13 Best TV Shows Like Slow Horses

2022 saw Gary Oldman transitioning from cinema to television for “Slow Horses,” an Apple TV+ spy series that revolves around a unique division of the British intelligence agency, MI5. In this production, Oldman takes center stage alongside an impressive cast consisting of Jack Lowden, Sophie Okonedo, Jonathan Pryce, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Hugo Weaving. Oldman portrays Jackson Lamb, the chief of a team of underdog agents who are assigned to handle cases that other agents choose to avoid.

Although Lamb often criticizes his team and gives them tasks that might be dull and tedious, they end up participating in crucial national security operations. This series is hard to resist; it draws you in quickly. If you’ve finished this high-end spy thriller and are searching for something fresh to explore, here’s a selection of similar shows worth watching.

The Assets

In contrast to its American setting, “The Assets” boasts an almost entirely British cast, much like “Slow Horses.” It follows a narrative about a band of underdog agents working for their country’s elite intelligence agency in a unique division who are given a crucial assignment. Unlike the story involving MI5, this time it’s the CIA that is at stake, as they must locate and unmask a spy hidden within their own ranks.

In this rendition, the “Doctor Who” actor Jodie Whittaker takes the lead role as CIA agent Sandra Grimes in an ensemble cast that includes Paul Rhys and Harriet Walter. The miniseries commences with the demise of a CIA Russian counter-intelligence operative, causing Grimes to suspect that someone inside the agency is providing information to the adversary. Accompanied by a select few agents, Grimes embarks on an investigation, yet it’s possible that the traitor is closer than anyone imagines.

An engaging and suspenseful television series titled “The Assets” follows an intense game of cat-and-mouse with numerous unexpected plots. The unique aspect is that this show is based on real events, chronicling a CIA agent who was captured in 1994 for passing confidential documents to the Russians. Despite not being a ratings sensation, it received positive reviews from most critics and may be one of the undervalued spy series out there.

The Bureau

For enthusiasts of TV spy dramas, the French show “The Bureau” is a must-see. This series centers around the personnel of the DGSE (Directorate-General for External Security), France’s intelligence agency, and is greatly influenced by actual events involving the nation’s most valiant covert agents. The diverse team is led by Colonel Marc Lauré (Gilles Cohen), who serves as the Intelligence Director. Guillaume Debailly (Mathieu Kassovitz) is one of his subordinates, returning to the agency after a long undercover mission; Sara Giraudeau (Marina Loiseau) is a new operative preparing for a forthcoming mission; and Dr. Laurène Balmes (Léa Drucker), a behavioral psychologist, is also part of the group. Henri Duflot (Jean-Pierre Darroussin), the head of the Bureau of Legends, assists in training new agents for especially perilous assignments.

As a gaming enthusiast who appreciates a good series, I’d highly recommend checking out “The Bureau” if you enjoy shows like “Slow Horses.” Originating from its home country where it garnered multiple awards, this captivating series ran for five years and 50 episodes between 2015 and 2020. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that it made its way across the Atlantic, getting a makeover for English-speaking audiences, who now know it as “The Agency.” With Michael Fassbender spearheading the cast, this adaption promises to be just as thrilling!

The Agency

It’s reasonable to assume that two adaptations of the same series would be redundant, but surprisingly, the American version of “The Bureau” differs significantly from its original French counterpart. The main distinction lies in its setting within the United States. Titled “The Agency” in this version, it primarily revolves around the CIA and delves deeper into the character of Brandon Colby (formerly Guillaume Debailly), who goes by codename Martian.

Similar to Debailly, Colby has just come back from a long-term undercover assignment and is finding it tough to adapt after spending several years living as someone else. His challenges are magnified when he unexpectedly meets his former love, Sami Zahir (Jodie Turner-Smith). Jeffrey Wright portrays Henry Ogletree, Colby’s superior officer in this context.

