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 Horsesseason 5 is set to return on July 20, 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 ofSlow Horses' main characters, including the sardonic, off-kilter Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). While the return of the series is exciting,Slow Horsesseason 5will 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 Horsesseason 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.
Smith’s decision to leave the series may seem even stranger in light of the fact thatSlow Horseshas already been renewed through season 7. However, this actually seems to be part of the reason for his departure. In a statement toDeadline, Smith explained thathe wanted to leave the production in a good place.
Ultimately, his decision to leave centers on Smith’s desire to make sureSlow Horsesremains of the highest quality by bringing in fresh ideas and creators.
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 sureSlow Horsesremains 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 afterSlow Horsesseason 5,the names of his successors have also been confirmed. For season 6, Gaby Chiappe, who previously worked onThe 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 seriesAll Creatures Great and Small(viaVariety). While this does at least give the series a set team, this rapid change ofhaving 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 Horseshas 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.
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 ofSlow Horses' cast and crew will change with the new additions, though I’m hopeful Smith’s fresh creativity reasoning will prove true.
