The spy thriller genre is undeniably experiencing a magnificent golden age. From Apple TV’s critically acclaimed Slow Horses to Netflix’s sleek, tension-filled Black Doves, modern audiences are spoiled for choice when it comes to espionage dramas vying for their attention. Amidst a crowded field competing fiercely for viewer viewership, the latest offering, Ponies, proves to be a thoroughly worthy and highly valuable addition.

The series takes its title from Cold War intelligence jargon—an acronym for “Persons Of No Interest”. This is precisely how the authorities and security agencies perceive our central protagonists: as merely the unassuming, invisible, and harmless wives of CIA agents stationed in 1977 Moscow.

The story begins with Bea (played by Emilia Clarke), a well-educated, straight-laced Wellesley graduate who arrives in the Soviet Union to join her husband. Taking a position as a bilingual secretary to the US cultural attaché at the embassy, she soon crosses paths with Twila (played by Haley Lu Richardson)—an abrasive, outspoken small-town American who candidly admits she married simply to escape her impoverished postcode. The two individuals are as different as night and day.

However, a fatal turning point occurs when both of their husbands are suddenly killed in a mysterious plane crash. Bound by grief and a mutual lack of options—Twila has no home to return to, while a heartbroken Bea is driven by a desperate need for answers—the chalk-and-cheese duo take it upon themselves to uncover the dark truth behind the tragedy.

Keeping their real motives under wraps, they use their wits to persuade Bureau Chief Dane (played by Adrian Lester) to employ them as field operatives. Their pitch is simple yet entirely convincing: the KGB would never suspect two grieving, seemingly ordinary women of being recruited as undercover spies. To maintain their anonymity, Dane assigns them safe cover roles: Bea returns to her secretarial duties, while Twila, despite her total lack of prior experience, is placed in a similar role at the embassy to work alongside her.

Tasked with extracting information from Sasha, their husbands’ former asset, the rookie operatives quickly find themselves in hot water. Bea falls directly into the crosshairs of menacing KGB agent Andrei Vasiliev, while Twila relies on her fearlessness and sharp wits to outsmart and navigate the deadly adversaries.

From the very first episode, Ponies successfully sets up a tightly woven plot and delivers all the nail-biting, high-tension moments you could want from a top-tier spy thriller. But while the espionage hooks you into the narrative, it is the dynamic and evolving relationship between Bea and Twila that truly anchors the show. Their blossoming friendship amidst a backdrop of political intrigue serves as both the emotional and comedic heart of the production. Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson are equally brilliant, creating an inseparable on-screen partnership.

Come for the thrilling Cold War espionage intrigues, and stay for the ride-or-die friendship. Ponies is currently available to stream on Sky or NOW in the UK, and on Peacock in the US. Prepare yourself to experience one of the most binge-worthy spy thrillers of the year!