The Best Spy Thriller On TV Is Facing A Major New Challenge After Record-Breaking Renewal

Apple TV+’s acclaimed spy thriller series, Slow Horses, is one of the best shows streaming right now, but after a new announcement from the show’s creator, it will face an unexpected challenge in the future. After season 4 aired in September 2024, Slow Horses season 5 is set to return on September 24, 2025.

This quick turnaround between seasons is exciting, especially considering the much longer gaps that many streaming shows have. Season 5 will see the return of Slow Horses‘ main characters, including the sardonic, off-kilter Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). While the return of the series is exciting, Slow Horses season 5 will mark the final outing for one key figure.

Slow Horses’ Creator Is Exiting The Show After Season 5, Despite Seasons 6 & 7’s Renewal

Will Smith Will Not Return To The Series Following The Upcoming Season

Slow Horses season 5’s premiere date is drawing ever closer, but this will also mark the exit of the show’s creator, Will Smith. Smith has served as a writer and executive producer for the series since season 1, so his departure is huge news for the acclaimed series.

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Slow Horses Loses Longtime Showrunner As Season 5 Wraps Production

Slow Horses showrunner, writer, and executive producer, Will Smith, will leave the Apple TV+ spy series following the conclusion of season 5.

Smith’s decision to leave the series may seem even stranger in light of the fact that Slow Horses has already been renewed through season 7. However, this actually seems to be part of the reason for his departure. In a statement to Deadline, Smith explained that he wanted to leave the production in a good place.

After all the success that the production has found, Smith highlighted how difficult it can be to continue coming up with creative ideas for a series after years at its helm. Ultimately, his decision to leave centers on Smith’s desire to make sure Slow Horses remains of the highest quality by bringing in fresh ideas and creators.

Slow Horses Seasons 6 & 7 Will Each Have A Different Showrunner

Smith’s Replacements Have Already Been Announced

Along with the announcement that Will Smith will not be returning after Slow Horses season 5, the names of his successors have also been confirmed. For season 6, Gaby Chiappe, who previously worked on The Level, will take over the role of showrunner.

Interestingly, Chiappe will only lead the production for one season before the mantle passes to Ben Vanstone, who created the series All Creatures Great and Small (via Variety). While this does at least give the series a set team, this rapid change of having three showrunners across three seasons does create a challenge.

Slow Horses’ Changing BTS Dynamic Creates A Challenge To Maintain The Show’s Consistent Success

Having Two New Showrunners Creates Significant Changes For The Series

Across its four seasons so far, Slow Horses has always received critical acclaim. The series currently holds a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with both seasons 2 and 4 holding 100% approval. Needless to say, this is a very impressive feat, but with new people taking over behind the scenes, this acclaim isn’t set in stone.

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If You Can’t Wait For Slow Horses Season 5, Here Are 8 TV Shows To Keep You Occupied

Slow Horses season 5 isn’t out until later this year, but these shows offer spy intrigue, high-stakes missions, and dark humor to tide you over.

Both Chiappe and Vanstone will have to prove their versions of the show can bring the same level of skill and creativity to the table that Smith’s has since 2022. What’s more, there is no way to know how the dynamic of Slow Horses‘ cast and crew will change with the new additions, though I’m hopeful Smith’s fresh creativity reasoning will prove true.

Source: Deadline, Variety

Slow Horses

Release Date

April 1, 2022

Network

Apple TV+

Directors

Saul Metzstein, James Hawes, Jeremy Lovering

Writers

Mark Denton, Jonny Stockwood