01/30/2024

Apple TV+ Is the New HBO

It is where you need to go for must-watch prestige television

I have strong feelings about the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses. It’s a combination of gripping John Le Carré–style espionage thriller and workplace comedy, like The Office. Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, an unkempt, neckless individual who slurps up greasy lo mein noodles and presides over Slough House, where bumbling spy rejects from MI5 go when they’ve screwed up too badly to be allowed back into the fold.

This sounds downright goofy until you see it. Half the time it's firefights, KGB agents, and hairsbreadth escapes; the other half is Sorkin Lite bickering about farting or being a nepo baby or a poser. There are Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spyreferences in honor of Oldman’s previous role. It’s the kind of show that makes you marvel at the fact that you can watch Welsh character actor Sir Jonathan Pryce, mutter, “He’s dead. I’m alive. I’m going to go put the kettle on,” and stomp off with a shotgun, for just $10 a month.

Perhaps the most miraculous thing about Slow Horses, though, is that it’s just one of a slate of great shows on Apple TV+. In 2019, WIRED contributing editor Peter Rubin asked if Apple TV+ really could become a streaming giant. If you define success as having shows with A-list actors, gripping writing and incredible set design, then yes, it has succeeded. Even the children’s programming is incredible. Frustrated with all of the changes at (HBO) Max? It might be time to switch.

Please select this link to read the complete article from WIRED.