Entertainment Blog #380 | PONIES [2026-] : Widows Under Cover...
Peacock has quietly released one of its most talked‑about spy thrillers of 2026, and it’s been surprising how quickly it caught people’s attention. The setting in Cold War Moscow gives it a nostalgic political tension that feels both serious and a little playful, like a period that isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself while still keeping you guessing.
“Ponies” is a #Peacock #spy #drama #series that premiered on 15th January 2026 with all 8 episodes released for binge‑watching. It was created by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson, and stars Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson as two American embassy employees whose lives turn upside down in the heart of Moscow in 1977.
The story begins with Beatrice “Bea” Grant, a Russian‑speaking child of immigrants who finds her life full of expectation but little fulfillment, and Twila Hasbeck, a bold and fearless small‑town woman trying to adjust to life in a foreign capital. They are both living ordinary diplomatic wives until their husbands, who work covertly for the CIA, die under mysterious circumstances in the Soviet Union. Thrust into grief and a world of intrigue, they decide to stay in Moscow to uncover the truth behind the deaths rather than return home.
The CIA reluctantly recruits the two women because they are considered “persons of no interest” to the KGB, meaning they could operate under the radar of Soviet intelligence. Suddenly working as undercover operatives, they must use their wits, their different strengths, and their blossoming friendship to navigate conspiracies, secret contacts, and unexpected dangers. Even as they balance suspicion and clashing loyalties, the series injects moments of humor and personal conflict into the spy narrative.
The Cold War backdrop adds an extra layer of seriousness to the show’s personal stakes, with distrust, propaganda, and political paranoia shaping every move the characters make. It also plays into the social context of the era, hinting at how women’s roles, both in espionage and society, were often dismissed or underestimated, which becomes a quiet but persistent theme as Bea and Twila push beyond traditional expectations.
Critics have responded very positively to the series overall, with a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on numerous reviews praising the chemistry between the leads and the series’ mix of adventure and character drama. Metacritic reflects generally favorable reviews, scoring around 75/100 from multiple critics. Most reviews highlight the strong dynamic between Clarke and Richardson and how their interplay carries the show, even when the plot’s plausibility is stretched. Some critics note the tone shifts can feel inconsistent, and a few think the storytelling does not always reach its full potential, but the nature of the story is welcoming.
Audience reactions are more mixed online, with some viewers loving the blend of light humor and spy thriller and others wishing the spy craft felt more realistic or historically grounded. Many fans are still passionate because the characters and cliffhanger ending make them want a second season.
So is Ponies worth your time? If you enjoy spy stories with strong female leads, 1970s historical fun, and a vibe that leans more toward character chemistry and adventure than strict realness, then it’s definitely entertaining to binge. It may not be the most serious Cold War thriller ever made, but the heart and humor between Bea and Twila help it gallop forward in a way that keeps you watching until the end.