The highly anticipated sixth season of the British spy thriller, ‘Slow Horses’, is set to launch on Apple TV+ from 16 September, with the show’s future already secured through an eighth season, according to Radio Times. The series has garnered a high-profile fanbase, including Queen Camilla and the Prince of Wales, as revealed by star Sir Gary Oldman.

Season Six Details Unveiled

Season six marks a significant shift, being the first not guided by writer Will Smith, whose “sharp comic tongue” previously characterised the espionage saga, as noted by The Guardian. New lead writer Gaby Chiappe takes the helm, adapting two of Mick Herron’s books, “Joe Country” and “Slough House”, for this season.

The new storyline sees members of Slough House — MI5’s purgatorial office for disgraced agents — embroiled in a “long chase” after past team members begin to be eliminated. This leads to the re-emergence of familiar faces, including Rosalind Eleazar as Louisa, Joanna Scanlan as Moira, and Hugo Weaving as River Cartwright’s father, Frank. MyAnna Buring and Kyle Soller join the cast as “frighteningly confident” killers, while Lenny Rush appears as a civilian caught in the crossfire. Despite a shift towards a “more conventional thriller” with less focus on complex geopolitical machinations, the series is still described as “slick and confident enough”.

Royal Endorsement and Star Recognition

The show’s popularity extends to the Royal Family. Sir Gary Oldman, who portrays the physically disgusting but intellectually formidable Jackson Lamb, shared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that both the Queen and Prince William are “big fans”, according to The Telegraph. Queen Camilla reportedly asked Oldman directly if more seasons were on the way, while Prince William joked that he wanted to “give [Lamb] a good wash” whenever he appeared on screen. Oldman himself was knighted at Windsor Castle last September, an experience he described as “unique and unto itself”.

Confirmed Future for the Spy Thriller

Fans can look forward to more Slough House antics beyond the upcoming season. While season seven has already been filmed, Apple TV has officially confirmed an eighth season, which will adapt Mick Herron’s ninth book, “Clown Town”. Season eight’s synopsis reveals a “most explosive confrontation yet” between Jackson Lamb and MI5 boss Diana Taverner, played by Kristin Scott Thomas, as Lamb works to “unravel one of MI5’s darkest secrets”. Jay Hunt, Creative Director for Apple TV International, expressed delight that “Jackson Lamb and his gang of lovable misfits will be back for an eighth season”, praising their “acerbic take on the high-octane world of espionage”. Ben Vanstone, who wrote season seven, will adapt and executive produce season eight, with Adam Randall returning as director.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When does ‘Slow Horses’ season six premiere?
  ‘Slow Horses’ season six will be released on Apple TV+ from 16 September.
• Has ‘Slow Horses’ been renewed for more seasons?
  Yes, ‘Slow Horses’ has been renewed for an eighth season, with season seven already filmed.
• Who are some high-profile fans of ‘Slow Horses’?
  Queen Camilla and Prince William are reported to be “big fans” of the series.
• Who is the new lead writer for ‘Slow Horses’ season six?
  Gaby Chiappe is the new lead writer for season six, taking over from Will Smith.