# Slow Horses Season 6 is a masterclass in spy drama

> Apple TV's Emmy-winning espionage series returns with higher stakes, shocking deaths, and a new showrunner who honors what made it great.
- Title: Slow Horses Season 6 is a masterclass in spy drama · Decider
- Summary: Apple TV's Emmy-winning espionage series returns with higher stakes, shocking deaths, and a new showrunner who honors what made it great. Slow Horses Season…
- Keywords: slow horses, apple tv, season 6, gary oldman, jack lowden, gaby chiappe, will smith, showrunner change, espionage drama, mick herron adaptation, news, entertainment
- Source: Decider — https://decider.com/2026/09/16/slow-horses-season-6-on-apple-tv-review-stream-it-or-skip-it
- Published: 2026-09-16T12:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: slow horses, apple tv, season 6, gary oldman, jack lowden, gaby chiappe, will smith, showrunner change, espionage drama, mick herron adaptation, news, entertainment
## Slow Horses returns with new leadership
After five acclaimed seasons, Emmy-winning creator Will Smith stepped down. New showrunner Gaby Chiappe takes over for Season 6, adapting two Mick Herron novels.
## The stakes have never been higher
Jackson Lamb and the Slough House misfits are on the run from two mysterious assassins and River's father Frank Harkness. Core characters die in shocking twists.
## Sid Baker makes a shocking return
Olivia Cooke's Season 1 character Sidonie Baker unexpectedly returns, while River Cartwright navigates unprecedented personal pain and new dangers.
## New showrunner honors the show's DNA
Gaby Chiappe maintains Slow Horses's signature pacing, tone, and heart while raising the stakes. Director Adam Randall returns to elevate action and visuals.

> Smith's integral work in crafting the world and characters of Slow Horses is forever ingrained in the show's DNA.
## Action sequences reach new heights
Season 6 features breathtaking chase and fight scenes in unexpected locations: a bowling alley, public restroom, car park, and a glass safe house.
## Performances shine across the board
Olivia Cooke's return is unmissable, Hugo Weaving steals scenes as a chilling villain, and newcomer Lenny Rush brings sass and comedic timing.
## Twists and cliffhangers abound
Season 6 delivers brilliant twists and shocking cliffhangers throughout, with a final scene that perfectly sets up Season 7.
## Stream it without hesitation
Six seasons deep, Slow Horses remains jam-packed with sharp storytelling and top performances, brilliantly balancing suspense and dark humor.

> No show on TV is doing it like Slow Horses.
## Key takeaway

Slow Horses Season 6 proves a creative leadership change can work when the new showrunner respects the show's established strengths and tone.