In simpler terms, “The Agency,” originally produced in French, premiered on Showtime in 2024. Its major asset is an exceptional cast, with Fassbender delivering top-notch performances. For American audiences, “The Agency” might be more appealing as it’s in English, although it may not quite match the quality of its original version. It has been renewed for a second season, which is said to tackle even more current and political issues.

The Night Manager

The story ‘Slow Horses’ revolves around an unusual team of intelligence operatives. Among these unconventional spies, few stand out quite like Jonathan Pine (played by Tom Hiddleston), who was prominently featured in John le Carré’s novel ‘The Night Manager’, later adapted into a TV series in 2015. Upon getting to know Pine better, you start to see that there’s more to him than just the surface: While he currently runs a high-end hotel in Cairo, his past reveals that he was once an officer in the military, and this experience includes a troubled background fighting in the Middle East.

At home now, Pine is finding it challenging to adapt to everyday life and seems to have chosen a form of voluntary isolation. However, his tranquil existence is disrupted when a young hotel guest perishes mysteriously, and Pine might unwittingly be linked to the incident. Overwhelmed with remorse, he finds redemption when intelligence head Angela Burr (played by Olivia Colman) enlists his help at the hotel to collect intel on an arms dealer named Richard Roper (portrayed by Hugh Laurie), a man notorious for his ruthlessness.

Featuring an impressive ensemble that counts David Harewood, Tom Hollander, Antonio de la Torre, and Elizabeth Debicki (widely recognized for her role as Princess Diana in “The Crown”), the series “The Night Manager” earned numerous award nominations, including one Emmy nomination apiece for Hiddleston, Laurie, and Colman. The show is set to make a comeback in 2025 with its eagerly anticipated second season.

Berlin Station

Among many spy thrillers adapted from novels, “Berlin Station” stands out as it features an original story penned by a renowned spy novelist (the author of “The Tourist”, Olen Steinhauer). The creation of this unique television series was initiated by Epix, who invited Steinhauer to lead the development of one of their first two original scripted TV shows.

In the series “Berlin Station,” Richard Armitage plays CIA agent Danny Miller. His current assignment involves finding and capturing a source who is suspected of disclosing top-secret information to a well-known whistleblower. As the leaker was discovered to be supplying CIA intelligence to German media, Miller is dispatched to Berlin. Upon arrival, he uncovers evidence suggesting that the individual providing the leaker with insider information might be a spy secretly embedded among his colleagues.

Berlin Station” is not just a suspenseful tale; it delves into the murky realm of intelligence work, tackling the tricky moral dilemmas and the intricate ethical conundrums surrounding such agencies and whistleblowers. This series boldly raises significant questions about the influence and operations of spy organizations. The stellar cast, led by Armitage, includes A-list actors like Ashley Judd, Rhys Ifans, Michelle Forbes, Keke Palmer, and James Cromwell.

Black Doves

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of undercover roles – from cracking codes as Joan Clarke in “The Imitation Game” to exposing government secrets as Katharine Gun in “Official Secrets.” Both movies were based on real-life events. Now, in the thrilling Netflix series “Black Doves,” I get to step into the shoes of a spy myself. Unlike typical agents who serve their countries, this group operates independently. We’re not tied to any nation; instead, we’re mercenary information dealers, selling our skills to whoever’s willing to pay the highest price.

Keira Knightley portrays Helen Webb, married to a politician who secretly works as a for-hire spy for an undercover organization known as the Black Doves. When her lover, an ordinary civil servant, mysteriously gets murdered, Helen becomes suspicious about her dual life. However, she doubts if the murder has any connection with her espionage activities. In response to this unexplained incident, the Black Doves assign a guardian for her safety – Sam Young (played by Ben Whishaw), a formidable and lethal enforcer. As it turns out, Sam discloses that her lover’s death could have been a calculated assassination.

