The creative team behind Peacock’s new espionage dramedy Ponies says the addition of Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson in the lead roles was central to striking the show’s unusual balance between spy thriller and comedy.
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Now streaming with all eight episodes available, the series follows two women whose seemingly ordinary lives are upended by secrets tied to Cold War–era intelligence operations. Clarke plays Beatrice “Bea” Grant, while Richardson portrays Twila Hasbeck. Initially dismissed as “persons of no interest,” a phrase that ultimately gives the series its title, both characters find themselves drawn into CIA operations after learning that their husbands died under suspicious circumstances during a covert mission in Moscow.
Despite having no formal intelligence background, Bea and Twila enlist themselves into the world of espionage, attempting to uncover the truth behind the deaths — a journey that blends emotional stakes with unexpected humour as the pair navigate danger, KGB secrets, and their own clashing personalities.
Co-creator Susanna Fogel said Clarke emerged as a standout for Bea, noting that the role allowed the Game of Thrones star to showcase a side of her acting not typically seen on screen. “Emilia was somebody who we were a fan of but hadn’t seen do this particular role,” Fogel explained, adding that Clarke brought an immediate understanding of the script’s tone.
Richardson’s casting, Fogel said, was even more instantaneous. “The minute she walked into the meeting… we’re like, ‘Oh, well, this meeting is unnecessary,’” she recalled. The actress’s performance influenced subtle updates to the character during development.
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With suspense, comedy, and character-driven storytelling at its core, Ponies leans heavily on the chemistry between its leads. All eight episodes are currently available to stream on Peacock.