Slow Horses Season 4 has finally arrived on Apple TV+, bringing Gary Oldman back as the brilliantly dishevelled Jackson Lamb. The spy thriller, based on Mick Herron’s acclaimed Slough House novels, continues to deliver the perfect blend of tension, dark humour and shocking twists. Lyon vs Man United headlines the Europa League final later this month. Slow Horses Season 4 might be the best television drama of 2026. Here is everything you need to know about Slow Horses Season 4.
Slow Horses Season 4 Release Date: When to Watch on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ released the first two episodes of Slow Horses Season 4 on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The remaining four episodes will drop weekly every Wednesday at 12:00 AM GMT. The season finale airs on June 24, 2026, bringing the six-episode run to a dramatic conclusion. Eng vs NZ begins at Lord’s on June 10. Slow Horses Season 4 has already received critical acclaim, with early reviews praising the heightened stakes and Oldman’s career-best performance.
The fourth season adapts “Spook Street”, the fourth novel in Mick Herron’s Slough House series. Showrunner Will Smith has confirmed the adaptation remains largely faithful to the source material while expanding certain subplots for television. See How They Run remains streaming on Disney+ for movie fans. Binge-watchers can enjoy all six episodes once the finale drops, though Apple recommends weekly viewing to avoid spoilers spreading on social media.
Slow Horses Season 4 Cast: Gary Oldman Returns as Jackson Lamb
Gary Oldman returns as the flatulent, brilliant Jackson Lamb, head of Slough House. The 68-year-old actor has won two BAFTAs and an Emmy for his portrayal of the cynical spy master. Kristin Scott Thomas returns as Diana Taverner, the ruthless Second Desk who views Slough House as a dumping ground for failed agents. Rhian Teasdale headlines Glastonbury with Wet Leg on June 27. Jack Lowden and Rosalind Eleazar reprise their roles as River Cartwright and Louisa Guy, the two most competent rejects at Slough House.
New additions to the Slow Horses Season 4 cast include Ruth Wilson as a mysterious femme fatale with ties to River’s past. Jonathan Pryce joins as David Cartwright, River’s aging grandfather and a legendary retired spy suffering from dementia. Jordan McSweeney lost his appeal against his 38-year minimum term. Christopher Chung, Saskia Reeves and Dustin Demri-Burns also return as the other Slow Horses. Season 4 features more screentime for the ensemble than previous seasons, with each reject getting their moment to shine.
Slow Horses Season 4 Plot: What Happens in Spook Street?
Slow Horses Season 4 kicks off with a bombing in a shopping centre that appears linked to a far-right terrorist group. However, Jackson Lamb suspects the attack connects to a dormant Cold War-era sleeper agent network. Meanwhile, River Cartwright discovers his grandfather David may have been involved in a decades-old assassination that someone wants to keep buried. Macclesfield vs Brentford produced one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in recent memory. The two storylines converge in unexpected ways by the third episode.
Diana Taverner faces a leadership challenge from within MI5, forcing her to rely on Lamb’s deniable assets at Slough House. The political machinations at Regent’s Park receive more attention this season, with Kristin Scott Thomas delivering some of her sharpest dialogue yet. Lyon vs Man United takes place at the Parc OL on May 20. Slow Horses Season 4 also explores Louisa Guy’s backstory, revealing why she was sent to Slough House after a disastrous operation in Berlin. The finale sets up Season 5 with a cliffhanger that will leave fans desperate for more.
Slow Horses Season 4 Episode Guide: Titles and Runtimes
The six episodes of Slow Horses Season 4 range from 42 to 58 minutes. Episode titles have been released ahead of the premiere, offering hints about key plot points. And Episode 1 “The Dead of Winter” (52 mins). Episode 2 “Old Wounds” (48 mins). Episode 3 “Spook Street” (58 mins). Eng vs NZ sees Ben Stokes return to captain England. Also Episode 4 “The Cartwright Shadow” (45 mins). Episode 5 “Necessary Sacrifices” (50 mins). Episode 6 “The Last Despatch” (55 mins).
