Slow Horses Season 6 Premieres with Renewal and Bond Speculation

Key points

• Season 6 premiered on September 16, 2026, adapting Mick Herron’s novels Joe Country and Slough House.
• Apple TV renewed the series for an eighth season, based on the book Clown Town, following a Drama Directing Emmy win for Saul Metzstein.
• Director Adam Randall stated that Jack Lowden would be a 'pretty perfect' choice for James Bond, though no casting decision has been officially announced.
• Kristin Scott Thomas’s character, Diana Taverner, assumes control of MI5, driving the season’s central conflict and violence.
• The season reintroduces Olivia Cooke’s character, Sid, and features a return of Hugo Weaving’s Frank Harkness.

Background

Slow Horses has been a consistent performer for Apple TV, with previous seasons earning critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations. The show’s success has kept it in production despite concerns from Gary Oldman about long gaps between seasons. The current season marks the first time the series adapts two novels simultaneously, expanding the narrative scope beyond the usual single-book structure.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes the creative process, highlighting Adam Randall’s decision to direct all six episodes and the collaborative improvisation on set. The New York Times focuses on Kristin Scott Thomas’s performance, noting how her portrayal of Diana Taverner adds a layer of sympathy to a character who is otherwise ruthless. The Daily Beast positions the show as an underrated alternative to the James Bond franchise, praising its unique take on espionage. Deadline reports on the business side, confirming the renewal for Season 8 and detailing the production timeline, which is expected to begin shortly after the current season concludes.

Why it matters

The renewal of Slow Horses for an eighth season signals Apple TV’s continued investment in high-quality, character-driven drama. The show’s ability to balance humor with high-stakes espionage has made it a standout in the streaming landscape. Additionally, the speculation around Jack Lowden as the next James Bond adds a layer of cultural relevance, as the franchise seeks its next lead after Daniel Craig’s tenure.

What to watch

New episodes of Slow Horses Season 6 will air weekly on Wednesdays through October 21, 2026. Production for Season 8 is expected to begin soon, with Adam Randall set to return as director. The next James Bond film, directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Steven Knight, remains in development, with no official casting announcement made yet.