Apple’s underseen thriller show Slow Horses is the best TV show you’ve probably never seen

EntertainmentTVThriller ShowsSlow HorsesApple’s underseen thriller show Slow Horses is the best TV show you’ve probably never seenWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentTVThriller ShowsSlow HorsesApple’s underseen thriller show Slow Horses is the best TV show you’ve probably never seenWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: AppleTV+) Look, I get it. There are so many streaming services out there, so much television to watch, and quite simply just not enough time in the day. However, if there is one series I can guarantee you’re sleeping on it’sApple’s masterful, underseen spy dramaSlow Horses – undoubtedly one of thebest TV showsof the past few years. As season 4 begins, now is the time to saddle up and check it out. Admittedly, I was late to the party, too. Despite working in film and TV, Slow Horses just wasn’t on my radar – it felt like nobody online was talking about it and the only people I knew who had seen it were my parents… but who listens to their parents, hey? What’s even more embarrassing is that Ilovespy stories, so much so this was what I specialized in at university (I wanted to be a spy okay, but look at how that turned out). So, why the hell wasn’t I watching Slow Horses? A trip to Slough House (Image credit: Apple TV+) Not only does the fun premise sell itself, but it also helps shape the show’s brilliant structure, something that makes it very easy to watch. Each season is based on a different novel and is only a brief six episodes long, which as one of the show’s stars Christopher Chung (who plays Slough House’s resident tech specialist and asshole Roddy Ho) rightly tells GamesRadar+, makes it “easily digestible” for audiences. As he explains: “With only six episodes you are in and out, but you get so much from it. So much is packed into every episode. You have so many threads of story going on at the same time but they are all fully fleshed out, alive and breathing within each other, not tokenistic.” You have so many threads of story going on at the same time but they are all fully fleshed out, alive and breathing within each otherChristopher Chung You have so many threads of story going on at the same time but they are all fully fleshed out, alive and breathing within each other Part of the joy of watching Slow Horses is seeing how these separate threads will eventually entwine in what is always a gripping finale. As while there appears to be two distinct main storylines each season, they always end up colliding – it’s beautiful to watch it all unravel. With every season we also always have the question of, ‘Why have you been sent to Slough House’, focusing on a different character each time. And yes, we do know it’s likely due either to a big fuck up or that they pissed the wrong person off, it’s always fun to find out why. Our beloved rejects (Image credit: Apple TV+) And MI5 sure do send a lot of agents to Slough House, meaning our beloved crew of misfits evolves with every season as newcomers join the mix. Although, notably Slow Horses is a show unafraid of killing off key characters too so, be warned, your favorite could bite the dust at any moment. Season 4 seesLord of the Ringsstar Hugo Weaving come on board alongside legendary British actor Joanna Scanlan. Previous episodes have also featuredHouse of the Dragon’sOlivia Cooke, Gangs of London’s Sope Dirisu, andAlien: Covenant’sKatherine Waterston. Meanwhile the show’s core cast sees Oldman’s Lamb next to Jack Lowden’s hapless agent River Cartwright, Jonathan Pryce as his grandfather David, and the always sharp Kristin Scott Thomas as the no-nonsense Taverner. Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox All in all, there is a continually stellar line-up as brilliant talent are drawn to the show. For Chung, this makes Slow Horses the British equivalent of hit drama The White Lotus, as he explains: “Every season we get a new caliber of incredible actors – everybody wants to be in this show. It’s not as glamorous as The White Lotus, which I know every actor wants to be in, but if you are going to do something British this is the thing. So, we get top tier talent.” Agreeing with Chung, co-star Saskia Reeves (who plays the office’s administrator Catherine Standish) also adds to GamesRadar+ that Oldman himself plays a huge part in the appeal too: “Without being too sycophantic, I think the fact that Gary Oldman plays one of the main characters has had a very profound effect on the whole program. I loved him growing up and so many people know the different types of work that he’s done. He’s an extraordinary artist.” In the spotlight (Image credit: Apple TV+) With an ever growing cast of characters, the concern then is ensuring that they all get their chance to shine, especially with each season only being six episodes. However, the writers absolutely nail this making sure that each member of Slough House – as well as the wider MI5 in general – get their time in the spotlight. For example, ourSlow Horses season 4 reviewhighlighted how it was the most personal instalment yet as the Cartwright family are thrust into the center of the action. This meant that whilst Pryce’s David had only popped up in the show so far, this time he was one of the leads – much to the joy of fans who have been awaiting this moment. It’s cerebral but Slow Horses also throws in humor, slapstick, chaos, a very British sensibility too, and it has the ability to laugh at itselfSaskia Reeves It’s cerebral but Slow Horses also throws in humor, slapstick, chaos, a very British sensibility too, and it has the ability to laugh at itself That was worth the wait because the writing of each character is so cleverly done you become rather attached to every single one of them. You just can’t help but fall in love with this ridiculous group of crappy agents, even if many of them are assholes (looking at you in particular Roddy Ho). It’s a show made with a lot of affection, heart, wit, and humor, Reeves tells us, adding that this “interesting concoction” is the secret to its longevity and success. “Even if an audience member isn’t that conscious of how well written it is I think sublimely you are being entertained but your brain is being activated in a great way too,” she explains. “It’s cerebral but Slow Horses also throws in humor, slapstick, chaos, a very British sensibility too, and it has the ability to laugh at itself.” Everyone loves an underdog (Image credit: Apple TV+) So, why aren’t people watching this