Apple TV+’s Slow Horses Season 7 Will Adapt Mick Herron’s Bad Actors

Apple TV+ has already confirmed that Slow Horses Season 7 will adapt Mick Herron’s Bad Actors, the eighth novel in his Slough House series. The six-episode season will follow Jackson Lamb and his team as they hunt a mole inside the British government, with the threat reaching the heart of the state.

A 2027 release looks likely based on the show’s recent annual schedule, although Apple hasn't announced an official premiere date. Season 6 has also just concluded, with its finale arriving on 21 October 2026 and leaving viewers with another dramatic development to consider. 

There is more good news for fans planning ahead, as Apple confirmed an eighth season in September 2026, ensuring the story will continue beyond Bad Actors. 

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What Will Slow Horses Season 7 Be About?

The new season will move the action from Slough House into the upper levels of the British government. According to Apple’s official announcement, Lamb and his team must find and stop a mole at the heart of government before they can bring down the state.

Herron’s publisher synopsis for Bad Actors adds more detail. A key member of a Downing Street think-tank disappears, prompting former MI5 chief Claude Whelan to investigate. The trail leads towards Diana Taverner, MI5’s powerful First Desk, while a Russian intelligence chief’s unexpected arrival in London raises further questions.

The adaptation may change some details, but the book’s mix of political manoeuvring, intelligence rivalries and institutional secrets gives the series plenty to explore.

Who Is Returning for Season 7?

Gary Oldman is confirmed to return as Jackson Lamb, the sharp-minded but untidy leader of Slough House’s disgraced agents. Apple has named Ben Vanstone as the season’s television adapter and executive producer, with Robert McKillop directing.

A complete Season 7 cast list has not been officially announced, so the return of every familiar character should not be assumed. However, the story continues to centre on Lamb and the intelligence team whose mistakes have pushed them out of MI5’s main operation.

Apple’s creative director, Jay Hunt, said the show had won fans with its “unique mix of self-deprecating British humour and high-octane action”. That combination remains central to its appeal, as the series balances dangerous intelligence work with messy relationships and Lamb’s cutting humour.

How Was Slow Horses Season 6 Received?

Season 6 received a largely positive response from critics, although some reviewers felt its story was less tightly constructed than previous instalments. Rotten Tomatoes lists a 100% critics’ score based on 37 reviews, while its audience score is lower at around 82%, suggesting that viewers were more divided about the season.

Tom’s Guide gave the season 4.5 out of 5, describing it as one of the best shows of 2026 so far. However, The Guardian’s review argued that the series was becoming a more conventional thriller following changes behind the scenes.

Season 6 maintained the series’ critical standing, but its combination of two novels created a crowded storyline that did not work equally well for everyone. The finale also leaves unresolved developments for Season 7 to explore, giving the next instalment a clear narrative thread to pick up.

When Could Season 7 Be Released?

Apple has not confirmed a premiere date. However, a 2027 launch is a reasonable expectation, as recent seasons have followed a roughly annual release pattern, with Season 6 premiering in September 2026. Radio Times suggests September 2027 is possible, but that remains speculation.