Season Two Arc

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Season two of Slow Horses picks up after the events of the first season, with the disgraced agents of Slough House facing a new threat. A former Cold War-era Russian spy is found dead on a bus outside London, and the investigation leads the Slow Horses into a dangerous conspiracy involving a long-dormant Russian sleeper cell. Jackson Lamb, the slovenly and brilliant head of Slough House, must navigate internal MI5 politics and his own team's incompetence to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, River Cartwright, still desperate to prove himself, becomes entangled in the case, which forces him to confront his own family's past. The season explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the lingering shadows of the Cold War, as the Slow Horses must race against time to prevent a catastrophic attack on British soil.

In Their Own Story

The season was released on the streaming platform Paramount+ from February 23 to April 6, 2025. Two soundtrack albums were released; the first on the day the season began and the second on the day it concluded, and home video sets were published in August. It received mostly positive reviews, particularly for its technical aspects such as acting, writing, costuming, cinematography, and political subtext; however, some commentators criticized the show's large cast, melodramatic feel, and a sadistic storyline featuring two sex workers. Season two was noted for its positive economic impact in Montana and Texas. It also set viewership records. The season received several accolades and award nominations, most notably for its locations, production design, and costumes, while media outlets pointed out its lack of Emmy Award nominations.

Reader's Guide

The second season of 1923 cost $22 million per episode, totaling $176 million. Yellowstone actor Mo Brings Plenty worked as the series' Native American affairs coordinator. Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren were both initially contracted only for the first season, and by October 2022, negotiations to extend their contracts were underway. Ford and Mirren returned to the show, starring alongside Brandon Sklenar, Julia Schlaepfer, Jerome Flynn, Darren Mann, Brian Geraghty, Aminah Nieves, Michelle Randolph, and Timothy Dalton. Isabel May continued to narrate the show as Elsa Dutton, a character she originated in 1883. Jennifer Carpenter was cast in a recurring role as Deputy U.S. Marshal Mamie Fossett. Carpenter was first contacted about the series through an email that included a seven-page pitch; she sent in a self-recorded audition and was selected to take part in a screen test in Texas. Janet Montgomery, Augustus Prew, and Andy Dispensa joined the cast this season, playing the characters Hillary, Paul, and Luca, respectively. Robert Patrick, Sebastian Roché, Michael Spears, Joy Osmanski, Madison Elise Rogers, and Cailyn Rice also star. Following the unexpected death of Cole Brings Plenty during the production hiatus, Sheridan decided he needed to recast Pete Plenty Clouds, the character Brings Plenty portrayed. The role was given to Jeremy Gauna, a friend of both Brings Plenty and his uncle, Mo Brings Plenty. Gauna had previously portrayed a Native American warrior in 1883 who handled the death of Elsa in that series. Guana said accepting the role was particularly difficult for himself and other cast and crew members, particularly Nieves, who cried upon seeing him in costume for the first time. However, he felt it was his purpose, believing it would cause people to remember Brings Plenty. In an interview, Nieves stated she initially struggled with grief and resentment during filming, but eventually overcame these feelings. The first episode featured an in memoriam tribute to Brings Plenty. Taylor Sheridan wrote the entire second season of 1923. Although he had not yet planned particular details, he knew how the season would end since he first pitched it. Despite it not being billed or promoted as such, Sheridan considered the entire series to be a single, two-part season. In contrast with season one, in which scripts were written as the show was being recorded, all season two episodes were written prior to the start of filming. Similar to the first season, the production team planned on filming most of the season in Butte, Montana, beginning in June 2023, but delays caused by the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes led to the moving of principal photography to Austin, Texas, and the surrounding areas, although some location filming took place in Montana. Recording began on July 8, 2024, and concluded in November; the show's cast and crew experienced difficulties with extreme weather in both regions. The second season received a budget of $22 million per episode; Ben Richardson directed all eight episodes, and Brian Tyler and Breton Vivian composed the score.

Did You Know?

• The second season of 1923 cost $22 million per episode, totaling $176 million.
• Filming was originally planned for Butte, Montana, but moved to Austin, Texas due to the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes.
• Following the death of Cole Brings Plenty, the role of Pete Plenty Clouds was recast with Jeremy Gauna, a friend of Brings Plenty.
• The train station location in the show is inspired by the Zone of Death, a portion of Yellowstone National Park in Idaho where enforcement jurisdictions are not clear.
• The season was released on Paramount+ from February 23 to April 6, 2025.