Emma Thompson stars in ‘Down Cemetery Road,’ a thrilling ‘Slow Horses’ spin-off on Apple TV

“Down Cemetery Road” premieres on October 29, 2025 on Apple TV.
When a house explodes in a quiet Oxford suburb and a girl disappears in the aftermath, neighbor Sarah Trafford (Ruth Wilson) becomes obsessed with finding her and enlists the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm (Emma Thompson) in “Down Cemetery Road,” Apple TV’s new thriller series. Zoë and Sarah suddenly find themselves in a complex conspiracy that reveals that people long believed dead are still among the living, while the living are fast joining the dead. “Down Cemetery Road” premieres on Apple TV today, October 29, 2025.
Alison Herman for Variety:
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“Slow Horses” has grown over time into an Emmy-winning hit, joining a select roster of Apple shows — like “Severance” and “The Studio” — to break out of the streamer’s walled garden and enter the broader culture. With ample source material in British crime author Mick Herron’s Slough House series, now at nine full-length books and counting, “Slow Horses” can continue for years if the principals like. But Herron is prolific, and Apple isn’t content to stop there.
“Down Cemetery Road” is an adaptation of Herron’s debut novel, itself the start of a four-book series that could serve as a road map for future seasons if all goes well. Developed by “Slow Horses” writer (and “Peppa Pig” voice actor!) Morwenna Banks, “Down Cemetery Road” shares some recognizable DNA with its sibling show, despite swapping central London for sleepy Oxford…
At eight episodes, “Down Cemetery Road” lacks the drum-tight concision that makes “Slow Horses” such an addictive watch. But the show shares enough positive qualities with its predecessor, from a mordant wit to some riveting action once things heat up, that “Slow Horses” fans will find plenty to tide them over between seasons. And with two stars captured on location amid gown-clad dons and grassy quads, “Down Cemetery Road” has a distinct terroir of its own. It’s only a few dozen miles, but it turns out the “Slow Horses” sensibility can travel.

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MacDailyNews Take: If you like “Slow Horses,” not only do you have good taste, but you’ll like “Down Cemetery Road,” too!

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