Ponies - Season 1 (2026) TV Series Review: A Stylish, Character-Driven Espionage Thriller That Finds Its Heart in 1970s Moscow

In a television landscape often crowded with gritty, world-ending stakes and hyper-competent super-spies, Peacock’s Ponies (2026) arrives as a refreshingly grounded, yet undeniably stylish, breath of fresh air. Created and written by the creative minds of Susanna Fogel and David Iserson, this eight-episode debut season transports us to 1977 Moscow, a city thick with Cold War paranoia and analog surveillance. Produced by Peacock as a flagship original, the series centers on an unlikely pair of protagonists: Beatrice “Bea” Russell (Emilia Clarke) and Twila Harding (Haley Lu Richardson).

The ensemble cast is a powerhouse of talent, featuring Adrian Lester as the stoic CIA station chief Dane, Artjom Gilz as the menacing KGB agent Andrei, and Nicholas Podany as Ray. The story kicks off with a devastating tragedy when Bea and Twila, both secretaries at the American embassy, lose their husbands in a mysterious plane crash. Rather than retreating to the safety of the United States, these two "Persons of No Interest" (the "Ponies" of the title) choose to stay behind, convinced that the accident was part of a larger, more sinister conspiracy. What follows is a fish-out-of-water tale that blends the tension of a classic spy thriller with the warmth of a burgeoning friendship, marking a significant entry for Emilia Clarke in her post-Westeros career.

Narrative Arc and Pacing: A Slow Burn That Simmers into a Scorcher

The seasonal arc of Ponies is built on a foundation of emotional discovery rather than just tactical maneuvers. Instead of the typical high-octane pacing of a modern thriller, the show leans into a "slow burn" approach that prioritizes character stakes. The first half of the season spends a significant amount of time establishing the sheer isolation of living as an American in 1970s Russia. We see Bea and Twila navigating a system where every conversation feels monitored and every neighbor could be an informant.

While the narrative occasionally feels like it’s "spinning its wheels" during the middle episodes, the writers use this time effectively to deepen the "odd couple" dynamic. Bea is the intellectual, overqualified daughter of Russian immigrants, while Twila is the fearless, street-smart firebrand who operates on instinct. The pacing truly finds its rhythm in the final three episodes, where the "lying and hiding" finally erupt into high-stakes sequences, including a particularly tight car chase through the cobblestone streets. The series manages to avoid the dreaded "mid-season slump" by introducing clever episodic challenges—such as a mission involving a men’s bathhouse—that provide moments of levity without sacrificing the underlying tension.

Character Evolution and Performances: The Electric Spark Between Clarke and Richardson

The undeniable heart of Ponies lies in the chemistry between its two leads. Emilia Clarke delivers a performance that feels light-years away from her previous iconic roles, showcasing a vulnerability and a "puppy-dog" earnestness that makes Bea’s transition into espionage feel earned. Her ability to switch into fluent Russian adds a layer of authenticity to the role, even if the premise of the CIA recruiting a grieving widow feels a bit far-fetched on paper.

However, it is Haley Lu Richardson who frequently steals the scene as Twila. Richardson brings a cocksure, "laissez-faire" energy that balances Clarke’s more reserved portrayal. Twila is a force of nature, often acting without considering the consequences, yet Richardson ensures there is a well of hidden pain beneath the bravado. The supporting cast is equally strong; Adrian Lester provides a necessary anchor as a CIA operative who respects the women’s utility while remaining skeptical of their methods. Artjom Gilz’s Andrei serves as a legitimately terrifying foil, representing the constant, lurking threat of the KGB. The evolution of the secondary characters, like Sasha (Petro Ninovskyi) and the scene-stealing Cheryl (Vic Michaelis), adds layers to the show's world, making the embassy feel like a lived-in community rather than just a backdrop.

Direction and Production Value: Recreating the Iron Curtain with Cinematic Flair

Visually, Ponies is a triumph of production design. Although filmed primarily in Budapest, the series captures the economic austerity and brutalist architecture of 1970s Moscow with remarkable detail. The color palette is appropriately muted, filled with drab grays and browns that reflect the "rigid and almost frigid" atmosphere of the era. Directors Susanna Fogel and Sarah Adina Smith use camera work to reinforce the theme of surveillance, often utilizing wider shots and "shaky cam" during spy sequences to make the audience feel like they are voyeurs.

The world-building is executed with a focus on the mundane realities of the Cold War. We see the analog technology, the shag-carpeted interiors, and the textured fashion that grounds the high-stakes plot in a specific historical moment. The attention to detail extends to the background characters—Moscow natives whose body language has been shaped by decades of living under the watchful eye of the state. This commitment to atmosphere ensures that even when the plot occasionally veers into "unbelievable" territory, the world itself remains immersive.

Trailer Ponies - Season 1 (2026) TV Series

Soundscape and Atmosphere: A 70s Soundtrack That Hits All the Right Notes

The sound design of Ponies plays a crucial role in maintaining its tonal balance. The soundtrack is an absolute standout, featuring an eclectic mix of 1970s hits from artists like David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and Elvis Costello. The use of Costello’s “Watching the Detectives” is particularly inspired, adding a layer of irony to the characters' clandestine activities. These needle drops provide moments of levity and "irresistible irony" that prevent the show from becoming too bogged down in gloom.

Beyond the licensed music, the ambient soundscape builds a sense of claustrophobia. The clicking of typewriter keys, the static on a radio, and the muffled conversations in public spaces all contribute to the feeling that no one is ever truly alone. The opening credits and theme music set the stage for a show that is as much about the "tiny silences" between people as it is about international intrigue.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Irresistible Lead Chemistry: The partnership between Clarke and Richardson is the show's greatest asset, grounded in mutual dependence rather than just witty banter.
• Stunning Period Detail: The 1977 Moscow setting is realized with incredible texture and historical flavor.
• Subversive Gender Dynamics: The show cleverly observes how the women’s "insignificance" in the eyes of the men around them becomes their greatest tactical advantage.
• Banger Soundtrack: The selection of 70s tracks perfectly complements the show’s "spy-thriller-meets-dramedy" tone.

Weaknesses:

• Uneven Pacing: The first half of the season can feel "lumpy" and slow as it struggles to transition between character study and intense thriller.
• Far-fetched Premise: The idea of the CIA allowing two untrained widows to stay in Moscow to run ops requires a significant "suspension of disbelief."
• Occasionally Predictable Twists: While the final episodes provide some surprises, a few of the earlier revelations feel like "reheated tropes."

Final Verdict: A Hidden Gem Worth the Surveillance

Rating: 4/5 stars

Ponies - Season 1 is a confident, character-first entry into the spy genre that justifies every minute of its eight-episode run. While it might lack the stark, unrelenting darkness of The Americans, it finds its own unique space by blending "sophisticated storytelling" with a touch of "gallows humor." It is a series that celebrates the resilience of the overlooked and the power of female friendship under extreme pressure.

Those who appreciate "odd couple" dynamics and meticulously crafted period pieces will find this to be an addictive binge-watch. However, viewers looking for a hyper-realistic, high-octane procedural might find the "slow burn" approach and the occasional silliness of the plot a bit frustrating. Ultimately, the show succeeds because it never loses sight of the human cost of espionage. With a finale that leaves the stakes higher than ever, Ponies is a must-watch for 2026 and a strong signal that Peacock is ready to play in the big leagues of original drama.

Watch or Pass? WATCH. - The Ponies series can be watched starting January 15, 2026 on Peacock.