The Peacock hit Ponies captivated audiences with its impeccable period vibes and the thrilling transformation of two ordinary housewives into unlikely Cold War spies. If you, like us, binged every episode and are now craving more stories of agents operating outside the usual playbook, you understand the unique appeal of unexpected heroes in espionage. You're searching for shows like 'Ponies' you can sink your teeth into, stories where the most unassuming characters turn out to be the most dangerous. Good news: we've rounded up the best spy series that deliver all the intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists you could wish for, from historical dramas to modern thrillers.
Cold War Echoes and Hidden Identities
There's something uniquely compelling about the Cold War era, where secrets were currency and trust was a luxury. These shows mirror the historical tension and the profound personal costs seen in Ponies, often featuring protagonists living double lives in plain sight.
The Americans (2013 - 2018)
Set in the 1980s, this critically acclaimed series, created by a former CIA officer, plunges us into the lives of Elizabeth and Philip Jennings (Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys). They are Soviet KGB agents posing as an American couple in suburban D.C., raising children who know nothing of their parents' true mission. The brilliance of The Americans lies in its exploration of identity and loyalty, presenting a powerful conflict as these spies are tasked with undermining the very government under which their American-born children are growing up (Weisberg, 2013).
at Disney+
Kleo (2022 - )
This German import brings a darkly comedic twist to the Cold War spy thriller. Jella Haase stars as Kleo Straub, a ruthless East German Stasi assassin who finds herself framed for treason just before the Berlin Wall falls in 1989. Now free, Kleo embarks on a brutal quest for revenge. Her path crosses with Sven Petzold (Dimitrij Schaad), a hapless police officer who soon discovers he's profoundly out of his depth. Kleo delivers sharp action and surprising humor, making it a standout among shows like 'Ponies' you might enjoy.
at Netflix
The Sympathizer (2024)
This stellar miniseries reminds us that espionage isn't solely a woman's game. Based loosely on a true story, Hoa Xuande plays the Captain, a South Vietnamese army member who harbors a massive secret: he's a spy for the communist north. When evacuated to the United States, he becomes a double agent, navigating a complicated new life in Southern California while struggling with his old loyalties. With its dark comedy, brilliant performances, and direction from Park Chan-wook, this is an unconventional period spy story that resonates deeply.
at HBO Max
Deutschland 83 (2015)
This acclaimed German miniseries thrusts a naive 24-year-old East German border guard, Martin Rauch (Jonas Nay), into the heart of Cold War espionage. Undercover as a West German army lieutenant, he's forced to gather intelligence on NATO's military strategy. The series perfectly captures the tension and cultural clashes of the era, offering a fresh, often thrilling perspective on the spy genre. It's a gripping look at an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances, much like the protagonists of Ponies (SundanceTV, 2015).
Modern Espionage: High Stakes and Deep Covers
Moving beyond the Cold War, modern spy thrillers often explore the complexities of intelligence work in a rapidly changing world. These series delve into the psychological toll and moral ambiguities of espionage, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Homeland (2011 - 2020)
Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), a brilliant but troubled CIA case officer, suspects decorated Marine Corps sniper Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), recently rescued from al-Qaeda, has been turned. Her superiors, aware of her bipolar disorder, dismiss her concerns, setting off an intense cat-and-mouse game. Both leads earned Emmys for their performances, and the series captured the Outstanding Drama prize in its first year. Homeland is a masterclass in psychological tension and intricate plotting.
at Hulu
Black Doves (2024 - )
This Netflix hit, already renewed for a second season, is a genre-bending spy thriller with a pulpy, self-aware tone. Keira Knightley stars as Helen Webb, the seemingly ordinary wife of a U.K. Secretary of State for Defence, who secretly works for a mercenary spy organization. When her lover is killed, potentially blowing her cover, she enlists the help of her hitman best friend (Ben Whislaw). It's a stylish, fast-paced ride that doesn't take itself too seriously.
at Netflix
The Day of the Jackal (2024 - )
This cinematic adaptation of Frederick Forsyth's classic novel is buoyed by brilliant casting. Eddie Redmayne plays the enigmatic Jackal, a steely international assassin, pursued by MI6 operative Bianca Pullman, portrayed by Lashana Lynch (channeling her experience as the new 007). While the premise might be familiar, the top-notch performances and production values elevate each episode into a tense, mini-movie experience. If you appreciate sophisticated thrillers, this is a must-watch.
at Peacock
The Night Manager (2016)
Based on John le Carré's novel, this limited series stars Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine, a former British soldier turned luxury hotel night manager. He's recruited by an intelligence operative (Olivia Colman) to infiltrate the inner circle of a ruthless arms dealer, Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie). Pine's journey from a seemingly ordinary life to a dangerous undercover world is fraught with tension and moral compromise, making it a compelling entry for fans of sophisticated spy dramas (BBC, 2016).
Unconventional Agents and Dark Humor
Sometimes, the most effective spies are the ones you'd least suspect. These shows lean into the unexpected, often injecting humor or unique character dynamics into the high-stakes world of espionage, much like the spirited duo in Ponies.
The Recruit (2022 - 2025)
For a dose of fun in the "unlikely spy" genre, look no further than The Recruit. Noah Centineo stars as Owen Hendricks, a young CIA lawyer who stumbles upon an extortion threat from a former asset in routine paperwork. This discovery catapults him into a series of fast-paced, globetrotting adventures for which he is utterly unprepared. Hendricks consistently knows too much to stay safe but not enough to stay out of trouble, making for an enjoyable, adventure-driven watch.
at Netflix
Killing Eve (2018 - 2022)
Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer deliver one of television's great cat-and-mouse narratives. Oh plays Eve Polastri, a bored MI5 analyst who becomes obsessed with hunting down the brutal and notorious assassin, Villanelle. What begins as a professional compulsion quickly turns personal, as Eve and Villanelle engage in a dangerous dance of fascination. Like Ponies, it's a rare spy drama that puts two compelling women at the forefront of the action, exploring the dark side of obsession.
at Prime Video
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024 - )
One-upping the film that inspired it, this series stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as two spies tasked with posing as a married couple. They coordinate, and sometimes compete, on missions. Each episode tackles a standalone assignment in a new location, progressively complicating their relationship and raising the stakes until a climactic finale. The show has been renewed, though the future of Glover and Erskine in the roles remains to be seen. It's an intriguing blend of romance, action, and espionage.
at Prime Video
Slow Horses (2022 - )
Based on Mick Herron's acclaimed novels, Slow Horses introduces us to Slough House, a dumping ground for disgraced MI5 agents. Led by the brilliant but repulsive Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), these 'slow horses' are the intelligence world's rejects, yet they frequently stumble into and foil national threats. It's a sharp, witty, and often thrilling series that celebrates the underdog, proving that even the most overlooked agents can make a difference (Apple TV+, 2022).
From the clandestine world of Cold War housewives to the modern-day exploits of unlikely lawyers and disgraced agents, the appeal of unexpected heroes in espionage is undeniable. These shows, much like Ponies, remind us that courage and cunning can be found in the most surprising places. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare for your next thrilling binge.