During the holiday season, the series “Black Doves” presents an extraordinary narrative. Some viewers might argue that it could be compared to “Die Hard,” questioning whether or not it fits the category of a Christmas story. Remarkably, this show was renewed for a second season before its premiere on Netflix at the close of 2025.

Condor

Three Days of the Condor,” a gripping 1975 thriller nominated for an Oscar, is one of the top spy movies ever made, with Robert Redford in the lead role and directed by Sydney Pollack. The movie is adapted from James Grady’s novel, which was also the basis for the Audience Network series “Condor.” In the story, Max Irons plays Joe Turner, a promising CIA analyst whose colleagues meet untimely ends shortly after he uncovers a plot that could result in the deaths of millions.

The story unfolds when Turner returns from lunch to discover everyone in his office brutally murdered. Now, he’s forced to flee from mysterious killers, constantly evading treachery and deceit around every corner. As he starts to suspect that he might have been their intended victim, and the culprits could be high-ranking officials within the CIA itself, Turner is faced with the challenge of uncovering a government conspiracy without becoming another casualty in the process.

The movie “Three Days of the Condor,” released in the ’70s, wasn’t shy about scrutinizing the U.S. government’s intelligence operations. It was well-received by critics then and still cherished today, making it a tough act to follow for the TV adaptation. Thankfully, “Condor” is living up to the challenge: It boasts an impressive 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and if you’re a fan of “Slow Horses,” you’ll enjoy this series too.

London Spy

Prior to his collaboration with Keira Knightley in “Black Doves,” actor Ben Whishaw starred in his own spy series in 2018. This was a joint production between NBC and BBC, later streamed on Netflix. Titled “London Spy,” the series saw Whishaw portray Danny Holt, a character who frequents clubs and has a social life, falling in love with the mysterious Alistair “Alex” Turner (played by Edward Holcroft).

As Holt rejoices over discovering his soulmate, events take a tragic turn when Alex meets an untimely end. The authorities appear uninterested in probing further, leaving it up to Holt to delve deep and uncover the truth behind Alex’s suspicious demise. However, once he discovers that Alex was secretly an agent for MI6, Holt finds himself thrust into a high-risk realm of international spying.

London Spy” introduces us to an ordinary individual who finds himself in deep waters, yet remains resolute in seeking the truth. This captivating miniseries is the creation of Tom Rob Smith, a talented writer and novelist, most recognized for his “Child 44” trilogy. Comprised of only five episodes, it offers a swift, enjoyable watch; perfect for those who enjoy a short break from their day and are fond of “Slow Horses”.

The Enemy Within

Even though “The Enemy Within” didn’t secure a second season or garnered mixed opinions from critics, the primary reason you should consider watching it is due to the captivating portrayal of Jennifer Carpenter, a former cast member of “Dexter. She delivers an exceptional performance that elevates what would otherwise be an ordinary espionage tale. The series originates from the mind of producer Ken Woodruff, who gained experience on shows such as “The Mentalist” and “Gotham.

In “The Enemy Within,” we meet former CIA codebreaker and one-time Deputy Director of Operations Erica Shepherd (Carpenter). Fallen from grace, Shepherd has been serving a lengthy prison sentence for treason when she’s brought back into the fold on a deal to help hunt down a terrorist named Mikhail Tal. The Russian agent, who is behind a series of deadly attacks, has been able to evade capture for years. Instead of the CIA, she’s recruited by Morris Chestnut’s FBI agent Will Keaton (the same man who brought her down years earlier) after his wife is killed in one of the attacks. The unlikely duo must put aside their differences to stop another terrorist attack and get justice for Keaton’s wife.

Nyrkki (aka Shadow Lines)

Titled “Nyrkki” in Finnish, this 2019 spy drama is known as “Shadow Lines” in English and unfolds against the backdrop of the Cold War’s global tensions. The narrative unfurls in Helsinki, where Finland’s intelligence agency grapples with escalating external pressures from world powers. With the United States and Soviet Union intensifying international tensions, Finnish agents must weigh their responses carefully. This series is far from a simple morality tale, as it delves into the complex ethical landscape of espionage during wartime, especially in a nation lacking the same political or military clout as its larger neighbors.

