If you’re not watching Apple TV+’s most underrated drama, then you’re missing out on the best show on TV right now.
It’s hard to tell what is a hit TV show and what isn’t these days. The absence of conventional TV ratings and the lack of anything even resembling a monoculture has made it impossible to know which shows “everyone” is watching and — even more importantly — which are actually pulling in big enough numbers to be considered genuine hits. This has only become harder now that tech companies like Apple and Amazon have essentially taken over Hollywood and displayed a surprising indifference regarding how much money their film and TV originals make.
If there is one thing that is abundantly clear in today’s confusing, ever-shifting television landscape, though, it’s that not nearly enough people are watching Slow Horses. The low-level spy series has been a joy to watch ever since it premiered on Apple TV+ in early 2022. Late last year, however, the series’ third season made a great case for it being — along with The Bear and perhaps Industry — the best ongoing show on TV, period. Now in its fourth season, Slow Horses hasn’t lost an ounce of its sweaty charm or its sharp wit.
It remains the most reliable and watchable show on TV, and yet it isn’t receiving nearly as much consistent coverage or attention as it deserves. If you’re one of the seemingly many viewers who haven’t given it a chance yet, then now’s the time to finally do so. No other current show is more worthy of being your next binge.Introducing MI5’s rejects
Slow Horses‘ setup is simple. Based on a series of books by British novelist Mick Herron, the espionage thriller follows the members of Slough House, the subdivision where Britain’s MI5 sends its biggest misfits, rejects, and disappointments to spend out the rest of their professional service days. It’s overseen by Jackson Lamb (a grimy, glorious Gary Oldman), a cantankerous slob who enjoys tormenting his underlings and reminding them of the failures that landed them under his supervision in the first place.