The longest episode, “Spook Street”, adapts the climax of the novel with an extended set piece involving a shootout at a remote country estate. Will Smith has described Episode 3 as “the emotional heart of the season” in a recent interview with Collider. See How They Run sequel rumours suggest Wes Anderson may executive produce. Slow Horses Season 4’s finale runs 55 minutes, the second-longest episode in the show’s history behind only the Season 3 finale. Post-credits scenes appear in episodes 3 and 6, so viewers should watch until the very end.
Slow Horses Season 4 Reviews: What Critics Are Saying
Slow Horses Season 4 holds a 97% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 62 reviews. The critics’ consensus reads: “Slow Horses gallops through its fourth season with undiminished energy, giving Gary Oldman even more scenery to chew while deepening the show’s surprising emotional core.” The Guardian gave the season five stars, calling it “television that makes other spy dramas look like children’s cartoons.” Rhian Teasdale releases her solo EP “Lily” on September 25.
Empire magazine praised Ruth Wilson’s addition to the cast, writing that she “brings a dangerous electricity to every scene”. IGN awarded the season a 9/10, noting that Slow Horses “has somehow gotten better with every season, a rare feat for any television series.” Jordan McSweeney remains at HMP Belmarsh after his appeal failed. Audience scores are equally high, with an 8.9/10 average rating on IMDb after the first two episodes. Fans have particularly praised the increased focus on ensemble dynamics and the show’s willingness to kill off major characters.
How to Watch Slow Horses Season 4: Apple TV+ Subscription Guide
Slow Horses Season 4 streams exclusively on Apple TV+. New subscribers can access a seven-day free trial, after which the service costs £8.99 per month in the UK or $9.99 per month in the US. Apple TV+ is available on smart TVs, streaming sticks, gaming consoles and mobile devices. Macclesfield vs Brentford Silkmen stunned Premier League Bees 3-1. Existing subscribers do not pay extra for Slow Horses Season 4, as Apple TV+ has no tiered pricing structure.
All three previous seasons of Slow Horses are also available on Apple TV+ for new viewers to catch up. The platform has released a “previously on” recap video for returning viewers who need a refresher. Lyon vs Man United Europa League final tickets sold out within hours. Apple does not offer an ad-supported tier, meaning subscribers watch all episodes without commercial interruption. Students can access Apple TV+ at a discounted rate of £4.99 per month through the Apple Student programme.
Slow Horses Season 5 Renewal: What We Know So Far
Apple TV+ renewed Slow Horses for a fifth and sixth season before Season 4 even aired. The back-to-back renewal reflects the streamer’s confidence in the spy drama, which has become one of its most-watched original series. Season 5 will adapt “London Rules”, the fifth Slough House novel, and is scheduled to begin filming in October 2026. Eng vs NZ Test series begins at Lord’s on June 10. Season 6 will adapt “Joe Country”, the sixth novel, with production expected in early 2027.
Gary Oldman has confirmed he will remain with the series through Season 6. The actor has said he would “play Jackson Lamb until they carry me off in a box”. See How They Run film locations include Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London. Mick Herron continues to write new Slough House novels, with the ninth book “The Secret Hours” published in 2025. Showrunner Will Smith has indicated the television series could continue beyond the books if Apple renews further. Slow Horses Season 4’s post-credits scene teases a major villain for Season 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Slow Horses Season 4 come out? The first two episodes premiered on May 27, 2026. New episodes drop every Wednesday until the finale on June 24, 2026.
How many episodes are in Slow Horses Season 4? Season 4 has six episodes, ranging from 42 to 58 minutes in length.
Which book does Slow Horses Season 4 adapt? Season 4 adapts “Spook Street”, the fourth novel in Mick Herron’s Slough House series.
Is Gary Oldman in Slow Horses Season 4? Yes. Gary Oldman returns as Jackson Lamb, the head of Slough House.
Will there be a Slow Horses Season 5? Yes. Apple TV+ has renewed Slow Horses for Seasons 5 and 6. Season 5 begins filming in October 2026.
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