British television audiences have become captivated by a specific Apple TV series, with many devouring every available episode in a single week and labelling the show as "fantastic" and "gripping". The programme in question is the critically lauded spy drama, Slow Horses.
What Is Slow Horses and Why Is It So Popular?
Adapted from Mick Herron's popular series of Slough House novels, Slow Horses is a British espionage thriller that has carved out a formidable reputation. The series currently boasts an exceptional 97% critics' rating on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, signalling near-universal acclaim. The show's premise revolves around a group of disgraced MI5 agents who, after making significant operational errors, are exiled to Slough House.
This dilapidated London outpost is where MI5's rejects are sent to endure mind-numbingly tedious work, a tactic designed to push them into resigning. These agents are mockingly known as the "slow horses." Leading this band of misfits is Jackson Lamb, a character brought to life with masterful brilliance by Academy Award-winning actor Sir Gary Oldman. Lamb hides a formidable intelligence behind a deliberately slovenly appearance, poor hygiene, and relentlessly abrasive behaviour.
Viewers Can't Get Enough: Social Media Buzz and Binge-Watching
The show's ascent to must-watch status has been significantly driven by word-of-mouth, particularly on platforms like Reddit. In recent threads where users sought recommendations for UK series that genuinely lived up to their hype, Slow Horses emerged as a consistent favourite. Fans have been quick to share their binge-watching experiences and initial hesitations.
One viewer confessed on Reddit: "I didn't fancy it when a relative recommended it. It's absolutely fantastic, I binged the whole lot in about a week." Another admitted that Oldman's scruffy character initially put them off, but after giving it a chance in early December, they had finished all available seasons by Christmas. The sentiment was echoed by others who called it "the best programme we've seen for ages" and praised its great twists, characters, and dark humour.
Some dedicated fans have even penned lengthy tributes online, with one highlighting how Oldman "manages to make Lamb funny and interesting while also being as slovenly, crass, and rude as possible". While a handful of commentators feel the more recent seasons haven't quite matched the peak of the earliest episodes, the overall consensus remains overwhelmingly positive.
Where to Watch the Acclaimed Spy Thriller
For those inspired to join the legions of fans, Slow Horses is available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+. Subscribers can also access it via the Apple TV channel available on Amazon Prime Video. New users can typically take advantage of free trials offered by the streaming service to start their binge-watch without immediate commitment.
The combination of a stellar cast led by a transformative Gary Oldman, sharp writing, and a perfectly executed blend of tension and wit has solidified Slow Horses as a standout hit in the crowded streaming landscape. It proves that a series about MI5's failures has become a resounding success for Apple TV.
