When we think of spies, our minds often jump to the suave, globe-trotting heroes like James Bond or Ethan Hunt. But what about the agents who don't get the glamour? The ones stuck at the bottom of the intelligence ladder? That's the premise of Slow Horses, Apple TV's hit series based on Mick Herron's Slough House novels. It follows a group of disgraced MI5 agents, banished to a dead-end department under the grumpy, flatulent Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). Despite their messy reputations, these misfits have repeatedly saved the day, proving that even the most overlooked can be heroes.
While you wait for Season 6 to drop in September, you might be craving more of that gritty, character-driven espionage. Good news: there are plenty of shows that deliver similar thrills, even if they lack Lamb's distinctive gas. From international conspiracies to homegrown heroes, here are some of the best spy series to fill the void.
Down Cemetery Road (2025–Present)
If you want something that feels like Slow Horses, look no further than Down Cemetery Road. Based on Herron's 2003 novel, this Apple TV series stars Ruth Wilson as Sarah, an art restorer whose neighbor's house explodes, leaving a young girl injured and then mysteriously vanishing. Teaming up with a sharp-tongued private investigator (Emma Thompson), Sarah uncovers a government conspiracy involving people who are supposedly dead but very much alive. With its dark wit and twisty plot, it shares the same DNA as Slow Horses—just with a female-led twist. Wilson and Thompson's dynamic is electric, with Thompson's misanthropic charm rivaling Oldman's. It's a must-watch for fans of smart, cynical spy thrillers.
Killing Eve (2018–2022)
Before Slow Horses redefined the genre, Killing Eve was already shaking things up. Based on Luke Jennings' novels, this black dramedy follows MI5 officer Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) as she hunts down Villanelle (Jodie Comer), a psychopathic assassin. Their cat-and-mouse game turns into a twisted obsession, blending brutal violence with dark humor and unexpected romance. Both shows thrive on flawed characters and the messy reality of intelligence work. Oh and Comer deliver career-best performances, and the series, created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, subverts every spy trope you can think of. It's a wild, unpredictable ride that will leave you breathless.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024–Present)
What happens when you mix espionage with marriage? You get Mr. & Mrs. Smith, a Prime Video series inspired by the 2005 film. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine play two strangers hired by a mysterious agency to pose as a married couple in Manhattan. As they tackle high-stakes missions, they also navigate the ups and downs of their fake relationship. The show cleverly uses each mission to mirror relationship milestones, asking whether surviving marriage is harder than surviving spy work. It's a fresh, character-driven take on the genre, blending action with awkward, dark comedy. If you're looking for something that balances thrills with emotional depth, this is it.
These shows, along with others like The Agency and The Night Agent, offer plenty of espionage excitement to keep you entertained until Slow Horses returns. And if you're in the mood for more Apple TV originals, check out Tom Holland's crime thriller or Dark Matter's mind-bending season 2. For a change of pace, you might also enjoy these forgotten space opera gems or why 100-minute movies are perfect. Happy binge-watching!
