Slow Horses is a beloved spy series with a dedicated fanbase, and this report explores the prospects of a seventh season. As of April 2025, Apple TV+ has confirmed Seasons 5 and 6 but has not yet greenlit Season 7. We’ll evaluate its likelihood by analyzing Mick Herron’s book series, comments from the cast and crew, and the show’s release patterns. If approved, likely by Apple TV+ though Netflix remains a speculative possibility, Season 7 could premiere in late 2027 or early 2028, adapting Bad Actors (Book 8). The main cast, including Gary Oldman, is expected to return, possibly joined by new actors, with the show’s core themes of flawed yet resourceful spies, redemption, and complex espionage continuing alongside fresh elements from the book.
Renewal Status
Apple TV+ approved Seasons 5 and 6 in 2024 (January and October, respectively), but as of early 2025, Season 7 remains unconfirmed. Previous multi-season renewals reflect strong support for the series, though the current pause might indicate Apple is awaiting performance data from Seasons 5 and 6 or assessing budget concerns. There’s no evidence of Netflix taking over, but it’s a theoretical option if Apple steps back. Season 7’s chances look promising: Mick Herron’s eight published books, with a ninth in progress, provide ample material, and Gary Oldman plus showrunner Will Smith have voiced enthusiasm for continuing. Oldman, in a May 2024 IndieWire interview, expressed his desire to adapt all nine books, saying, “If Apple is happy to keep us on the air, then I’m very happy to do this and do all eight books,” noting a ninth was being written. This aligns with comments reported by ScreenRant, where he reiterated his commitment to the role contingent on Apple’s renewals. The decision hinges on Seasons 5 and 6’s reception and Apple’s strategic priorities.
When Slow Horses Season 7 Might Come Out
Without official approval, release timing is speculative, but past patterns offer clues. Season 1 aired in April 2022, Season 2 in December 2022, Season 3 in December 2023, and Season 4 in September 2024. Season 5 is slated for fall 2025, and Season 6 for late 2026, maintaining an 8 to 12 month cycle. If Season 7 follows suit after approval, late 2027 or early 2028 is plausible, depending on production timelines.
What could be the plot?
The series adapts Mick Herron’s Slough House books sequentially. Seasons 1 through 4 covered the first four novels, Season 5 will adapt London Rules (Book 5), and Season 6 is planned to blend Joe Country (Book 6) and Slough House (Book 7), a shift from the one book per season norm, though production details are still unfolding. This leaves Bad Actors (Book 8) as the likely basis for Season 7, possibly incorporating elements from the forthcoming ninth book. Bad Actors follows Claude Whelan investigating a missing person and suspecting Diana Taverner, weaving in political intrigue. Showrunner Will Smith aims to preserve the series’ gritty authenticity while introducing new characters and connecting past events.
Is Slow Horses Based on a Book Series?
Yes, Slow Horses is adapted from Mick Herron’s Slough House series, beginning with Slow Horses (2010). It follows MI5 agents relegated to Slough House after career missteps. With eight books published and a ninth in development, the series offers rich source material. The adaptations to date are:
- Season 1: Slow Horses (Book 1)
- Season 2: Dead Lions (Book 2)
- Season 3: Real Tigers (Book 3)
- Season 4: Spook Street (Book 4)
- Season 5: London Rules (Book 5), planned
- Season 6: Joe Country (Book 6) and Slough House (Book 7), planned
- Season 7: Bad Actors (Book 8) and possibly the ninth book, if approved
The show closely mirrors the novels, translating their espionage tales into compelling TV.
Who’s Coming Back and New Faces for Slow Horses Season 7
If Season 7 happens, key actors are expected to return, with potential new additions tied to Bad Actors. Likely cast includes:
- Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb (Seasons 1 to 6 confirmed, Season 7 expected)
- Jack Lowden as River Cartwright (1 to 6 confirmed, 7 expected)
- Kristin Scott Thomas as Diana Taverner (1 to 6 confirmed, 7 expected)
- Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Shirley Dander (2 to 6 confirmed, 7 likely)
- Christopher Chung as Roddy Ho (1 to 6 confirmed, 7 expected)
- Rosalind Eleazar as Louisa Guy (1 to 6 confirmed, 7 expected)
- Saskia Reeves as Catherine Standish (1 to 6 confirmed, 7 likely)
- James Callis as Claude Whelan (4 to 6 confirmed, 7 possible, with a larger role)
New characters from Bad Actors, like the missing person, could introduce fresh actors. Departures like Kadiff Kirwan (Marcus Longridge) after Season 4 suggest minor cast shifts.
What Ideas Slow Horses Season 7 Might Explore
The series stands out for its focus on flawed spies who occasionally excel, with Jackson Lamb’s gruff brilliance and themes of redemption plus regret. Season 7, likely based on Bad Actors, could delve into political instability, corrupt leadership, and internal MI5 conflicts, maintaining its sharp, humorous lens on contemporary issues (e.g., Brexit in Slough House). Character arcs for River and Roddy Ho would evolve, shaped by prior events and new challenges.
