INDIANAPOLIS — It took three seasons for major awards bodies to recognize one of the most critically acclaimed television series currently airing.
In 2024, "Slow Horses" earned its first nine Primetime Emmy nominations, including series, lead actor (Gary Oldman), supporting actor (Jack Lowden), guest actor (Jonathan Pryce), directing and writing. Oldman, who won an Oscar in 2018 for his portrayal of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill in "Darkest Hour," was also nominated for a Golden Globe for "Slow Horses."
The spy thriller series follows a team of British intelligence agents demoted to busywork and tasks due to career-threatening mistakes — and they must now obey the orders of the curmudgeonly and obnoxious Jackson Lamb (Oldman).
"Season 4, I guess you'd say it's a little more personal for one particular member of the Slow Horses team, Let's say it's an unusual dynamic that comes into this particular season that sends River Cartwright (Lowden) on a ride to a lot of fun," Oldman said.
The critical acclaim and audience reception has nearly strengthened with each season, according to Rotten Tomatoes:
- Season 1
- Critics: 100%
- Audience: 97%
- Season 2 —
- Critics: 98%
- Audience: 95%
- Season 3 —
- Critics: 100%
- Audience: 94%
- Season 4 —
- Critics: 95%
- Audience: 92%
Oldman, also known for his roles as Sirius Black in the "Harry Potter" films and Jim Gordon in "The Dark Knight" trilogy, is using his experience from four decades of acting to lead the mostly younger cast.
"You feel very protective," Oldman said. "You look at these younger actors that you're working with, and I find I'm a bit paternal about them. You come back to the show each season, and it's like seeing your kids again."
And it's no surprise Apple TV+ already renewed "Slow Horses" for a fifth season prior to the fourth season coming out.
"Just really across the board, the talent is amazing," Oldman said. "We have the same crew that comes back, we have the same camera operator, we have the same sound, we have the same makeup/wardrobe. It becomes, by now, it's like a family affair."
New episodes of "Slow Horses" are released Wednesdays through Oct. 9 on Apple TV+.