'Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson star in Cold War thriller series 'Ponies'

Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson lead Peacock’s new series 'Ponies', set in Moscow during the Cold War

Emilia Clarke has joined Haley Lu Richardson in the upcoming Peacock series Ponies, a Cold War-set thriller scheduled to premiere on January 15.

The series is set in Moscow in 1977 and centres on two American women whose lives become intertwined following personal tragedy.

Clarke plays Bea, described as a sophisticated secretary working at the American embassy, while Richardson portrays Twila, a small-town woman employed in a similar role.

The two characters form an unlikely partnership after their husbands die under mysterious circumstances. Seeking answers, Bea and Twila urge their superiors to allow them to assume new responsibilities beyond their administrative roles.

Their determination leads them into the world of intelligence operations, where they are permitted to become CIA operatives.

As the story unfolds, the pair find themselves interacting with KGB agents while attempting to uncover what is described as a wide-reaching conspiracy tied to Cold War tensions. The series follows their transition from embassy staff to active participants in covert operations.

Ponies is positioned as a fast-paced thriller, with the narrative driven by the evolving relationship between Clarke’s and Richardson’s characters.

Promotional materials highlight the contrast between Bea’s polished demeanour and Twila’s more grounded background, which shapes their dynamic as they navigate unfamiliar and dangerous territory together.

The series marks Clarke’s latest television role following her work on Game of Thrones, where she gained global recognition. 

Ponies will be available to stream on Peacock from January 15.