Slow Horses star Jack Lowden confirmed to play best-selling book detective in new Apple TV+ series
Wolf Hall writer Peter Straughan is working on the new adaptation.
Slow Horses star Jack Lowden is returning to Apple TV+ to star in another series – a drama based on Philip Kerr’s Berlin Noir novels.
SAS Rogue Heroes director Tom Shankland will serve as director and executive producer on the series, which is being adapted by Wolf Hall writer Peter Straughan.
The first season is expected to be based on Kerr's novel Metropolis, the last book published in the series but set before all the others and providing the origin story for Bernie Gunther, the character Lowden is set to play.
The synopsis for the series, which is currently untitled, says: "Bernie is a police officer, newly promoted to the intimidating and elite Berlin Murder Squad, and must investigate what seems to be a serial killer targeting victims on the fringes of society.
"Bernie’s Berlin is a city of unprecedented freedom and dizzying turbulence, the Nazis just a distant nightmare waiting in the wings. With the political and social world shifting to a new norm, we see Bernie fighting for truth, whatever the cost."
As well as his role as River Cartwright in Slow Horses, Lowden is also known for starring in BBC series The Gold, and in films such as Dunkirk and Benediction.
Lowden will no doubt have to fit filming on the new Berlin Noir series around his role on Slow Horses, given that that show has just been renewed for a seventh season, before the fifth has even debuted.
Read more:
- Slow Horses writer explains biggest challenge with upcoming season 5
- Slow Horses author reveals plot details for upcoming Slough House novel
Lowden hasn't been officially confirmed to return to the cast, but that simply seems to be because, at this point, the only confirmed returning actor is Gary Oldman – his departure would certainly be a major surprise to fans.
Slow Horses season 5 is set to arrive in September, and writer Will Smith has teased that the 'sadly topical' plot "comments on contemporary British politics".
Slow Horses season 5 releases on 25th September 2025 on Apple TV+. The Berlin Noir adaptation will also air on Apple TV+ – sign up to Apple TV+ now.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
