It's a mistake cancelling Emilia Clarke's Cold War thriller with 94% Rotten Tomatoes score

A 94% Rotten Tomatoes score is not something to be taken lightly. For Emilia Clarke's new Cold War thriller, Ponies, such a high rating should be a badge of honour, evidence of its gripping plot and electric chemistry between leads Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson. Yet, it seems Peacock has decided to axe the series after just one season, leaving fans and critics alike to wonder what could have been.

Ponies, set in Soviet Russia during the height of the Cold War, follows two secretaries, Twila (Haley Lu Richardson) and Bea (Emilia Clarke), who embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of their husbands. As they navigate a deadly web of espionage, they are initiated as CIA operatives, making them a formidable duo. The show's unconventional tone and sharp plot are reminiscent of other critically acclaimed series, and its 94% Rotten Tomatoes score is a shining testament to its success.

Co-creator David Iserson has expressed his disappointment over the show's premature cancellation, calling it a "bitter disappointment." He also took to Instagram to pay tribute to the show, noting that what they made "surpassed all of my hopes and dreams for a television show." Haley Lu Richardson also gave a nod to the show, sharing doughnuts with the words "Ponies, 4EVA" and "Twila" piped on them. The outpouring of love for the show from its creators and cast is a stark contrast to Peacock's decision to cancel it.

While Ponies may not be perfect, its potential is clear. With its brilliant acting, sharp plot, and unconventional tone, it had the capacity to organically build an audience. Asyia Iftikhar, Metro's Senior TV Reporter, shares that the show was "brimming with potential" and that its 94% Rotten Tomatoes score was well-deserved. The show's ability to balance humor and grit, as well as its exploration of queer storylines, made it a standout television.

While Peacock may have cancelled Ponies, it's unlikely that this is the last we've seen of the show. With its critical acclaim and devoted fan base, it's possible that Ponies will find a new home on another platform. In fact, I predict that we'll see Ponies return in some form, giving its characters and storylines the resolution they so rightly deserve.

The cancellation of Ponies is a critical misstep, one that will leave fans of the show feeling disappointed and frustrated. However, as the show continues to gain momentum, it's clear that its impact will be felt long after its initial cancellation.