Well, that was fast. Apple TV+ just confirmed that Slow Horses is coming back for a seventh season, yes, seventh, even though season 5 hasn’t even premiered yet. It’s a pretty bold move, but honestly, not that surprising if you’ve been following the show’s rise. With Gary Oldman leading the charge and a steady streak of critical praise, Slow Horses has quietly become one of Apple’s most reliable hits.
The news doesn’t just mean more screentime for the gruff and brilliantly foul-mouthed Jackson Lamb; it also locks Slow Horses in as a centerpiece for Apple’s original programming. With seasons 5, 6, and now 7 officially on the books, it’s clear the streamer’s betting big on this twisty, slow-burn spy series with its trademark mix of dry British wit and high-stakes espionage.
Slow Horses Season 7 Will Dig Into Bad Actors
The upcoming season 7 will be based on Mick Herron’s novel Bad Actors, part of his much-loved Slough House series. And it’s not pulling punches: this time, the gang is chasing down a mole inside the British government. So, yeah, expect secrets, scandals, and some serious political messiness.
Of course, our favorite dysfunctional MI5 rejects are back in the middle of it all. Jackson Lamb (Oldman), still as sharp and unpleasant as ever, leads the charge with his usual combination of brilliance and disdain. Fans can look forward to more of that delicious mix of intelligence agency turf wars, morally gray decisions, and the kind of dark humor that somehow makes all the chaos feel disturbingly real.
Before Season 7, There’s Still Season 5 (and 6!)
But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, there’s still plenty of Slow Horses on the way before season 7 hits. Slow Horses Season 5 is officially dropping on September 24, 2025, and season 6 isn’t far behind (it’s already filming). Those seasons will tackle Joe Country and Slough House, continuing the show’s strong tradition of adapting one or two novels per season with tight pacing and zero fluff.
Apple’s been vocal about how much they love the creative direction of the show. And honestly, it shows. Between the layered storytelling, the razor-sharp writing, and a cast that knows exactly how to walk the line between tragic and hilarious, Slow Horses has racked up multiple Emmy and BAFTA nominations, and that juicy 98% Rotten Tomatoes score doesn’t hurt either.
Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb Still Owns the Screen
At the heart of Slow Horses is Gary Oldman, who’s redefining what a spy boss can be. His take on Jackson Lamb is messy, sharp, unpredictable, and utterly captivating. You never quite know if he’s about to save the day or blow it all up just to prove a point, and that’s part of the charm.
There’s been some talk (mostly from Oldman himself) that he might be winding down his time as Lamb after season 6 or 7. Nothing’s set in stone, though. So for now, fans can breathe easy, we’ve got at least three more seasons of Lamb’s insults, trench coats, and sneaky brilliance to look forward to. Familiar faces like River Cartwright (Jack Lowden), Louisa Guy (Rosalind Eleazar), and the ever-calculating Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas) are also expected to return.
Apple TV+ Is In It for the Long Haul
What’s especially interesting is the timing of all this. While other streaming platforms are cutting back and canceling shows mid-run, Apple’s out here doubling down on quality storytelling. Greenlighting season 7 before season 5 even airs? That’s confidence, and a clear signal that they’re playing the long game.
And honestly, it’s kind of refreshing. With most shows these days feeling like they could vanish at any moment, there’s something reassuring about Slow Horses getting room to breathe and build. It gives the writers and cast space to plot long-term arcs, develop characters properly, and really lean into the richness of Herron’s source material.
So, if you’ve been sleeping on this series, now’s a good time to catch up. Because Slow Horses isn’t just sticking around—it’s marching confidently into spy TV history, one messed-up mission at a time.
