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| Where Was Ponies Filmed? Peacock Series Shooting Locations Revealed (Photo: Peacock) |
Peacock’s spy thriller Ponies isn’t just another Cold War drama riding on nostalgia. Created by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson, the series flips expectations by putting two overlooked embassy secretaries at the centre of an international intelligence storm. Set against the tension-filled backdrop of 1970s Moscow, Ponies blends personal loss, political paranoia, and sharp character contrast into one slow-burn mystery that already has viewers talking before its release.
The story follows Bea and Twila, two American Embassy secretaries working quietly in Moscow. Bea is sharp, fluent in Russian, and shaped by her Soviet immigrant roots, while Twila is bold, outspoken, and refreshingly unfiltered. They couldn’t be more different, yet when both their husbands are found dead under suspicious circumstances, the women are pulled into the shadowy world of the CIA.
What starts as a personal search for answers quickly spirals into a much bigger Cold War conspiracy, where trust is rare and danger feels constant.
With performances led by Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson, the series leans heavily on atmosphere. The tension isn’t just in the dialogue or plot twists, but in the streets, buildings, and carefully chosen locations that recreate a convincing version of Soviet-era Moscow.
Where Was Ponies Filmed
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Although the series is set in Russia, Ponies was filmed entirely in Hungary, with Budapest doing most of the heavy lifting. Production reportedly began in February 2025 and wrapped in July 2025, with nearly five months spent transforming modern Hungary into a believable Cold War landscape.
Budapest was chosen for its historic architecture, wide boulevards, and Eastern European aesthetic, all of which mirror the look and feel of 1970s Moscow without heavy CGI.
Ponies Filming Locations
Budapest Hungary
The Hungarian capital serves as the main stand-in for Moscow. Large sections of the city were redressed with period-accurate details, muted colour palettes, and Soviet-style props to sell the Cold War setting.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Several key sequences were filmed around this iconic bridge spanning the Danube, offering dramatic wide shots that double as Moscow cityscapes.
Heroes’ Square
One of Budapest’s most recognisable landmarks, Heroes’ Square was used for multiple exterior scenes, providing a grand and imposing backdrop suited to Cold War storytelling.
Elisabeth Bridge
Appearing in establishing shots, this bridge adds to the illusion of a sprawling Soviet capital.
Hungarian Parliament Building
Its imposing façade fits seamlessly into the series’ political atmosphere and was reportedly used in background shots.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Briefly visible in wider scenes, subtly repurposed to match the era.
Hungarian State Opera House
Another architectural gem used to enrich the period setting.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Seen in distant and transitional shots, adding texture to the city’s skyline.
Dunaújváros
The production team also travelled south to this industrial city, which provided a more rugged and utilitarian backdrop for darker, high-stakes moments in the series.
Budapest continues to prove why it’s one of Europe’s busiest filming hubs, following its use in major international productions across film and television.
Online reactions to Ponies have been mixed but engaged, which is never a bad sign.
Some fans are excited to see Emilia Clarke stepping into a grounded, intelligence-driven role that relies more on tension than spectacle. Others are especially curious about Haley Lu Richardson’s character, with viewers praising the contrast between the two leads as a refreshing twist on the spy genre.
Location enthusiasts have also been quick to point out familiar Budapest landmarks in early previews, applauding the production design for avoiding an overly polished look. On the flip side, a few netizens remain cautious, questioning whether the Cold War angle will feel fresh in a crowded spy drama landscape.
Still, the general mood leans curious rather than sceptical, with many agreeing that the female-led perspective and embassy setting could give Ponies a distinct edge.
What do you think? Does Ponies feel like a must-watch, or are you waiting to see how the story unfolds first?