Who is watching Slow Horses on Apple TV+? Maybe some of you? Hard to know as Apple shows don’t seem to be popular among the masses even though many of them are extremely good.

Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and most recently, Presumed Innocent, get all the buzz, but Slow Horses just might be Apple’s best show.
For those who have not heard, Slow Horses is a British spy thriller television series based on the Slough House series of novels by Mick Herron. The series, which premiered on Apple TV+ in April 2022, follows a group of British intelligence agents who have been relegated to a department known as Slough House after committing career-ending mistakes. Think, the misfits and screwups of British Intelligence.
The agents, mockingly referred to as “slow horses,” are led by Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman. Lamb is a former master spy who now oversees this group of misfits, subjecting them to menial tasks and verbal abuse, with the expectation that they will quit out of frustration.
With that in mind, the show is about these agents getting themselves entangled in significant national security threats, leading to unexpected opportunities for redemption. It’s like being sent down to the minors and hoping that one big case will get them back to the big leagues.
Here is the trailer for the first season of the show.
After three seasons, my favourite part is the dark comedic takes on the espionage genre, highlighting the bureaucratic and often absurd nature of intelligence work. It’s almost as if James Bond was a screwup. It combines elements of comedy and tragedy while offering a satirical look at the inner workings of British intelligence services. Also, so much fart humour.
Each season of the show is based on a different novel from Herron’s series, which gives the show a definite path to follow and certainly helps bring each character to life.
Season four just started this week and it doesn’t take long to get back into the Slow Horses world. Gary Oldman was made for this role and he delivers it like he was pulled right off the Showtime series Shameless.
I don’t want to give away spoilers, so I won’t go into many plot details, but I will share why I really like this show.
Strong Performances: Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Jackson Lamb is a major highlight. His ability to bring humour and depth to an untidy, cynical character is refreshing and hard to take your eyes off. I remember early in Season 1, there was a scene where he ate ramen about as grossly as one can but I enjoyed the experience.
The ensemble cast, including Jack Lowden and Kristin Scott Thomas, adds to the show’s appeal with their charismatic performances. It’s very British, which I am biased toward. Even the secondary characters have depth. Roddy Ho, the asshole computer hacker isn’t made out to be some version of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, he’s just a normal guy who is really good at computers. He eats fast food and plays video games but just happens to be part of British Intelligence. Sometimes TV and movies go overboard on creating these types of characters rather than being more real life.
Unique Premise: How bored are we of IP and remakes of every 80’s brand there is? Slow Horses is a breath of fresh air. The show offers a new take on the spy genre by focusing on misfit agents relegated to Slough House, a department for those who have failed in their careers. This setting allows for a mix of humour and drama, as these “slow horses” often end up solving complex cases. Quiet quitting could not be more entertaining.
Balance of Comedy and Drama: Slow Horses effectively combines slapstick comedy with serious espionage drama. The characters, despite their flaws, are endearing and provide a humourous yet poignant look at the world of intelligence. I generally think fart jokes and bathroom laughs are unnecessary, but in Slow Horses, they use it perfectly. Jackson Lamb uses passing gas as one of his tricks to get what he wants.
Engaging Storylines: Each season presents new cases and conspiracies, keeping the narrative fresh and engaging. The show’s ability to blend thrilling espionage plots with character-driven stories makes it highly binge-worthy. It’s not quite Homeland, but the stories are pretty big events with a lot of drama and weekly twists. Jack Bauer would be proud.
Character Development: The series excels in character development, showcasing the personal growth and redemption arcs of its characters. The dynamics within Slough House create a sense of camaraderie and family among the misfit agents. You want to hang with these people every week. Whether it is sitting around the office or when they are on stakeouts, you really get the vibe they enjoy each other’s company.
Critically Acclaimed: The show has received critical acclaim and several Emmy nominations, highlighting its quality and the strength of its storytelling. This should continue but because it is a very British show, I don’t see it winning any awards in the USA.
Fast Productions: My biggest annoyance with television since streamers, the pandemic, and the strikes is how long TV shows now take to make. We get 7 episodes of a show, then have to wait years for more. Slow Horses keeps moving. Season 5 I believe is already done. One of the many cool things about this show is when the season ends, it previews the next season with actual clips. The best part about following a show and the characters is knowing they are coming back relatively soon. At least that is how I grew up with TV.
Slow Horses is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a blend of sharp wit, engaging storytelling, and outstanding performances. In my opinion, the Apple series stands out in the crowded spy thriller genre by focusing on the often-overlooked misfits of British intelligence, offering a refreshing departure from the typical glamorous portrayals of espionage (James Bond, etc.). With Gary Oldman leading a stellar cast, the show masterfully balances dark humour with intense drama, making each episode a captivating experience.
Its ability to weave intricate plots with relatable character arcs ensures that viewers are not only entertained but also invested in the personal journeys of the “slow horses.” Whether you’re drawn in by the thrill of espionage or the rich character dynamics, Slow Horses delivers a binge-worthy experience that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next twist in the tale.