Slow Horses

A disgraced team of MI5 operatives are stuck in Slough House, a dreary unit where washed-up agents handle the ministry's mistakes. Their leader, the rude and brilliant Jackson Lamb, keeps them in line with sarcasm and blunt tactics, while younger officer River Cartwright tries to prove himself. When real threats start to intersect with the petty work that keeps them sidelined, the so-called "slow horses" end up tackling dangerous plots, exposing bureaucratic rot and surprising loyalties. The show mixes tense spycraft with dry comedy, letting characters grow through mistakes and grudges without spoiling any major plot twists.

Created and based on Mick Herron’s Slough House novels, the TV adaptation premiered in 2022 on Apple TV+. The series stars Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb and features Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas, Saskia Reeves, and Christopher Chung. Production values emphasize gritty London locations and claustrophobic office settings to match the novels’ tone.

The series attracted attention during awards seasons, with particular praise for Oldman’s performance and the ensemble cast. Critics and some industry groups recognized acting and adaptation work, though it did not dominate major international awards. The nominations and mentions helped raise the show’s profile among viewers who follow prestige television.

Slow Horses has carved out a place in contemporary spy fiction on TV, offering a worn, sarcastic hero rather than a glamorized spy. Jackson Lamb became a standout figure, his lines and mannerisms shared widely online, and the show’s blend of black humor and moral messiness sparked fan discussion and think pieces about intelligence work and office politics.

Critical response has been largely positive, reflected in a user vote average of 7.993 out of 10 from 737 votes. Reviewers often cite sharp writing, memorable character work, and a tone that balances bleakness with wit. Recurring themes include institutional dysfunction, loyalty among flawed colleagues, and the human cost of secrecy, all presented with steady pacing and occasional comic relief.