Poster for Slow Horses

Slow Horses (2022) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Follow a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents—and their obnoxious boss, the notorious Jackson Lamb—as they navigate the espionage world's smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.

TV-MA • 2022 • 5 seasons

8.0
800+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

Based on the novels by Mick Herron, *Slow Horses* is a darkly comedic spy thriller about a dysfunctional team of disgraced MI5 agents. The series earns its TV-MA rating primarily for its pervasive, strong profanity and sudden bursts of intense violence. Language is constant and coarse, with frequent use of "f--k" and "c--t" by the main characters. Violence, while not in every scene, can be graphic when it occurs, including bloody… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman
Jack Lowden
Jack Lowden
Kristin Scott Thomas
Kristin Scott Thomas
Hugo Weaving
Hugo Weaving
Saskia Reeves
Saskia Reeves
Christopher Chung
Christopher Chung
Rosalind Eleazar
Rosalind Eleazar
Aimee-Ffion Edwards
Aimee-Ffion Edwards
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Is Slow Horses appropriate for kids?

Based on the novels by Mick Herron, *Slow Horses* is a darkly comedic spy thriller about a dysfunctional team of disgraced MI5 agents. The series earns its TV-MA rating primarily for its pervasive, strong profanity and sudden bursts of intense violence. Language is constant and… Read more — free account

Content severity in Slow Horses Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Intense 8/10
Language Intense 10/10
Sex/Nudity Moderate 4/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in Slow Horses

Sexual content is mild. There are instances of passionate kissing between characters. A scene shows an adult toy store with items displayed in the window. One character is briefly seen in her underwear, and a poster depicting a woman in a suggestive pose is visible in the background of a scene.

Violence and gore in Slow Horses

Violence is strong and at times graphic. There are scenes involving bombings, intense hand-to-hand combat, shootings with visible blood, and close-range gun violence. Characters are killed, and the aftermath of violence can be visually disturbing. The season contains explosions and tense chase sequences, contributing to the high-stakes action.

Language in Slow Horses

Language is consistently strong, featuring frequent use of the F-word, including multiple occurrences in some scenes, along with other expletives such as 'sh*t,' 'b*stard,' 'c*nt,' 'a**hole,' and 'pr*ck.' Characters, especially Jackson Lamb, use profanity as a matter of course to express frustration, anger, or to insult others.

Mature themes in Slow Horses

This season explores themes of betrayal, grief, and the deep-seated repercussions of past actions on current events. Political corruption and the ethical ambiguities of intelligence work are central. Characters grapple with personal and professional loyalties, and the storyline delves into the impact of terrorism and its motives. The concept of death, both sudden and premeditated, is a pervasive theme.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Slow Horses appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Slow Horses is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. Based on the novels by Mick Herron, *Slow Horses* is a darkly comedic spy thriller about a dysfunctional team of disgraced MI5 agents. The series earns its TV-MA rating primarily for its pervasive, strong profanity and…

What age rating does Slow Horses have?

Slow Horses is rated TV-MA. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.

What is Slow Horses about?

Based on the novels by Mick Herron, *Slow Horses* is a darkly comedic spy thriller about a dysfunctional team of disgraced MI5 agents. The series earns its TV-MA rating primarily for its pervasive, strong profanity and sudden bursts of intense violence. Language is constant and coarse, with frequent use of "f--k" and…

How many seasons does Slow Horses have?

Slow Horses has 5 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Slow Horses?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Slow Horses.

How violent is Slow Horses?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Slow Horses per our reviewers.

Is the language in Slow Horses appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Slow Horses.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Slow Horses?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Slow Horses.

What mature themes appear in Slow Horses?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Slow Horses.

Where can I read the full Slow Horses parent guide?

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