The spy thriller Slow Horses has become a popular show on Apple TV+, praised for its smart writing and standout performances. For parents wondering if the gritty world of MI5’s rejects is appropriate for their family, the clear answer is no. The series is rated TV-MA and is intended strictly for mature audiences due to its strong content.
What is the TV Rating and Why?
Slow Horses carries a TV-MA rating in the United States. This is the highest rating for television, meaning the show is specifically designed for adults and may be unsuitable for viewers under 17. The rating is assigned for pervasive strong language, graphic violence, and depictions of substance use. Similar to many adult-oriented spy thrillers, the show does not shy away from harsh realities.
Violence and Gore: How Intense Is It?
The violence in Slow Horses is frequent and realistically portrayed. It is one of the show’s most prominent and intense content elements.
Across its seasons, the show features bloody shootouts, often at close range, with visible and graphic wounds. Storylines involve threats of beheading and a severed head is shown on a table. A bloodied corpse is also briefly shown in a bathtub. The level of violence has been noted to increase with each season, with Season 2 described as the “most graphically and frequently violent season yet.” The violence is not stylized but rather gritty and realistic, which can be particularly disturbing.
Language and Profanity: How Much Swearing?
The language in the show is severe and pervasive. Gary Oldman’s character, Jackson Lamb, is the primary source of much of the profanity. The dialogue includes pervasive use of the “F-word” and other profanities in nearly every episode. Other commonly used words include “s–t,” “d–k,” and “t-t,” as well as the use of “Christ” and “Jesus” as expletives.
Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking
Substance use is a regular feature in the show. Characters are frequently shown drinking and smoking. Jackson Lamb is consistently portrayed with a cigarette and a drink, often to excess. The show also includes references to drug use, with brief depictions of weed smoking and cocaine use. There is also a storyline that involves the use of prescription pills.
Sex and Nudity
While not the main focus of the show, there is some mild sexual content. This includes a scene where a woman is seen in her underwear and a scene showing an adult toy store. There is also brief male rear nudity in Season 3, as well as scenes of passionate kissing.
Positive Themes and Elements
Despite the mature content, the show does offer some positive themes. The main characters are flawed misfits who have made career-ending mistakes, but they learn to work together as a team to do what is right, such as attempting to save a kidnapping victim. The series demonstrates themes of teamwork, perseverance, and protecting the vulnerable. In terms of diversity, the smartest and most competent agent is a Black woman, and a young Muslim man who becomes a victim is portrayed as brave and intelligent.
Final Verdict for Parents
Slow Horses is not suitable for children or younger teenagers. Its TV-MA rating is well-earned for its graphic and realistic violence, constant strong profanity, and regular depictions of smoking, drinking, and drug use. The show is crafted for an adult audience that can handle its intense and gritty take on the espionage genre. Parents should stick to the age guidelines and avoid this series for any viewers under the age of 17.
Also Read: Slow Horses Season 7 Filming Starts This Month, Gary Oldman Confirms