As a gaming enthusiast, let me tell you, the unique vibe and authenticity of “Nyrkki” series truly stands out among many other games in its genre. It’s not just your typical spy thriller; while there’s plenty of action, like high-speed car chases and intense gunfights, it also has these almost dreamlike, surreal elements that transform the story into a piece of art. If you’re a fan of “Slow Horses” and yearn for something a bit offbeat to immerse yourself in, I strongly suggest giving “Nyrkki” a shot. It might seem puzzling at first, but if you stick with it, trust me, you won’t regret it.

Alex Rider

The British television series “Alex Rider,” derived from Anthony Horowitz’s novels, narrates the adventures of its title character, who serves for MI6. What makes this show distinct is that Alex isn’t a seasoned law officer or long-time spy — instead, he’s an average teenager. What makes him extraordinary, however, is that his uncle, also a spy, passes away under mysterious circumstances. In response to this tragedy, Alex (portrayed by Otto Farrant) decides to uncover the truth behind his uncle’s death.

When Alex encounters his uncle’s ex-superior, who heads the Department of Special Operations, he unexpectedly gets invited to join the agency. Given his youthful age and unassuming demeanor, MI6 thinks Alex could be ideal for infiltrating Point Blanc, a mysterious boarding school for troubled boys. MI6 suspects there’s something deeply suspicious about the school, but they can only confirm their suspicions by planting an agent inside.

Initially, “Alex Rider” appears as a straightforward spy series featuring a teen protagonist and some sleek gadgets reminiscent of James Bond. However, as the narrative progresses, it transcends these initial impressions, offering unexpectedly complex plot twists and turns that may catch you off guard. If you’re searching for entertainment akin to “Slow Horses” but suitable for young adults and teens (rated TV-14), this show is definitely an intriguing choice.

A Spy Among Friends

On Apple TV+, you can also find a spy thriller titled “A Spy Among Friends,” starring Guy Pearce (who was an Oscar nominee for his role in “The Brutalist”) and Damian Lewis (with an Emmy win under his belt for “Homeland”). This series is set during the 1960s in Britain, focusing on MI6 agents, and it explores the consequences when a double agent is uncovered.

Lewis portrays Charles Lewis, a MI6 agent who’s taken aback when he learns that his acquaintance and fellow operative, Kim Philby (Pearce), is actually a dual spy. Philby belongs to a group called the Cambridge Five, a network of British spies supplying secrets to their Soviet counterparts. When Philby fully defects to the Russians, it triggers a sequence of events that significantly weakens British intelligence. This story is inspired by real events, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Deep State

In ‘Slow Horses’, the story revolves around agents operating within England, with Hugo Weaving portraying a significant character – a former CIA agent who is instrumental in the narrative. Similarly, Walton Goggins plays a role in ‘Deep State’, a British spy series featuring Mark Strong. In this show, Strong plays Max Easton, an ex-MI6 operative, and Season 2 introduces Goggins as Nathan Miller, a former CIA agent working alongside him. The story opens with Easton being compelled to return to MI6 against his wishes. He’s been led to believe that this will be his final mission, allowing him to eventually retire with his family in France. His assignment is to neutralize the source of leaks emanating from a Middle Eastern intelligence operation meant to curb Iran’s nuclear aspirations.

Similar to the “Mission: Impossible” series, this show offers numerous high-octane action scenes set in captivating locations, yet blends aspects of shows like “24” and “Homeland”. It maintains a quicker tempo than “Slow Horses,” making it an ideal sequel for viewers who appreciate the more dynamic elements seen on Apple TV+. Despite receiving mixed reviews, “Deep State” received positive feedback from prominent publications such as The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and Forbes.

2025-02-23 22:31