The Definitive Answer: How Many Seasons Of Slow Horses Are Officially Planned?

The good news for fans of the dark, witty world of Slough House is that Apple TV+ has committed to a substantial, long-term future for its hit spy thriller. As of the current date, December 18, 2025, the series starring Academy Award winner Gary Oldman as the slovenly but brilliant Jackson Lamb has been officially renewed for not just one or two, but at least seven seasons, with the potential for more to follow. This unprecedented commitment by the streaming service means the journey of the "Slow Horses"—the disgraced agents of MI5—is far from over, ensuring years of high-stakes espionage and black comedy.

The show’s longevity is directly tied to its source material: the acclaimed *Slough House* novel series by British author Mick Herron. Each six-episode season of the show meticulously adapts one of Herron’s books, providing a clear roadmap for the series’ future and giving fans a solid answer to the question of its ultimate length. The rapid, back-to-back production schedule has allowed the series to deliver fresh content at a blistering pace, a rarity in modern television, with Season 6 already reportedly filmed.

The Official Slow Horses Season Count: Up to Season 7 and Beyond

The success of *Slow Horses* is a testament to its sharp writing, stellar cast, and faithful adaptation of Mick Herron's espionage world. The series has consistently received critical praise, leading Apple TV+ to greenlight multiple seasons simultaneously. This strategy provides stability for the production and confidence for the dedicated fanbase. The current official count stands at seven seasons, each based on a specific novel from the *Slough House* series.

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Here is the confirmed and projected book-to-season adaptation order, which serves as the ultimate guide to the show's future:

• Season 1: Adapted the first novel, *Slow Horses*.
• Season 2: Adapted the second novel, *Dead Lions*.
• Season 3: Adapted the third novel, *Real Tigers*.
• Season 4: Adapted the fourth novel, *Spook Street*.
• Season 5: Will adapt the fifth novel, *London Rules*. This season is highly anticipated, especially as it marks a significant shift behind the scenes.
• Season 6: Officially confirmed, this season is expected to adapt the sixth novel, *Joe Country*, which plunges River Cartwright into a personal and dangerous mission.
• Season 7: Officially confirmed, this season is set to adapt the eighth novel in the series, *Bad Actors*. While the seventh novel, *Slough House*, has not been explicitly announced for adaptation, it is likely to be included, potentially alongside *Joe Country* or as a future season, though the focus is currently on the Book 8 adaptation for Season 7.

The commitment to Season 7 means that the Apple TV+ series will cover a significant portion of the *Slough House* saga. With Mick Herron continuing to write new installments, the potential for a Season 8 and beyond remains high, provided the critical acclaim and viewership numbers hold steady.

Major Change Ahead: The Showrunner’s Departure After Season 5

While the future of *Slow Horses* is secure in terms of season count, a major creative shift is on the horizon that will undoubtedly impact the series’ tone and direction. Will Smith, the acclaimed writer and executive producer who has served as the showrunner and primary screenwriter since the beginning, is confirmed to be stepping away from the series after Season 5.

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Smith's departure is a significant development, as he has been instrumental in translating Herron’s unique blend of cynical espionage and dark humor to the screen. His meticulous adaptation of the novels, ensuring the core character dynamics—especially the caustic mentor-mentee relationship between Jackson Lamb and River Cartwright—remained intact, is a key reason for the show's success. Fans can expect Season 5, based on the novel *London Rules*, to be the final season under Smith’s direct creative control, making it a pivotal entry in the series.

The transition to a new showrunner for Season 6 and Season 7 will be closely watched by fans. The challenge for the new creative team will be to maintain the series’ distinct voice, its tightly plotted narratives, and the exceptional performances from the ensemble cast, which includes Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas (Diana Taverner), and Jonathan Pryce (David Cartwright).

The Slough House Saga: A Deep Dive into Mick Herron's Literary World

To truly understand the future of the *Slow Horses* television series, one must look at the foundation it is built upon: Mick Herron’s extensive literary universe. The *Slough House* novels are a masterclass in modern spy fiction, offering a gritty, unglamorous counterpoint to the world of James Bond. The "Slow Horses" are MI5’s rejects, the agents who have messed up so badly they are exiled to a dilapidated London office building, Slough House, under the watchful, cynical eye of Jackson Lamb.

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The series’ narrative depth comes from Herron’s ability to weave complex political thrillers with deeply flawed, compelling characters. The fact that Apple TV+ has already secured the rights and announced plans for adaptations up to the eighth book, *Bad Actors*, demonstrates their confidence in the material’s ability to sustain a long-running, high-quality drama. The remaining novels in the core series that could potentially fuel seasons beyond the current official count include:

• *London Rules* (Adapted for Season 5)
• *Joe Country* (Expected for Season 6)
• *Slough House* (The seventh novel, likely part of a future season)
• *Bad Actors* (Adapted for Season 7)
• *The Catch* (Book 9)
• *Mink* (Book 10)

The author has also written several novellas, such as *The List* and *The Drop*, which could be adapted into standalone episodes or integrated into the main plotlines to extend the series further. Given the popularity of the show and the rich, ongoing source material, it is highly plausible that *Slow Horses* will continue until it has adapted every word of the *Slough House* saga, potentially reaching ten seasons or more.

Why the Fast-Track Production is a Game Changer

The production model for *Slow Horses* is unique and contributes directly to the stability of its future. Unlike many streaming shows that wait for ratings before a single-season renewal, Apple TV+ has consistently ordered seasons in pairs. This was first seen with the double-renewal for Seasons 3 and 4, followed by the recent double-renewal for Season 6 and Season 7.

This fast-track approach has several benefits: it allows the cast, led by Gary Oldman, to maintain continuity; it keeps the creative team focused on a long-term vision; and most importantly for the audience, it drastically reduces the waiting time between seasons. This commitment to delivering a steady stream of content based on the beloved *Slough House* books solidifies the series' position as a flagship property for Apple TV+ and assures fans that the adventures of Jackson Lamb and his team will continue for the foreseeable future.

In short, while the official count is seven seasons, the literary foundation suggests the series is built to last, with the potential for many more years of brilliant, cynical spy drama.