# Peacock’s Ascendant Spotlight: Two Must-See Originals on the Horizon
Amidst the continually evolving landscape of streaming services, Peacock, NBC’s digital offering, frequently finds itself in the shadow of titans such as Netflix and Disney+. Yet, with an expanding array of original programming and a distinctive combination of live TV and on-demand features, Peacock is gradually establishing its unique space. The platform’s recent announcements for two eagerly awaited series, “Ponies” and “M.I.A.,” exemplify Peacock’s dedication to providing exceptional entertainment. Let’s explore what renders these upcoming shows so intriguing.
## Ponies: A Cold War Spy Adventure
“Ponies” is an espionage thriller set in Cold War-era Moscow, promising to be a captivating addition to Peacock’s collection. Starring Emilia Clarke, famously recognized for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones,” the series features her as Bea, an American fluent in Russian, who serves as a secretary at the U.S. embassy in Moscow. Thrust into the world of espionage alongside her colleague Twila after their husbands are mysteriously murdered in the Soviet Union, Bea’s life takes a perilous turn.
Directed by Emmy Award-nominated Susanna Fogel, known for her direction of “The Flight Attendant” and “The Spy Who Dumped Me,” the series is co-written by Fogel and David Iserson, a writer from the critically acclaimed “Mr. Robot,” who also takes on the role of showrunner. With such a formidable creative ensemble and a gripping storyline, “Ponies” is poised to be a standout for enthusiasts of espionage tales.
## M.I.A.: A Female-Centric Crime Thriller
The other series, “M.I.A.,” is a crime thriller set in South Florida, created by one of the minds behind Netflix’s “Ozark,” a highly lauded series in recent times. It centers on Etta Tiger Jonze, a woman haunted by the brutal murder of her family, which drives her to seek vengeance. As Etta embarks on her pursuit of justice, she evolves from a voiceless orphan into the most formidable criminal queenpin in South Florida.
Directed by Stefano Sollima, the visionary behind Prime Video’s “ZeroZeroZero” and the renowned Italian mafia series “Gomorrah,” Sollima’s skill in developing riveting, character-focused narratives makes him an ideal choice for this raw, female-led crime story.
## Peacock’s Escalating Impact
While Peacock may not rival Netflix or Disney+ in subscriber counts, it is clear that the platform is striving to assert itself. Blending live television, beloved classics, and an increasing slate of original series, Peacock is establishing itself as a viable competitor amid the streaming battleground. The introduction of high-profile projects such as “Ponies” and “M.I.A.” only enhances its allure.
These forthcoming series, alongside recent successes like “Poker Face” and “The Killer,” underline Peacock’s commitment to prioritizing quality over sheer quantity. Although smaller in scope, the platform is proving capable of delivering premium content that distinguishes itself in a saturated marketplace.
As Peacock continues to broaden its offerings and attract premier talent, it will be fascinating to observe its evolution and competitive stance against industry giants. For the moment, viewers have much to anticipate with “Ponies” and “M.I.A.,” two series set to offer thrilling and immersive entertainment.
