Common Sense Media Review
By Matt Cabral
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Smart espionage thriller has language, violence, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Slow Horses
What's the Story?
Based on a series of books, SLOW HORSES follows the misadventures of a disgraced branch of British intelligence agents. Led by the grumpy, frumpy, alcoholic Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), the titular group of misfits have been demoted by icy, corrupt MI-5 head Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas).
Despite their character flaws and career-damaging mistakes, the crew find themselves working together -- and against their higher-ups -- to thwart a kidnapping plot. The show blends action, mystery, and thrills with dark humor to deliver its story.
Is It Any Good?
On the surface, this latest espionage thriller looks like another terrorist-thwarting romp, but it soon reveals itself to be a much smarter, nuanced take on the spy genre. Slow Horses' heart-pounding action and cool characters could certainly stand toe-to-toe with Jack Bauer.
Credit is due to the core concept, which frames the expected formula with a fresh twist: presenting its protagonists as potentially incompetent anti-heroes, but not at all in a slapstick, Johnny English sort of way. Additionally, the premise clicks from the get-go, sidestepping the setup and exposition that could sully a series trying something new. Anchored by an award-worthy performance from Oldman, the show also features a fantastic ensemble cast of layered, appealing personalities you'll immediately find yourself rooting for. In addition to a stellar lineup of quirky characters, Slow Horses' subversive take on Bond and Bourne tropes is further elevated by dark humor -- mostly delivered by the frequently inappropriate and flatulent Oldman -- as well as by slick pacing and some engrossing plot seeds we can't wait to watch more of.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the protagonists are portrayed. Do their flaws and past mistakes make them irresponsible or incapable of doing their jobs? Are they treated fairly by their bosses?
How does the show use humor? Do the comedic moments undercut the drama? Is the humor appropriate given the series' serious subject matter?
What roles do the various characters play on their team? Are they all equally important? Do their weaknesses outweigh their strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 1, 2022
- Cast : Gary Oldman , Kristin Scott Thomas
- Network : Apple TV
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Humility , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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