Season 6 of Slow Horses is confirmed and already filmed, with Gary Oldman reprising his iconic role as Jackson Lamb in what promises to be an intense, high-stakes espionage story. Expect a fall 2026 premiere on Apple TV+, adapting not one but two Mick Herron novels, Joe Country and Slough House.
Quick Facts at a Glance
- Apple TV+ renewed Slow Horses for Season 6 (and Season 7) as early as October 2024, even before Season 4 had aired.
- Season 6 covers the sixth and seventh books of the Slough House series: Joe Country and Slough House.
- Filming wrapped in early 2025—reports vary from February to June.
- The season will include six episodes.
- Release is anticipated in the fall of 2026, following the show’s consistent annual release pattern.
- The main cast—including Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jack Lowden, and others—is expected to return, with new additions like Lenny Rush and potentially Harry Lloyd.
- Behind the scenes, showrunner Will Smith steps down after Season 5, passing the torch to Gaby Chiappe and Ben Vanstone for Seasons 6 and 7.
Deeper Dive: What to Watch For
Storylines & Source Material
Season 6 draws from Joe Country, featuring a revenge crusade for a fallen operative, and Slough House, which deepens the internal stakes with shifting loyalties and more existential threats. Diana Taverner’s maneuvering escalates as she wraps the Slow Horses into a lethal game of retaliation and perception.
Production Speed & Strategy
Apple TV+ seems to treat Slow Horses as a top-tier serialized drama worth sustained investment. Filming Seasons 5 and 6 in rapid succession speaks to that trust.
That efficiency also means audiences might benefit from a shorter wait between seasons—some fans speculate a mid-2026 release could be possible.
Cast Evolution
Gary Oldman remains the show’s backbone, often calling Jackson Lamb “one of his greatest roles.”
Kristin Scott Thomas, Jack Lowden, and other fan favorites return, while Lenny Rush and Harry Lloyd bring fresh energy to the ensemble.
Creative Team Transition
The departure of original showrunner Will Smith after Season 5 marks a significant shift. Gaby Chiappe and Ben Vanstone take the helm for upcoming seasons, hopefully maintaining the series’ sharp blend of espionage and wit.
Expert Perspective
“It’s an amazing team. It’s an amazing cast. It’s an amazing production.”
— Creator Will Smith, on the enduring strength of Slow Horses
That encapsulates the show’s appeal—clever writing, unmatched performances (particularly Oldman’s Lamb), and production values that punch well above their weight.
What Lies Ahead
Expect Season 6 to be darker, faster, and more emotionally brutal than before. With two novels’ worth of narrative combined, the season promises layered plots, moral murkiness, and high personal stakes for these misfit spies.
Post-production is likely already in a late stage, given the filming timeline. If the pattern holds, Apple will drop a trailer in summer 2026, setting up a fall launch—probably September or October.
Conclusion
Season 6 of Slow Horses marks both a continuation and an expansion. Gary Oldman returns, the stakes are higher, and Apple’s commitment to the series is unwavering. For fans of gritty spy dramas, fall 2026 can’t come soon enough.
FAQs
Will Season 6 premiere earlier than fall 2026?
Some fan speculation suggests a possible mid-2026 release, but industry sources consistently point to fall 2026 as the launch window.
How many episodes will there be in Season 6?
Six episodes—keeping in line with the format of previous seasons.
Which cast members are confirmed to return, and are there new ones?
Most of the main cast—Oldman, Scott Thomas, Lowden, Reeves, Eleazar, and more—are expected back. New faces include Lenny Rush and possibly Harry Lloyd.
Who is leading the creative team now?
Showrunner Will Smith steps down after Season 5. Gaby Chiappe leads Season 6, with Ben Vanstone lined up for Season 7.
What novels are Season 6 based on?
It adapts both Joe Country and Slough House, books six and seven in Mick Herron’s series.
What’s next after Season 6?
Apple already greenlit Season 7, based on Bad Actors, with production expected to begin in late 2025.
