Fans of the critically acclaimed espionage thriller Slow Horses eagerly await any news about the show’s next chapter. With its gripping storytelling, dark humour, and stellar cast, the Apple TV+ series has quickly cemented itself as a fan favourite. Based on the bestselling Slough House series by Mick Herron, Slow Horses delves into the lives of MI5 misfits exiled to the dingy Slough House for their career-ending mistakes. The series has kept audiences hooked through its intricate plots and complex characters, leaving everyone clamouring for more. The burning question remains: what is the Slow Horses Season 4 release date? Here’s everything we know so far.
A Quick Recap of Slow Horses
Before diving into the specifics of Season 4, it’s worth revisiting what makes Slow Horses such a standout show. The series follows the dysfunctional but brilliant team of spies led by the gruff and often unkempt Jackson Lamb (played impeccably by Gary Oldman). Unlike the suave, action-packed world of typical spy dramas, slow Horses opts for a more grounded and gritty approach. The Slough House agents are far from perfect—each carries the burden of their past failures—but they often find themselves embroiled in high-stakes situations despite their irrelevance.
Season 3, which debuted in late 2024, adapted Real Tigers, the third book in Herron’s series, and delivered another thrilling instalment full of twists, betrayals, and unexpected heroics. As fans finish digesting the latest season, attention has turned to the next one. What can we expect, and more importantly, when will it arrive?
Slow Horses Season 4 Release Date: Is It Confirmed?
The good news is that Slow Horses fans don’t have to worry about whether the show will continue. Apple TV+ renewed it for Seasons 3 and 4 in 2022, demonstrating its faith in its quality and audience appeal.
However, no official announcement regarding the Slow Horses Season 4 release date has been announced. This has left fans speculating about when to expect the next chapter to drop. Based on previous release patterns, it makes an educated guess possible.
Release Pattern of Slow Horses
Apple TV+ has followed a relatively consistent schedule with Slow Horses. The first season premiered in April 2022, while the second season arrived eight months later, in December 2022. This rapid turnaround was possible because Seasons 1 and 2 were filmed back-to-back.
Season 3, which premiered in late 2024, had a slightly longer gap, likely due to the increased complexity of production and potential delays caused by external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and strikes in the entertainment industry. Given this, it’s reasonable to expect Season 4 to follow a similar timeline, possibly arriving in late 2025 or early 2026.
What to Expect from Slow Horses Season 4?
While details about Season 4 are still scarce, fans of the books have some idea of what could be in store. The fourth season is expected to adapt Spook Street, the fourth novel in Mick Herron’s series. This instalment ddelveseeper into Jackson Lamb’s past while introducing a new case that involves a deadly bombing and the shadowy world of intelligence warfare.
A Glimpse of the Plot
In Spook Street, the Slough House team is drawn into a chilling mystery after a bombing at a shopping centre about MI5’s involvement—or lack thereof. Meanwhile, personal stakes grow higher for River Cartwright (Jack Lowden) as his family history becomes a key part of the plot.
The series stays true to the source material’s mix of dark humour, sharp dialogue, and intricate plotting, so Season 4 will likely maintain the high standard set by its predecessors. Fans can also expect the return of the signature interpersonal tensions and reluctant camaraderie that make the Slough House team so compelling.
The Cast of Slow Horses Season 4
One of the most significant factors behind Slow Horses‘ success is its phenomenal cast, led by Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb. Lamb’s wit, intelligence, and fierce loyalty to his team make him an unforgettable character despite his gruff exterior. Oldman has previously hinted that he plans to retire from acting after finishing Slow Horses, which suggests he will remain on board for all planned seasons of the show.
Other returning cast members are likely to include:
- Jack Lowden as River Cartwright, the ambitious young spy determined to prove his worth.
- Kristin Scott Thomas as Diana Taverner, the calculating and power-hungry Deputy Director-General of MI5.
- Saskia Reeves as Catherine Standish, Lamb’s reliable but haunted right-hand woman.
- Rosalind Eleazar, Christopher Chung, and Dustin Demri-Burns.
Given the events of Spook Street, fans may also see new faces joining the cast to portray key characters from the novel.
Challenges and Delays: What Could Impact the Release Date?
While fans are eager for Season 4, several factors could impact its release timeline. The entertainment industry has faced numerous disruptions in recent years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to writers’ and actors’ strikes. While Apple TV+ has proactively managed these challenges, unforeseen delays are always possible.
Slow Horses’ production quality is consistently high, from its meticulously crafted scripts to its atmospheric cinematography. This level of detail requires time and effort, which could push the release date further.
Why Are Slow Horses So Popular?
Part of the reason fans are so eager for news about the release date of Slow Horses Season 4 is the show’s unique appeal. Unlike spy dramas focusing on high-octane action, Slow Horses prioritizes character development and moral ambiguity. The series doesn’t shy away from showing the darker, more mundane aspects of espionage, making it feel refreshingly authentic.
Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Jackson Lamb is another major draw. His performance captures the character’s humour and heart, making Lamb a fascinating antihero. The ensemble cast, clever writing, and intricate plotting add to the show’s appeal, ensuring viewers remain invested in the Slough House misfits.
Conclusion
While Apple TV+ has yet to confirm the official Slow Horses Season 4, fans can rest assured that the show is far from over. With its rich source material and dedicated fanbase, the series is set to deliver another thrilling chapter that delves deeper into the murky world of espionage.
Based on the show’s previous release patterns and production schedule, Season 4 should arrive in late 2025 or early 2026. Until then, fans can revisit the first three seasons or read Mick Herron’s novels to get their fix of Jackson Lamb and the Slough House team.
Stay tuned for updates on the Slow Horses Season 4 release date as Apple TV+ announces more details. With its blend of dark hh, characters, and gripping plots, Season 4 promises to be worth the wait!
