To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
It’s a real shame to see Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson’s new spy thriller Ponies get the axe after just one series.
The eight-episode Peacock drama, set in Soviet Russia during the height of the Cold War, follows two secretaries: the outgoing Twila (Haley) and bookish Bea (Emilia), who are flung together after the mysterious death of their husbands.
As the widows embark on a journey to figure out the truth, they are initiated as CIA operatives and find themselves enmeshed in a deadly web far bigger than they ever imagined – and are kind of making it up as they go along.
It’s funny with a gritty-enough plot to reel you in. By far the best part of the entire show is the electric chemistry between Emilia and Haley onscreen, making them a brilliant fictional duo.
The first series set up our layered protagonists (both female in a breath of fresh air), a meaty plot and an even meatier cliffhanger which will now never get any resolution.
Also, it had a queer storyline that was largely untapped, another bitter disappointment.
In a statement, co-creator David Iserson mourned the premature ending ‘for now’ on his Instagram, paying homage to the seven-year journey it took to get it to the small screen.
He continued: ‘What we made surpassed all of my hopes and dreams for a television show,’ as he spoke about his pride and encouraged people to watch it anyway, dubbing it ‘not like anything else on television’.
‘Goodbye to Bea and Twila for now. I hope we all get to visit them again,’ he shared on a bittersweet note.
Haley also gave the show a sweet nod with doughnuts with the words ‘Ponies’, ‘4EVA’ and ‘Twila’ piped on them.
The first series of Ponies was not perfect, but I don’t think the first batch of episodes needs to be. What’s matter is that they are brimming with potential, and there’s no doubt that Ponies was, especially with its unconventional tone.
There was every chance for this series to organically build an audience, given its brilliant acting and sharp plot. In fact, it easily secured an impressive 94% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score, labelled an ‘unexpected treat’, ‘lots of fun’ and ‘absolutely thrilling’.
What does Metro think of Ponies?
Senior TV Reporter Asyia Iftikhar shares her four-star review…
Still, there is more to love about this series than not. Emilia’s chemistry with essentially everyone in the cast is endearing. You’re rooting for the friendship forged in fire between Bea and Twila and the unexpected romantic tension between Bea and double agent Sasha (Petro Ninovskyi).
Elsewhere, later on in the show, there’s a stellar guest appearance from Harriet Walter, who plays Bea’s tough-as-nails grandmother.
All in all, Haley and Emilia helm this fascinating thriller with a steady hand – supported by a standout ensemble cast that populate this rich world.
No surprise that the show being cut at the knees has prompted outcry. Especially as, in case I didn’t already mention, it ended on a bonkers cliffhanger (the people need closure!).
‘I need another streaming service to pick this up because the untapped potential is crazy,’ looms wrote on X.
‘The fact that ‘Ponies’ didn’t get renewed for a S2 is absurd. One of my favourite new shows of 2026. Haley Lu Richardson and Emilia Clarke had incredible on-screen chemistry,’ Hunter added.
‘So disappointed to hear that Ponies has been cancelled at Peacock after just one season. Amazing performances, amazing backdrop, amazing writing, amazing music,’ Jeff Conway echoed.
I can’t help but feel we’ve squandered star talent and truly compelling characters for nothing.
Metro has reached out to Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson’s representatives.