Apple TV+ is gearing up for the return of its critically acclaimed spy series, Slow Horses, with thrilling updates for the upcoming season 5. First hitting screens in 2022 and adapted from Mick Herron’s bestselling novels, the show delves into the misadventures of MI5’s most inept agents stationed at the notorious Slough House. Initially expected to lead mundane lives of paperwork and insignificance, these tenacious operatives often find themselves embroiled in major threats to the security of Great Britain. With the iconic Gary Oldman at the helm, Slow Horses has redefined the spy thriller genre by prioritizing character over conventional action.
Each season has been a riveting journey, but season 4 kicked off dramatically with a terrorist plot that endangered the lives of our Slough House agents. Adapting Herron’s novel, Spook Street, season 4 elevated the stakes significantly, showcasing Apple TV+’s strong commitment to the series. Season 5 has already been confirmed, and given the show’s track record for timely releases, fans can expect its arrival sooner rather than later, with the next season being based on London Rules, another of Herron’s celebrated works.
Exciting Updates for Slow Horses Season 5
Confirmed Release Window for Season 5
In a standout display of production efficiency compared to other streaming series, Apple TV+ has revealed the release window for Slow Horses season 5. The announcement came via a teaser shared on X (formerly Twitter), indicating that fans can expect to see new episodes in summer 2025, although a specific date is yet to be disclosed. Regardless, this timing ensures that season 5 will arrive less than a year after the season 4 premiere.
Don’t miss the Apple TV+ sneak peek below:
It’s your time. Spend it wisely. Coming this summer to Apple TV+ pic.twitter.com/icqF2fDS3j — Apple TV (@AppleTV) April 10, 2025
Season 5 Confirmation and Production Confidence
Renewal Prior to Season 4’s Premiere
Apple’s decision to renew Slow Horses for a fifth season before season 4 even debuted demonstrates unwavering confidence in the series, highlighting its sustained popularity. This announcement came in January 2024, a full nine months prior to the season 4 premiere. Such foresight reflects Apple TV+’s dedication to maintaining a consistent release schedule without the extensive delays that can plague other streaming shows.
While no official release date is set, season 5 is confirmed to return in summer 2025, which aligns well with the streamlined production timeline of Slow Horses. Gary Oldman recently revealed that filming for the fifth season has already been completed, reinforcing the series’ swift production pace.
Furthermore, fans can look forward to a sixth season, which has also been confirmed.
Anticipated Cast for Season 5
Returning Faces at Slough House
While the complete cast for season 5 is yet to be officially announced, several key actors are likely to reprise their roles. Gary Oldman is almost certain to return as the irascible Slough House commander, Jackson Lamb, with Jack Lowden expected to reprise his role as young agent River Cartwright. Other returning regulars include Christopher Chung as Roddy Ho.
The following actors are anticipated to be part of the season 5 ensemble:
|
Actor |
Role in Slow Horses |
|---|---|
|
Gary Oldman |
Jackson Lamb |
|
Jack Lowden |
River Cartwright |
|
Hugo Weaving |
Frank Harkness |
|
Kristin Scott Thomas |
Diana Taverner |
|
Saskia Reeves |
Catherine Standish |
|
Rosalind Eleazar |
Louisa Guy |
|
Christopher Chung |
Roddy Ho |
|
Aimee-Ffion Edwards |
Shirley Dander |
|
Joanna Scanlan |
Moira Tregorian  |
|
Tom Brooke |
J.K. Coe |
|
Jonathan Pryce |
David Cartwright |
Plot Insights for Season 5
Adaptation of “London Rules”
Continuing its trend of adapting Herron’s novels for each season, season 5 will focus on London Rules, the fifth installment in the series. The storyline revolves around an ambitious MP and his tabloid journalist wife, who cast a critical eye on MI5’s questionable practices. Concurrently, a series of random terrorist attacks appears to be linked to the aspiring mayor of the West Midlands. As the Slough House team navigates their typical personal crises, they must also evaluate whether their new member could be a dangerous sociopath.
A thrilling subplot adds more complexity: someone is targeting Roddy Ho, forcing the team to unite to uncover the identity of the would-be assassin. While it’s uncertain how closely the show will stick to the source material, the political themes explored in London Rules, including Brexit and immigration, promise to provide a rich backdrop for the upcoming season. With every reveal, it seems that Slow Horses season 5 intends to elevate the narrative intensity even further.