‘Ponies’: New Spy Thriller Series Is the First Unexpected Gem of 2026

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Fans of spy thrillers will want to check out the new series Ponies on Peacock. Starring Emilia Clarke (known from Game of Thrones) and Haley Lu Richardson (The White Lotus), the show follows two women who unexpectedly team up as CIA agents in the 1970s after a devastating event. It’s a playful and engaging series with a dark edge, similar to a classic buddy cop story with a twist. All eight episodes will be available on January 15, 2026, making it a great option for a New Year’s binge-watch.

What Is ‘Ponies’ About?


Image via Peacock

The title of this series, Ponies, is a code name meaning “persons of no interest.” This refers to Bea and Twila, who are ideal undercover agents because they appear unremarkable. They are the wives of intelligence operatives who have died under suspicious circumstances, and they learn this news while working as secretaries at the American embassy in Moscow, where their husbands were stationed.

This show, debuting on Peacock in January 2026, is set in the 1970s and centers around a group of overlooked wives whose husbands have mysteriously disappeared. The premise is that because everyone ignores them, the idea of sending them undercover to investigate feels surprisingly logical—even if it’s completely unrealistic. It’s entertaining to watch them try to persuade their superiors they’re capable of handling the job, despite the significant risks. These women, lost and adrift after becoming widows, have little to lose. The desperate American government sees them as a last resort, as the KGB is so effective at identifying male American agents.

The combination of Bea and Clarke is genuinely funny. Bea, the daughter of Soviet immigrants, is valuable because she’s fluent in Russian and can easily pass as a local. Clarke appears to have either learned Russian for the part or was well-coached, making her performance believable. Expect to use subtitles throughout, as much of the dialogue is in Russian. It’s quite a change from the Dothraki language she mastered for Game of Thrones! Twila, on the other hand, is a tough, no-nonsense woman with a similar vibe to Natasha Lyonne, and her confidence convinces her superiors she’s up to the task. Neither woman would succeed on her own, but together, they could be incredibly stealthy and efficient.

Bea and Twila are caught up in a dangerous investigation of Cold War secrets, and quickly realize they’re in over their heads. They make mistakes due to their lack of experience, but are resourceful and manage to fix things – even if their solutions are risky, unconventional, and create new complications. Driven by a personal need to learn the fate of their husbands, they’re determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

‘Ponies’ Is Surprisingly Entertaining


Image via Peacock

“Ponies” is a really enjoyable show – the kind you can’t stop watching because each episode often ends with a surprising twist that makes you want to start the next one immediately. I was surprised by how much I liked it! Emilia Clarke delivers a fantastic performance, playing a character completely different from her role as Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones,” and convincingly moves past that character’s self-centeredness. You quickly realize Bea, despite appearing gentle and kind, is much more complex. This is likely one of Clarke’s strongest performances to date. Meanwhile, Kate Richardson plays a tough, blunt character that brings to mind Natasha Lyonne’s style, especially in shows like “Poker Face.” It can be a bit grating at times, but it’s also really entertaining. Her character’s rebellious nature and desire to prove herself make her relatable, and surprisingly forward-thinking for the 1970s setting.

This series joins a growing number of shows with female leads, but it takes a unique approach. Instead of portraying strong, action-oriented women, it focuses on two ordinary women who are underestimated because of their gender. Set in a time when women were often dismissed and seen as unimportant, Bea and Twila are able to operate unnoticed because those in power simply don’t consider them a threat. This not only reflects the historical context, but also offers a thought-provoking statement about the challenges women face when trying to gain power.

The show boasts a talented creative team led by David Iserson, who co-created, co-wrote, executive produced, and runs the series. He’s a seasoned writer known for his work on popular shows like Mr. Robot, Mad Men, New Girl, Up All Night, and United States of Tara, and even contributed as a writer on Saturday Night Live in 2003, bringing a comedic touch to the project. He’s joined by Susanna Fogel, who also co-created, co-wrote, and executive produced, and who directed pilots for shows like The Wilds and The Flight Attendant. She also co-wrote the action comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me in 2018.

Adrian Lester, a British stage actor who’s also appeared in the TV series Hustle and Girlfriends, joins the cast. He plays Dane, the man who hires the women and manages their often-chaotic behavior. Dane is immediately appealing thanks to his calm and collected demeanor. Interestingly, while he supports the women, he repeatedly points out that their power comes from being overlooked and underestimated.

Artjom Gilz delivers a compelling performance as Andrei, a classically handsome but deeply unpleasant KGB agent. While he hasn’t been in many American productions yet – aside from roles in Das Boot, Faraway, and Tár – this role feels like a breakout moment, and he’s likely to receive a lot of attention from Hollywood. Gilz brings a subtle confidence and a chilling intensity to the character, making every scene he’s in unsettling and captivating.

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The cast also includes Nicholas Podany (known for Saturday Night and Hello Tomorrow), Petro Ninovskyi (Shttl, Silence), and Vic Michaelis (Very Important People, Upload). Plus, a major actor—whose identity is currently being kept secret—will be making a special appearance. They’ve been in some of the most popular TV shows of the last ten years, so their involvement is sure to be a surprise.

Overall, Ponies is an enjoyable show, largely thanks to the funny chemistry between the two main characters, who are very different people. They bond after a shared tragedy and support each other as they pursue a common goal, uncovering secrets that turn their lives upside down. The season finale definitely sets up a second season, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Ponies streams on Peacock on January 15, 2026, with all eight episodes available to binge at once.

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2026-01-16 16:11