A dysfunctional team of MI5 agents navigate the espionage world's smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.A dysfunctional team of MI5 agents navigate the espionage world's smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.A dysfunctional team of MI5 agents navigate the espionage world's smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.
- Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 15 wins & 83 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'Slow Horses' is lauded for its fresh espionage approach, focusing on imperfect MI5 agents, and standout performances, particularly Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb. The series is celebrated for its complex plot, dark humor, and character growth. However, some critics argue it becomes predictable, relies too much on clichés, and features unrealistic characters and plot points. There are also mixed views on its political themes and character representation. Despite these issues, many find the series captivating and recommendable.
Featured reviews
Ignore most of the reviews here; either they didn't actually watch it long enough to understand what was going on or they were not bright enough.
If you liked the books you'll probably enjoy it even though the characters were not quite as I imagined them.
This is not a series to watch if you want a lot of action (The first episode may be misleading).
This is not a series to watch if you want a handsome hero to ride of into the sunset with the girl (swap genders to whatever rocks your boat).
This is a series to watch if you want geat characters and story.
If you liked the books you'll probably enjoy it even though the characters were not quite as I imagined them.
This is not a series to watch if you want a lot of action (The first episode may be misleading).
This is not a series to watch if you want a handsome hero to ride of into the sunset with the girl (swap genders to whatever rocks your boat).
This is a series to watch if you want geat characters and story.
Slow Horses is a pretty good spy thriller that's definitely worth watching. I never read the books so I didn't know much about it but the reviews have been great so I gave it a chance. Gary Oldman is as terrific as ever and leads a very talented cast. Oldman has been so great in so many movies/shows that it's hard to keep track but this is absolutely one of his best performances yet! I have to admit that the first 2 episodes started a little slow and it was hard to get into but by the end of episode 2 it really picks up and from there on out it will keep you entertained and guessing what's going to happen next! It's already been renewed for another 3 seasons (through season 4) which is pretty much unheard of so that right there should tell you how good this show is. If you're looking for a new show to watch and you're into spy thrillers then give this a try...you won't be disappointed!
In my mind Jackson Lamb was Timothy Spall and Katherine Standish was Olivia Coleman and I think they'd have nailed it.
That said the casting is spot on, everyone is great. Also there should be a massive shout out to the location scouts, Slough House is exactly as I imagined it.
The mood, intrigue and pace are as good as Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy.
I have loved the books so much and am so happy that this has not had the over the top Hollywood treatment that these things often do. It's kept the grime and the humour that have made the books so enjoyable.
I'm episode four in and can't stop..
That said the casting is spot on, everyone is great. Also there should be a massive shout out to the location scouts, Slough House is exactly as I imagined it.
The mood, intrigue and pace are as good as Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy.
I have loved the books so much and am so happy that this has not had the over the top Hollywood treatment that these things often do. It's kept the grime and the humour that have made the books so enjoyable.
I'm episode four in and can't stop..
I wasn't expecting to enjoy Slow Horses as much as I did. I was looking for a new show to watch to heard really good things about this show and you can't go wrong with Gary Oldman either. He's great in just about everything he's ever been in. It's no different here. He's the best thing about the show but not the only thing. The rest of the cast more than holds their own. I got so into this that I binged both seasons in just few days. It seems that most people enjoyed as much as I did because it's already been renewed for another two seasons! I can't wait to see more of this group of dysfunctional MI5 agents!
S. Best spy TV show in a long time, combined with the social commentary that doesn't beat you over the head. And with some very subtle but increasingly fun British humor. You have a winner. Glad they have these into green light already. Of course Gary Oldman is perfect, but no one else has missed a beat either. Budget is movie quality. Writing is top notch. It deserves a nine easily but this is what we can expect from anything that says anything about anything in our world today. I'm just thankful for a show that has an opinion without compromising story or making me feel like I'm an idiot if I disagree.
The 77th Emmys Acting Nominees in Character
The 77th Emmys Acting Nominees in Character
Check out our gallery of the nominees in the leading and supporting acting categories.
Did you know
- TriviaIn the books Jackson Lamb is said to resemble Gary Oldman's Remembrance (1982) co-star Timothy Spall "gone to seed" and "with worse teeth."
- Quotes
Diana Taverner: You really care about them, don't you?
Jackson Lamb: Nah; I think they're a bunch of f***ing losers... . But they are my losers.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Mick Jagger: Strange Game (2022)
September 2025 TV and Streaming Premiere Dates
September 2025 TV and Streaming Premiere Dates
"Slow Horses" and "High Potential" return with new seasons this month. Check out our September calendar for more!
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- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Кульгаві коні
- Filming locations
- Mews, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London, England, UK(location, Mews, MI5 headquarters, exterior scenes)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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