Everything You Need To Know About "Black Doves," Netflix's New Spy Thriller

If you're a fan of all things spies and thrillers, then you might want to check out Netflix's newest TV series Black Doves.

What is Black Doves about?

Promotional poster for "Black Doves" on Netflix, featuring two people, one in a black coat, holding guns in a snowy setting. Premieres December 5
Netflix

The six-episode series takes place in London at Christmas and follows professional spy Helen Webb (Keira Knightley) and assassin Sam (Ben Whishaw) as they investigate who killed Helen's secret lover.

A person in a trench coat points a gun, standing in front of a city street with a parked car
Stefania Rosini/Netflix

Some background: For 10 years, Helen has been passing on her politician husband’s secrets to the mysterious organization she works for: the Black Doves. After her lover is assassinated, her boss calls in Helen’s old friend Sam to keep her safe. Their investigation leads them to "uncover a vast, interconnected conspiracy linking the murky London underworld to a looming geopolitical crisis."

Two people sit in a car at night. The driver looks serious, and the passenger has blood on their face. Scene suggests tension or drama
Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Who's in it?

A smiling couple dances in formal attire at an indoor event, with festive decorations in the background
Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Keira Knightley as Helen Webb:

Person gazes thoughtfully near a blurred cityscape, with iconic landmarks visible in the background

Helen is a quick-witted, dedicated wife and mother...and professional spy. When her lover Jason is shot dead by a sniper, she sets out to find who killed him and why.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Ben Whishaw as Sam Young:

A serious-looking man aims a rifle in a dimly lit, gritty environment, suggesting a scene from an intense TV or movie thriller

Sam is a hired killer who's worked with Helen for years. While investigating Jason's death, Sam must also figure out his relationship with his ex-boyfriend Michael.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Andrew Buchan as Wallace Webb:

Actor in a formal suit stands in front of a framed painting, gazing thoughtfully to the side

Wallace, Helen's husband, is the minister of state for defense and has ambitions of one day becoming Prime Minister.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Sarah Lancashire as Reed:

Person with short, light hair, wearing a scarf and holding a glass, stands indoors with a city view in the background

Reed is Helen’s handler and Sam’s former boss. She's essentially the puppet master of the Black Doves and is always looking to make the most money possible by selling secrets to the highest bidder.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Gabrielle Creevy as Eleanor, Kathryn Hunter as Lenny Lines, and Ella Lily Hyland as Williams:

Three people stand in a dimly lit room, wearing casual clothing. The setting appears to be a cozy café

Lenny (middle) is Sam's boss who hires him for jobs, and Williams (right) and Eleanor (left) are freelance assassins.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Omari Douglas as Michael:

Two people sit closely together on a sofa, one holding a book. The setting suggests a cozy and intimate moment

Michael is Sam's ex-boyfriend who is incredibly gentle, kind, and funny. And, up until Sam's departure years ago, had absolutely no clue what Sam's real job was.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Already watched the show and wondering if it's coming back for a Season 2? The answer is...yes!! Netflix recently announced that Black Doves will officially return for a second season.

Woman with blood on her face, looking serious, promoting "Black Doves" series premiering on Netflix on December 5th
Netflix

Black Doves premiered on Netflix on Dec. 5 and is currently streaming. Let me know what you think of the show in the comments below!