‘Slow Horses’ Continues Emmy Success With Directing Win for Saul Metzstein

Laura Bais
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Spy dramas often struggle to blend dry British humor with real tension, but Apple TV’s ‘Slow Horses’ has consistently demonstrated its ability to do just that. The series follows a group of disgraced MI5 agents relegated to the department’s most humiliating outpost, and it has quietly established a strong track record in the awards circuit.

This consistency was evident again at this year’s Emmy ceremony, where the show continued a trend that feels more like a tradition than mere luck. ‘Slow Horses’ entered the night with another directing nomination, competing against notable works from ‘The Pitt,’ ‘Pluribus,’ ‘The Gilded Age,’ and ‘Paradise.’

Saul Metzstein won Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for his work on “Scars,” an episode from the show’s fifth season, triumphing over Salli Richardson Whitfield for ‘The Gilded Age,’ Hanelle M. Culpepper for ‘Paradise,’ Noah Wyle for ‘The Pitt,’ and Vince Gilligan for ‘Pluribus.’ This win marks Metzstein’s second Emmy in this category, following a nomination in 2024 for directing “Strange Games” during the show’s third season.

What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is the show’s unique production approach. Unlike many series, ‘Slow Horses’ features a completely new director each season, resulting in Emmy-nominated or winning directing work from various filmmakers throughout its run, rather than relying on a single consistent voice.

Metzstein previously discussed the appeal of this rotating structure, stating, “I try to make dialogue scenes feel alive rather than just functional.” He has referred to the series as “the spy world’s answer to The Office,” highlighting the blend of workplace dysfunction and genuine stakes that defines its tone.

This year’s victory also continues a broader trend for the franchise at the Emmys. Last year, Adam Randall won the directing trophy for the show’s fourth season episode “Hello Goodbye,” meaning ‘Slow Horses’ has now secured back-to-back directing wins with two entirely different directors across two distinct seasons.

Screenshot 2026 06 11 at 16 41 20 Slow Horses Rotten Tomatoes

The series has built a commendable Emmy history beyond directing, having previously won Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series in both 2024 and 2025, credited to writer Will Smith for the episodes “Negotiating With Tigers” and “Hello Goodbye,” respectively.

Focusing on Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb leading a team of MI5’s most disgraced agents from the department’s Slough House division, ‘Slow Horses’ has transformed its premise into one of the most consistently acclaimed dramas on television, even while operating outside the heavily marketed prestige shows that dominate headlines at this year’s ceremony.

With this directing win now firmly established as a recurring trend for the franchise, the show’s rotating cast of directors seems to have discovered a formula that consistently leads to recognition, regardless of who is behind the camera each season.

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