Slow Horses Season 4 Review: Gary Oldman Is Having a Blast

The Apple TV+ spy show keeps getting better.

By Marcus Cole

Hollywood Editor — Studios & Awards

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Published May 22, 2026 Updated May 22, 2026 1 min read

Mick Herron’s source novels keep delivering. Apple TV+’s Slow Horses keeps adapting them with precision. Season 4 might be the best yet.

The Cast

Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb is the best he’s been in a decade. Jack Lowden’s River Cartwright finally gets a backstory that pays off. Kristin Scott Thomas remains a treasure.

The Tone

This is British TV at its driest — savage one-liners alongside genuine espionage stakes.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been sleeping on this show, start at Season 1. Every season is binge-able.

About the Author

4Stories
13Years
Los Angeles, California

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Marcus Cole

Hollywood Editor — Studios & Awards

Hollywood Editor. Covers studio films, awards season, US box office, and the festival circuit. Formerly The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire, and Variety.

Hollywood studio films awards season (Oscars Golden Globes Critics Choice) US box office Sundance

Education: MFA Film Studies, USC School of Cinematic Arts · BA Journalism, Northwestern Medill
Previously: The Hollywood Reporter (2019–2024) · IndieWire (2015–2019) · Variety (2011–2015)
Recognition: Los Angeles Film Critics Association member · National Society of Film Critics member · LACMA Critic-in-Residence (2022)

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