Okay, so everyone knows Emilia Clarke as Daenerys from Game of Thrones, and Haley Lu Richardson was fantastic as Tanya’s assistant in Season 2 of The White Lotus. But their new show, Ponies, which just dropped, is…well, it’s about characters who are intentionally ignored. Seriously! It’s a spy thriller that just premiered, and I’m really curious to see what the critics are saying about this totally unique concept. You can stream it on Peacock if you’re intrigued.
The series Ponies takes place in the Soviet Union during the 1970s. When Bea and Twila’s CIA husbands die unexpectedly, the two secretaries step in to take their place as spies, believing their ‘Persons of No Interest’ status will give them an advantage. Collider’s Tania Hussain gave the show an 8/10, calling it one of the most promising new series of 2026 thanks to its strong writing and performances.
Get ready to be hooked – ‘Ponies’ ends with a major cliffhanger that will have you wanting more! The show moves at a fast pace, though one episode feels a little slow, but it builds intrigue by revealing information gradually. What really makes it work is its confident storytelling, well-developed characters, and skillful handling of the spy genre. Ultimately, Peacock has created a thrilling and surprisingly personal spy series that stays with you long after you finish watching.
Hope Sloop from Decider calls Ponies a much-needed “hilarious and thrilling ride,” especially noting how it skillfully sidesteps common clichés and negative portrayals often found when depicting women in spy stories. Sloop adds:
The show truly shines when it embraces the unexpected, and it’s the fantastic chemistry between Clarke and Richardson that makes even the most outlandish characters and plots believable. Their charming personalities and performances elevate an already good series, making it even more enjoyable. They have a special connection on screen, and it will leave viewers wanting more.
Kelly Lawler from USA TODAY rated the film 3 out of 4 stars, praising the actresses as ‘divine.’ While the movie isn’t flashy or full of gimmicks, Lawler notes it excels with its heartwarming story and strong narrative, according to the critic.
As a total cinema fan, let me tell you, ‘Peacock’s Ponies’ is exactly the kind of series I crave – it’s wonderfully unpretentious and just so much fun to watch! It’s a real thrill ride, honestly. Everything about it works: the danger feels real, the KGB agents are ridiculously charming, the spies are genuinely clever, and the fashion? Totally amazing. Seriously, what’s not to love?
According to Trent Moore at AV Club, the Peacock series strikes a balance in tone between the spy drama The Americans and the action-comedy Burn Notice. A highlight of the show is the heartwarming friendship between Bea and Twila, which develops as they connect over their unusual situation.
While it’s definitely a spy thriller, this story is fundamentally about the loving bond and friendship between two women. They support each other as they try to uncover what happened to their husbands. Thankfully, the actresses Clarke and Richardson deliver strong, genuine performances, handling the emotional depth without it feeling overly sentimental or artificial.
According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Angie Han, the new series Ponies has some appealing qualities, like its unique costumes, detailed sets, and well-chosen music. However, she ultimately feels the show doesn’t quite succeed, writing:
Though visually striking with its 1970s aesthetic and thrilling twists, the film Ponies, featuring Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson, ultimately falls flat. It has some bright spots, but lacks the substance or consistent excitement needed to be truly memorable, leaving it as a fleeting and easily forgotten experience.
Most critics are giving this eight-part spy series positive reviews, with a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 12 reviews. If you’re interested in seeing these popular actresses in something new, the first season of Ponies is now streaming on Peacock.
Read More
- Sony Removes Resident Evil Copy Ebola Village Trailer from YouTube
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- The Night Manager season 2 episode 3 first-look clip sees steamy tension between Jonathan Pine and a new love interest
- So Long, Anthem: EA’s Biggest Flop Says Goodbye
- Netflix’s Underrated Sci-Fi Series From Game of Thrones Creators Finally Gets Season 2 Release Confirmation
- What Happened to One Key Stranger Things Character We’ve Not Seen in 4 Years Finally Explained
- Is Khloe Kardashian Eyeing an Acting Career? She Says…
- 7 Major Anime Sequels Returning in 2026, Ranked
- Alix Earle’s Mom Alisa Earle Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
2026-01-15 20:41