wonderfully entertaining and edge-of-your-seat compelling show? Well, it’s a hard question to answer as it’s likely a mix of reasons ranging from a lack of marketing to the fact less people subscribe to Apple compared to the likes of Netflix. Plus, there isa lotof TV out there meaning naturally some things will get buried, especially a show as modest as Slow Horses. That’s because just like the characters it follows, Slow Horses is ultimately an underdog. But just because it doesn’t shout the loudest, that doesn’t mean it should be underestimated. In fact, its humble nature is actually what makes it stand out within the pack as Chung explains: “I don’t think that it’s trying to be a sexy drama, something sleek, cool, and stylish. It’s really the opposite of those things and I think people crave something like that a bit more now. When I watch TV everything seems to be more polished, clean, and colorful whereas this is the complete antithesis of that. It sits outside in that marketplace.” Chung is right, and that’s why those who have seen Slow Horses absolutely adore it – at the end of the day, we all love an underdog. And with season 5 already in the works, its reign as one of the best TV shows on right now looks like it will long continue. Your mission then should you choose to accept it is to dive right in – trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Slow Horses season 4 is now out on Apple TV Plus with new episodes airing weekly. For more upcoming television that needs to be on your radar, here’s our guide to the bestnew TV showsto watch out for. CATEGORIESApple Tv PlusStreaming Services CATEGORIES More about thriller showsAnother critically acclaimed TV show with a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score has been canceled - and this time it’s a spy thriller starring Jeff BridgesA new “darkly funny” thriller series with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score just landed on Netflix – and a second season is already on the wayLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► More about thriller showsAnother critically acclaimed TV show with a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score has been canceled - and this time it’s a spy thriller starring Jeff BridgesA new “darkly funny” thriller series with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score just landed on Netflix – and a second season is already on the wayLatest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► More about thriller showsAnother critically acclaimed TV show with a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score has been canceled - and this time it’s a spy thriller starring Jeff BridgesA new “darkly funny” thriller series with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score just landed on Netflix – and a second season is already on the way More about thriller shows Another critically acclaimed TV show with a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score has been canceled - and this time it’s a spy thriller starring Jeff BridgesA new “darkly funny” thriller series with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score just landed on Netflix – and a second season is already on the way Another critically acclaimed TV show with a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score has been canceled - and this time it’s a spy thriller starring Jeff Bridges Another critically acclaimed TV show with a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score has been canceled - and this time it’s a spy thriller starring Jeff Bridges A new “darkly funny” thriller series with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score just landed on Netflix – and a second season is already on the way A new “darkly funny” thriller series with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score just landed on Netflix – and a second season is already on the way Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► Latest 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” See more latest► Most Popular"This is incredibly rare”: How Mouthwashing quietly became 2024’s breakout horror hitI’m no Grinch, but will someone please direct me to the good Christmas games?This canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chancePatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics"Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s pastWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding"Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over ChristmasSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the future Most Popular"This is incredibly rare”: How Mouthwashing quietly became 2024’s breakout horror hitI’m no Grinch, but will someone please direct me to the good Christmas games?This canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chancePatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics"Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s pastWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding"Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over ChristmasSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the future Most Popular"This is incredibly rare”: How Mouthwashing quietly became 2024’s breakout horror hitI’m no Grinch, but will someone please direct me to the good Christmas games?This canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chancePatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics"Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s pastWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding"Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over ChristmasSpy x Family season 3: Everything we know so farOne of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strengthHow Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the future Most Popular “This is incredibly rare”: How Mouthwashing quietly became 2024’s breakout horror hit I’m no Grinch, but will someone please direct me to the good Christmas games? This canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chance Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics” Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s past Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé 17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding” Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over Christmas Spy x Family season 3: Everything we know so far One of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strength How Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the future GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”