Apple TV+'s prestige drama slate is making serious noise in the UK awards circuit, with both Slow Horses and Down Cemetery Road picking up nominations from the prestigious Royal Television Society. The recognition signals that Apple's investment in quality British storytelling is paying dividends where it matters most — in the eyes of industry peers.
Slow Horses, the Gary Oldman-led spy thriller based on Mick Herron's beloved novels, has become something of an awards perennial at this point. The show's gritty, morally complex portrait of MI5's castoffs continues to resonate with voters who appreciate serious craft over flashy spectacle. An RTS nod is hardly a surprise at this stage — it would be more surprising if the show didn't land nominations.
More intriguing is the recognition for Down Cemetery Road, which marks a significant coming-out party for the newer addition to Apple's drama portfolio. Early buzz around the series has been strong, and an RTS nomination effectively places it on the radar of awards prognosticators heading into a crowded season.
For Apple TV+, this dual recognition matters strategically. The streaming service has long struggled with subscriber numbers compared to Netflix and Amazon, but its awards credibility — built on titles like Ted Lasso, Severance, and The Morning Show — remains a genuine differentiator. British awards traction, particularly from a body as respected as the RTS, strengthens the platform's argument that it punches far above its weight.
As awards season gathers momentum, keep an eye on whether this RTS momentum translates into BAFTA and Emmy conversations. If Down Cemetery Road can ride this early wave, it could emerge as one of the more compelling dark horses of the entire cycle. And Slow Horses? At this point, it deserves a permanent seat at the table.