding the spy genre in imperfection and failure, the show flips expectations and delivers something as funny as it is thrilling.
Is Slow Horses Worth Watching?
Absolutely. If you’re tired of slick, over-glamorized depictions of espionage, Slow Horses offers a refreshing alternative. With stellar writing, a brilliant ensemble cast, and Oldman’s scene-stealing performance, it’s both gripping and darkly hilarious. Each season builds tension while exploring themes of loyalty, redemption, and the murky politics behind national security.
Why Should I Watch Slow Horses?
Here’s why the series is a must-watch:
-
Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb – A masterclass in acting, mixing disgusting habits, foul humor, and genius-level spycraft.
-
Character-driven storytelling – Instead of superhuman agents, you get flawed, bitter, but deeply human characters.
-
Faithful adaptations – Each season adapts a different Mick Herron novel, offering fresh intrigue while keeping continuity.
-
Critical acclaim – Multiple Emmy nominations, BAFTA recognition, and Golden Globe nods underline its quality.
-
Sharp tone balance – Blends dry British humor with high-stakes espionage in a way few shows manage.
Cast and Characters
-
Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb
-
Jack Lowden as River Cartwright
-
Kristin Scott Thomas as Diana Taverner
-
Sophie Okonedo as Ingrid Tearney
-
Jonathan Pryce as David Cartwright
-
Saskia Reeves, Rosalind Eleazar, Christopher Chung, Aimee-Ffion Edwards and more round out the Slough House team.
Over the seasons, the show has featured standout guest roles from Olivia Cooke, Hugo Weaving, Katherine Waterston, Sope Dirisu, and others.
Production and Development
Apple TV+ gave Slow Horses a straight-to-series order in 2019, committing to multiple seasons upfront. Filming began in 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic before resuming in England and Gloucestershire. Each season adapts one novel in Herron’s series, with directors including James Hawes, Jeremy Lovering, Saul Metzstein, and Adam Randall.
By 2025, the show had completed five seasons and been renewed through season seven, ensuring adaptations of Joe Country, Slough House, and Bad Actors. The title track “Strange Game,” written and performed by Mick Jagger, became an iconic opener that perfectly captured the series’ shabby, sinister tone.
Reception
Critics have consistently praised Slow Horses across its five seasons:
-
Season 1: 95% Rotten Tomatoes – “refreshes the espionage genre by letting its snoops be bumbling.”
-
Season 2: 100% Rotten Tomatoes – regarded as stronger than the first.
-
Season 3: 98% Rotten Tomatoes – earned nine Emmy nominations.
-
Season 4: 100% Rotten Tomatoes – considered the most personal season yet.
-
Season 5 (2025): 90% Rotten Tomatoes – lighter in tone but still highly praised.
Oldman in particular has been lauded for his portrayal of Jackson Lamb, earning Golden Globe, BAFTA, Emmy, and SAG nominations.
Slow Horses FAQ
Is Slow Horses based on true events?
No, but it is adapted from Mick Herron’s bestselling Slough House spy novels.
Do I need to read the books first?
Not at all. The series adapts the novels closely, making it easy to follow without prior reading.
How many seasons are there?
As of 2025, there are five seasons, with seasons 6 and 7 confirmed.
Is Slow Horses more comedy or drama?
It’s both—equal parts espionage thriller and dark comedy, leaning heavily on character flaws for humor.
Where can I watch it?
Exclusively on Apple TV+.
Conclusion
Slow Horses has proven itself to be one of the smartest and most entertaining spy shows of the modern era. By focusing on failure, mediocrity, and dysfunction, it manages to say more about espionage and human nature than many sleek action thrillers ever could. Each season raises the stakes while deepening the personal stories of its characters, creating a rich and rewarding narrative.
With its combination of razor-sharp wit, tense storylines, and an award-worthy performance from Gary Oldman, Slow Horses isn’t just a spy thriller—it’s a new standard for the genre. As the show continues into seasons six and seven, fans can expect the shabby halls of Slough House to remain one of television’s most fascinating corners of espionage.
If you don’t know where to watch this Series for FREE make sure to contact me via E-mail, or in the comments below. Thank you for reading and make sure to bookmark the site.