Slow Horses: Apple TV+’s Emmy-Winning Spy Thriller Continues to Dominate with Season 5 and Beyond

Introduction: Why Slow Horses Matters

Slow Horses has been celebrated as ‘undoubtedly the best spy series on television,’ with all four seasons holding Certified Fresh scores and two receiving a rare, perfect 100% critics’ score. The British espionage drama, starring Academy Award winner Gary Oldman, has become one of Apple TV+’s most successful series since its 2022 debut. The show is a darkly humorous espionage drama that follows a dysfunctional team of British intelligence agents who serve in a dumping ground department of MI5 known un-affectionately as Slough House. What makes Slow Horses particularly relevant is its rapid production schedule and consistent quality, making it a standout in today’s streaming landscape.

Season 5: Current Success and Critical Reception

The fifth season premiered Sept. 24 with the first episode, followed by one episode weekly until Oct. 29. Adapted from London Rules, the next novel in Mick Herron’s Slough House book series, in season 5, everyone is suspicious when resident tech nerd Roddy Ho has a glamorous new girlfriend, but when a series of increasingly bizarre events occur across the city, it falls to the Slow Horses to work out how everything is connected. Slow Horses has become an Emmy magnet in recent years, racking up nine nominations for Season 3 (and one win) and five nods in Season 4. The show’s ability to maintain quality whilst delivering new seasons annually has set a new standard for streaming television production.

Future of the Series: Seasons 6 and 7 Confirmed

The future looks exceptionally bright for Slow Horses fans. In July 2025, ahead of the Season 5 premiere, Apple announced that Slow Horses has been renewed for both Season 6 and Season 7. Slow Horses Season 6 has already been filmed, and with a new season coming every year on Apple TV, the pattern dictates Season 6 should be released in the fall of 2026. Season 6 will be based on the novels Joe Country and Slough House, whilst Season 7 will take a crack at bringing Bad Actors to the screen. This forward planning demonstrates Apple TV+’s commitment to the series and confidence in its continued success.

Conclusion: Significance for Viewers and the Industry

Slow Horses represents a triumph in modern television production, proving that rapid-fire releases need not compromise quality. With the debut of Season 5, it will have aired five seasons in about three and a half calendar years — a true achievement in today’s TV landscape. For viewers, this means less waiting between seasons and consistent entertainment. The show’s success also signals a shift in streaming strategy, where well-planned productions can maintain momentum and audience engagement. As the series continues through its confirmed seventh season, Slow Horses sets a benchmark that other streaming productions will undoubtedly aspire to match.