The new Peacock spy drama Ponies arrived with a bang in January 2026, earning critical acclaim and a spot in the streamer’s Top 10. With a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and a built-in audience thanks to stars Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson, the show seemed like a sure thing for a quick renewal. However, any optimism for a swift return has been dampened by a very candid—and disappointing—update directly from Richardson herself.
The series, which blends Cold War espionage with dark comedic elements, left viewers on a massive cliffhanger. Naturally, fans have been eager to know if and when the story of Bea and Twila will continue. But according to one of its leads, the people making the show are just as much in the dark as the audience.
Haley Lu Richardson Says She Has ‘Absolutely No Idea’ About the Show’s Future
While promoting another project, Haley Lu Richardson was asked about the status of Ponies Season 2. Her response was blunt and honest, confirming that there is no movement behind the scenes—at least, none that she is aware of. She stated that she has “absolutely no idea” whether the Peacock series will be returning for another season, adding, “No one tells me anything” .
This news is particularly frustrating for fans because Richardson did not hide her love for the project. Despite not knowing if she will get to play the role again, she spoke very fondly of her time on the show and the character of Twila. She shared her happiness about the audience’s reaction, saying:
“I love the response and that people are loving it and relating to Bea and Twila and their friendship. I have never loved a character more than I love Twila. She has been very therapeutic for me to play.”
Her comments confirm that while the passion for the project is there, the official green light from the network is not.
What is ‘Ponies’ About? A Quick Recap
For those who haven’t tuned in yet, Ponies is set in the 1970s and follows two very different women, Bea (Emilia Clarke) and Twila (Haley Lu Richardson), who are both widows of CIA agents . After their husbands die during a mysterious mission in Moscow, they are pulled into the world of espionage to uncover the truth. The series follows them as they go undercover, navigating a world of KGB threats, a hunt for a mole within the Agency, and the shocking secrets their husbands left behind . The show has drawn frequent comparisons to Apple TV+’s Slow Horses for its mix of spy thriller tension and character-driven quirkiness .
Creators Have Plans, But Peacock Has Not Made a Decision
The uncertainty from Richardson contradicts earlier comments from the show’s creators, Susanna Fogel and David Iserson. Shortly after the first season premiered on January 15, 2026, the pair confirmed that they were actively planning for a second season .
They revealed that they pitched Ponies as an ongoing series and have a multi-season arc in mind, with Season 2 already mapped out . In interviews, they discussed where they want to take the characters. Fogel mentioned that in a potential second season, the protagonists would have to “re-ask themselves these questions about what personally is in this for them and what are the stakes for them” . They also hinted at expanding the story beyond the Russian setting.
However, there is a big difference between having plans and having a renewal. Despite the creators’ confidence and readiness to move forward, Peacock has not officially ordered more episodes . The show remains in a state of limbo, waiting for the streaming service to make a call based on viewership data and internal strategy.
That Massive Cliffhanger Ending
The lack of a renewal is especially hard for viewers because Ponies Season 1 ended with multiple unresolved storylines. The finale pulled no punches, leaving the main characters in extreme danger and revealing major twists:
- Chris and Cheryl were revealed to be Soviet moles inside the CIA, though their full motives remain a mystery .
- Bea’s husband, Chris, who was presumed dead, was revealed to be alive in the final moments of the season .
- The episode ended with Bea and Twila surrounded by KGB agents, held at gunpoint in a burning CIA building .
These cliffhangers were designed to set up a second season, making the current silence from Peacock feel even more unsettling for fans who are desperate for answers.
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What Happens Next for the Spy Series?
As of now, the future of Ponies is entirely dependent on Peacock. The series has the critical score (96% on Rotten Tomatoes) and star power, but streaming services often rely on completion rates and new subscriber acquisition to make renewal decisions.
For viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India, the first season is currently available to stream on Peacock. If you haven’t watched it yet, now is the time. In the streaming era, viewer numbers in the first few months are crucial for a show’s survival.
For now, everyone—including its stars—is waiting. As Haley Lu Richardson confirmed, there are no updates, no news, and no guarantee that Bea and Twila will ride again. Fans will have to hope that Peacock recognizes the value of this critically acclaimed hit before too much time passes.
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