The British spy thriller Slow Horses, based on Mick Herron‘s Slough House novels and created by Will Smith, returns for its season 5. Following four gripping series inspired by Slow Horses, Dead Lions, Real Tigers, and Spook Street, the show continues to deliver a unique mix of espionage, dark humor, and tense storytelling. Season 5 draws inspiration from Herron’s novels London Rules, Joe Country, and Slough House, promising more twists and high-stakes drama.
At the heart of Slough House is a team of MI5 rejects, famously known as “slow horses.” Assigned mundane administrative tasks, these operatives endure constant verbal abuse from their irascible boss Jackson Lamb. Yet, despite their banishment to bureaucratic purgatory, the slow horses often find themselves entangled in dangerous investigations that threaten Britain. Their repeated failures turn into unexpected victories, showcasing wit, resilience, and clever problem-solving amid high-stakes espionage. Fans can expect a season full of suspense, cunning schemes, and the dark humor that has become the show’s signature.
Mark Your Spy Calendar: Slow Horses Season 5 Streaming Dates
Fans won’t wait long to see their favorite misfit spies in action. Slow Horses Season 5 will stream exclusively on Apple TV+ starting Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The series includes six episodes, with only the first two episodes will release on the premiere day. Following that, new episodes arrive every Wednesday until October 22, 2025. The release dates of each episodes are as follows.
- Episode 1 – September 24, 2025
- Episode 2 – September 24, 2025
- Episode 3 – October 1, 2025
- Episode 4 – October 8, 2025
- Episode 5 – October 15, 2025
- Episode 6 – October 22, 2025
A base Apple TV+ subscription costs $12.99 per month, granting access to the full catalog, including past seasons.
Meet the Masters of Slough House: Cast of Slow Horses Season 5
The strength of Slow Horses lies in its memorable characters and stellar cast. Returning actors and new faces promise intrigue, tension, and unexpected humor.
- Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb
- Jack Lowden as River Cartwright
- Kristin Scott Thomas as Diana Taverner
- Olivia Cooke as Sidonie “Sid” Baker
- Jonathan Pryce as David Cartwright
- Dustin Demri-Burns as Min Harper
- Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Shirley Dander
- Samuel West as Peter Judd MP
- Sophie Okonedo as Ingrid Tearney
- Hugo Weaving as Frank Harkness
A First Look at the Danger Ahead
The Slow Horses Season 5 trailer sets the tone for a season packed with tension, wit, and high-stakes drama. It teases Jackson Lamb’s razor-sharp instincts, the growing threats against MI5, and the chaos awaiting Slough House’s outcasts. Viewers catch glimpses of explosive action, shadowy figures, and intense confrontations, all laced with the series’ trademark dark humor. This brief preview hints that no one is safe, and every decision carries a price. Fans are left eager to uncover how far these so-called failures will go when Britain’s security is on the line.
Catching Up Before the New Season
Over the years, Slow Horses has carved a reputation as a sharp, witty, and gritty take on British espionage. Season 1 introduced us to Slough House, the dreary outpost where MI5’s misfits and underperformers are banished. What began as a story of sidelined agents stuck with paperwork quickly turned into a gripping tale when this unlikely group stumbled into a conspiracy far bigger than they could imagine. Under the rough, unpredictable guidance of Jackson Lamb, they proved that failure doesn’t mean uselessness.
Season 2 pushed the stakes higher. What seemed like another chance to fade into the background turned into a deadly clash involving personal vendettas and espionage missions that blurred the line between loyalty and betrayal. The slow horses were forced to rely on one another, showing that even a group written off by the system could deliver results when danger struck.
By Season 3, the team had shed some of their reputation as rejects. Instead, they found themselves caught in a larger web of conspiracies and power struggles within British intelligence. This season balanced thrilling assignments with deeper character arcs, highlighting their vulnerabilities and resilience in equal measure. Each mission reminded viewers that survival often meant turning weaknesses into unlikely strengths.
Season 4 continued to expand the world of Slough House, bringing fresh dangers and even more brutal challenges. Old rivalries resurfaced, new threats emerged, and the team had to adapt quickly to stay ahead. Through sharp dialogue, dark humor, and high-stakes drama, the series reinforced that these so-called failures were anything but irrelevant.
Together, the four seasons built a foundation of tension, wit, and unexpected heroism. As the story heads into Season 5, fans are left anticipating just how far these outcasts will go when faced with even deadlier plots.
Stream Anywhere: How VPN Helps
Apple TV+ is not yet available in every country, which means some fans may face restrictions while trying to watch Slow Horses Season 5. In such cases, a reliable VPN can be a simple solution. Services like NordVPN let you connect to a supported region, log in to Apple TV+, and stream the show without interruptions. This ensures secure and seamless access no matter where you are.
