Ponies: How Do Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson Become 1970s CIA Spies?

A new trailer reveals how two overlooked secretaries become central figures in a global conspiracy. Peacock’s upcoming spy series Ponies shows Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson transforming from embassy staff into CIA operatives after a personal tragedy in Cold War Moscow.

The eight-episode thriller is set to premiere in full on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The story begins in Moscow in 1977, where two women working at the American embassy are classified as “PONIES” — an intelligence term for “persons of no interest”. Their quiet lives end when their husbands die under mysterious circumstances, pulling them into a dangerous investigation that uncovers a vast Cold War plot.

The Core Roles and Character Dynamics

Emilia Clarke plays Bea, a secretary whose skills have long been ignored. Her character is the over-educated, Russian-speaking child of Soviet immigrants. Bea’s deep understanding of language and culture becomes a vital asset. Haley Lu Richardson plays Twila, her counterpart described as a fearless and abrasive small-town girl. While Bea relies on intellect and knowledge, Twila operates on instinct and boldness.

The two women start as colleagues with a shared secret—they both know their husbands were CIA operatives, not just diplomats. The trailer shows a moment where they acknowledge this truth while walking together. When their husbands are killed in a suspicious plane crash in the USSR, their shared loss forges a powerful partnership. They channel their grief into a mission for answers, deciding the best way to find them is to work for the CIA themselves.

Haley Lu Richardson’s character, Twila, points out their unique advantage: “We’re women, people only look at us if they want to have sex with us or marry us, and that’s it. No one would ever suspect us of anything”.

Plot Details and the Path to Espionage

The official plan from the CIA, delivered by Adrian Lester’s character Dane, is not what Bea and Twila expect. They are asked to continue their secretarial duties, which frustrates them. Bea reacts by saying, “I thought you had a real assignment for us”. However, their low-profile positions become the perfect cover for infiltration.

Their investigation quickly moves beyond office work. The trailer shows them using their perceived invisibility to get close to high-level KGB targets, employing flirting and social manipulation to gain trust. Their methods are unorthodox and often chaotic. One scene shows Twila accidentally setting a man’s coat on fire with a lighter, leading to a frantic argument with Bea about basic safety. Their journey is not about trained precision but about two determined women learning spycraft through trial and error, driven by personal motive.

The central mystery they aim to solve is the true cause of their husbands’ deaths, which they believe is linked to a larger conspiracy. As they dig deeper, they realize the danger is immense. Bea warns Twila about a key target: “We know how dangerous this guy is… He’s probably assassinating hundreds of people a day”.

Full Cast and Production Team

The series features a strong supporting cast that brings the world of 1970s Moscow espionage to life.

• Adrian Lester plays Dane, the CIA contact who guides Bea and Twila.
• Artjom Gilz plays Andrei.
• Nicholas Podany plays Ray.
• Vic Michaelis plays Cheryl.

The creative team behind the camera brings significant experience. The series was co-created by David Iserson and Susanna Fogel. Iserson, known for work on Mr. Robot and New Girl, serves as the showrunner and writer. Fogel, who directed The Flight Attendant, directs the series. Emilia Clarke also serves as an executive producer on the project.

Filming for the series took place in Budapest, Hungary, which stood in for 1970s Moscow.

Global Release Schedule and Streaming Details

Peacock will release all eight episodes of Ponies at once on January 15, 2026. This allows viewers to watch the entire series on its launch day. Each episode is approximately one hour long.

The series will be available exclusively on the Peacock streaming service. For viewers outside the United States, international release plans have not yet been officially detailed.

Also Read: It: Welcome to Derry Finale Hides a Nod to a Vintage Villain

---