Peacock’s Ponies redefines Cold War espionage with dark wit and female-led intrigue
Peacock’s new espionage thriller Ponies has arrived, blending Cold War tension with dark humour. Set in 1980s Moscow, the eight-episode series follows two women who turn to spying after their husbands die in a suspicious plane crash. Created by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson, the show draws comparisons to The Americans and their earlier film The Spy Who Dumped Me.
Ponies centres on Bea and Twila, played by Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson. Bea is a rule-following, Russian-speaking diplomat’s wife, while Twila is a street-smart, sharp-tongued outsider. After their husbands’ deaths, the pair return to Moscow and are reinstated as secretaries—only to discover they’ve been recruited for covert missions.
Bea’s task is to get close to a new CIA asset, testing her loyalty and skills. Twila, initially assigned to administrative work, soon pushes for a more active role. Their contrasting personalities create friction but also drive the story forward. The series takes time to build momentum, with the first half feeling uneven. By the later episodes, though, the plot tightens, and the stakes rise. Will Poulter stars as Andrei, a menacing KGB leader whose presence adds danger to every scene. Harriet Walter also appears as Bea’s formidable grandmother, adding depth to the personal conflicts. Beyond spycraft, Ponies explores the moral grey areas of the Cold War. The women’s choices reflect their grief, ambition, and shifting loyalties. The season closes on a cliffhanger, leaving Bea and Twila’s fates—and the possibility of another season—unresolved.
Ponies mixes espionage, dark comedy, and character-driven drama in a stylish Cold War setting. The show’s slow start gives way to a more gripping second half, with strong performances from its lead cast. Whether it returns for another season remains uncertain, but the finale leaves room for further intrigue.
