For fans of MI5’s messiest spies, the wait for more Slow Horses just got a little clearer—and a little longer: Apple TV+ has already filmed a sixth season and ordered a seventh, but the next batch of Jackson Lamb’s antics won’t land until late 2026. Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s still speculation, and why the delay might actually be good news.
Seasons ordered: 7 (sixth and seventh confirmed) ·
Season 6 filming status: Completed ·
Expected release window: Fall 2026 ·
Based on: Mick Herron novels – Joe Country and Slough House (S6), Bad Actors (S7) ·
Network: Apple TV+ ·
Lead actor: Gary Oldman
Quick snapshot
- Renewed for seasons 6 and 7 on Oct 14, 2024 (Apple TV+ Press)
- Season 6 filming completed (Apple YouTube)
- Based on Mick Herron novels – Joe Country and Slough House (Deadline)
- Season 5 premieres Sep 24, 2025 (IMDb News)
- Exact release date for season 6 (not yet announced)
- Whether season 6 will stream on Netflix (unlikely)
- Filming status of season 7 (no confirmed reports)
- Exact episode count for season 6
- Exact trailer release date for season 6
- Season 4: Sep 2024
- Season 5: Sep 2025
- Season 6: expected Fall 2026
- Season 7: likely 2027/2028
- Season 5 release on Sep 24, 2025
- Official season 6 trailer likely mid-2026
- Exact premiere date from Apple TV+
Seven key facts summarise where the series stands right now:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Season 6 filmed; awaiting release |
| Network | Apple TV+ |
| Total seasons ordered | 7 |
| Lead | Gary Oldman |
| Source material | Mick Herron’s Slough House novels |
| Season 6 episodes | 6 (typical length) |
| TV rating | TV-MA |
When will Slow Horses season 6 be released?
What is the expected release window?
Based on Apple TV+’s release cadence—season 4 debuted September 2024, season 5 is set for September 2025—the most logical window for season 6 is Fall 2026 (IMDb News). TV Guide’s episode listing for the series also spans 2022–2027, supporting a 2026 premiere. Season 6 has already wrapped filming, which means the delay is a deliberate scheduling choice, not a production bottleneck.
Has Apple TV+ announced an official date?
No. Apple TV+ has not published a specific release date for season 6 as of the latest press materials. The company typically announces exact premiere dates three to six months ahead, so an announcement could come in early 2026.
Is there a season 6 of Slow Horses?
Has the series been renewed for a sixth season?
Yes. Apple TV+ officially renewed Slow Horses for both a sixth and seventh season on October 14, 2024 (Deadline (industry trade publication), Variety (entertainment business news), The Hollywood Reporter (film/TV authority), Reuters (international news agency)). The double renewal came well ahead of season 4’s premiere, signaling Apple’s deep commitment to the franchise. Season 6 will adapt Mick Herron’s novel Joe Country, while season 7 will adapt Slough House.
The back-to-back renewal signals Apple’s strategic confidence in the series’ longevity.
Has season 6 of Slow Horses been filmed?
When did filming for season 6 conclude?
Filming for season 6 has already finished, according to Radio Times, which reported in late 2025 that production on the sixth season was complete. No exact wrap date has been confirmed, but the news aligns with the expected production timeline — season 5 was shot in early 2025, and season 6 followed shortly after to maintain the annual release rhythm.
Apple TV+ is sitting on a completed season because of scheduling strategy, not delays. That’s unusual but means the show won’t face the rushed post-production that has affected other streamer hits.
The completion of filming ahead of release underscores Apple’s confidence in the show’s production pipeline.
Is there going to be a season 7 of Slow Horses?
Are they currently filming season 7?
Season 7 is confirmed alongside season 6, but no reports indicate that filming has started yet. It will be based on the novel Bad Actors. Given the production pattern — season 6 filmed in 2025 — season 7 would likely begin filming in 2026 for a tentative 2027 or 2028 release.
The early confirmation of season 7 alongside season 6 indicates long-term planning.
Where can I watch Slow Horses season 6?
Is Slow Horses season 6 on Netflix?
No. Slow Horses is an Apple TV+ original series, and all previous seasons are exclusive to that platform. No licensing agreements with Netflix have been announced, and given Apple’s strategy of keeping its originals within its ecosystem, a Netflix release is highly unlikely. Season 6 will stream on Apple TV+ upon release.
Apple’s exclusivity strategy keeps the series within its ecosystem, limiting availability.
Slow Horses Season 6 and 7 Production Timeline
Four key milestones frame the journey from renewal to screen:
- 2024–2025: Renewal announced for seasons 6 and 7
- 2025: Filming of season 6 completed (DailyMotion)
- Fall 2026: Expected release of season 6 (estimated pattern)
- TBD: Release of season 7 (likely 2027–2028)
The pattern shows a deliberate one-season-per-year rhythm. Apple TV+ is holding season 6 to maintain that cadence even though it’s ready earlier.
Confirmed facts
- Season 6 exists (renewed Oct 2024) (Deadline)
- Season 6 filming completed (Apple YouTube)
- Renewal for season 7 confirmed (Variety)
- Based on specific novels (Wikipedia)
- Gary Oldman and Jack Lowden return (Apple YouTube)
What’s unclear
- Exact release date
- Whether season 6 will appear on Netflix
- Filming status of season 7
- Exact number of episodes for S6
- Exact trailer release date for season 6
What the critics and press say
Slow Horses season 6 has already finished filming, and the show is expected to return to Apple TV+ for a sixth season in 2026.
Season 6 is likely to premiere in fall 2026, based on the show’s history of annual September releases.
Apple TV+ renewed Slow Horses for both a sixth and seventh season in October 2024, confirming the spy drama will continue through at least two more cycles.
The consensus among critics points to sustained interest in the series.
The showrunner for season 6 is Will Smith (the British screenwriter, not the actor), who took over from series creator Graham Yost for season 4 onward. The ensemble cast remains intact: Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, Kristin Scott Thomas as Diana Taverner, Jack Lowden as River Cartwright, alongside Saskia Reeves, Jonathan Pryce, and more. For new viewers, starting with season 1 is recommended — the show’s serialised plot arcs reward chronological watching.
Apple has confirmed plans for a sixth season, with the Slow Horses season 6 release date expected to arrive in late 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is Slow Horses season 6 on Netflix?
No. Slow Horses is an Apple TV+ original and will only be available on Apple TV+ when it premieres.
How many episodes will season 6 have?
Likely 6 episodes, following the show’s established format. Apple has not officially confirmed the count.
Who is the showrunner for season 6?
Will Smith (the British screenwriter) is the showrunner, as he has been since season 4.
Do I need to read the books to understand season 6?
No. The TV series stands alone, but readers will recognise plot threads from Mick Herron’s novel Joe Country, which season 6 adapts.
Is Slow Horses suitable for children?
The series is rated TV-MA for language, violence, and mature themes. It is not suitable for children under 17.
Will season 6 be the last season of Slow Horses?
No. Season 7 has also been confirmed. Apple has not announced any plans to end the series after that.
Can I watch season 6 without seeing previous seasons?
Technically yes, but you will miss character development and ongoing plot arcs. Starting from season 1 is strongly recommended.
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Dominic Shaw covers the economy, business, markets and consumer affairs for UKBullet.uk.