If you've already devoured Netflix's Legends and are craving more undercover thrills, you're in luck. Peacock's Ponies has arrived to fill that void—and it's earning rave reviews. With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, this Cold War-era spy drama is the perfect next binge for fans of high-stakes espionage.
What Is Ponies About?
Set in Moscow in 1977, Ponies follows Beatrice “Bea” Russell (Emilia Clarke) and Twila Harding (Haley Lu Richardson), two American embassy wives living under the shadow of the USSR. In intelligence jargon, they're "persons of no interest"—or "ponies"—but they quietly serve as unofficial eyes and ears for the U.S. government. Their lives are upended when their husbands die under suspicious circumstances, and the CIA, led by a young George H.W. Bush (Patrick Fabian), recruits them as unlikely spies.
Bea is over-educated, fluent in Russian, and a stickler for rules, while Twila is fearless, outspoken, and brimming with confidence. Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic that critics are calling electric. As they navigate a world of bell-bottoms, big hair, and systemic sexism, they must uncover the truth about their husbands' deaths while proving their worth in a male-dominated arena.
Why Ponies Stands Out
While both Legends and Ponies center on undercover agents, the latter offers a unique twist. It's not just a spy thriller; it's a story about friendship and female empowerment. According to Collider's review, Clarke and Richardson's performances are "electric," with Clarke anchoring the show's real stakes and Richardson bringing a carefree energy that makes their partnership compelling.
Critics have praised the series for going beyond typical genre fare. "Ponies creates a world in which a woman can stand up and assert her right to exist," one review noted. Created by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson, the show offers a glimpse into second-wave feminism and women's rights, all wrapped in a gripping spy narrative.
How It Compares to Legends
Legends, based on Guy Stanton's book The Betrayer, follows British customs agents infiltrating a drug ring in the 1990s. It's a tense, historically grounded thriller that has quickly climbed Netflix's global charts. But with only six episodes, viewers are left wanting more. That's where Ponies comes in. While the settings and tones differ—Ponies is set in the '70s and focuses on female spies—both shows deliver critically acclaimed, edge-of-your-seat storytelling.
If you're looking for more binge-worthy options, check out our list of Hulu Shows That Hook You From Start to Finish or dive into Adam Driver's take on his '80s mafia thriller. For those who prefer survival stories, Netflix's Apex has already hit 100 million views.
Final Verdict
Ponies is more than a replacement for Legends—it's a standout series in its own right. With a stellar cast, a fresh historical setting, and a feminist core, it's a must-watch for anyone who loves smart, character-driven spy dramas. Stream it now on Peacock.
