Is Sky on a roll with their Originals in 2026? Though strictly a Peacock drama, it’s badged as a Sky Original here in the UK. After watching the excellent Prisoner, we thought we would give this one a chance.
It’s a Russian-based spy action drama that looks absolutely amazing on the small screen, capturing the 1970s Cold War atmosphere with the KGB and the US embassy offices all spying on each other in Moscow.
The period is brought to life with set pieces appear period-accurate with no doubt some additional effects that are impressive to bring the environment and vision to life. The show also has a great title sequence that brilliantly sets up the show’s communist-era aesthetic. It couldn’t have been cheap to produce.
Both leads are familiar faces: Emilia Clarke (of Solo: A Star Wars Story fame) and the amazing Haley Lu Richardson (from The White Lotus) playing Bea and Twila. Both working in secretarial jobs in the US Embassy. Adrian Lester also features as the Head of the CIA.
Both women are classified as PONIES “Persons Of No Interest” because no one expects them to be involved in espionage. This classification follows the mysterious deaths of their CIA husbands.
Consisting of eight episodes, it did take me a couple to really get into the story. However, as the series progressed, it just got stronger and stronger. I really enjoyed this one; the finale delivers some exciting twists and sets up some major cliffhangers for a follow-up.
However, as I write this piece, news broke of the series cancellation. Such a shame this was cancelled by Peacock and Sky. Looks like we will now be left hanging with unanswered story elements/cliff hangers. Knowing it is not returning makes it a little difficult to recommend, but if you can accept you will be left hanging, it is enjoyable.
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