The latest spy thriller series to hit Netflix, after shows like The Night Agent and Treason, is garnering buzz for its upcoming premiere date. Keira Knightley stars in Black Doves, the plot of which follows dedicated wife and mother Helen Webb as she navigates the shadowy dealings of a criminal underworld.

For 10 years, Helen has been passing on her politician husband’s secrets to the Black Doves, a spy organization headed by the enigmatic Reed, played by Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley, Julia). After her secret lover Jason, played by Andrew Koji (Peaky Blinders, Warrior), is assassinated, Reed calls in Helen’s old friend Sam, played by Ben Whishaw (This Is Going to Hurt), to keep her safe.

Premiering on December 5, Black Doves is the latest highly-anticipated offering from Netflix UK. Other British-produced Netflix series, such as Baby Reindeer and The Gentleman, have made a splash this year, with the latter being nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards, taking home four of them at last month’s ceremony.

The series, created by Joe Barton (The Lazarus Project), is being produced by Harry Munday (Kaos, Landscapers) and executive-produced by Knightley, Barton, Jane Featherstone and Chris Fry (both Chernobyl). Production companies Sister and Noisy Bear are co-producing. Episode directors include Alex Gabassi (The Crown) and Lisa Gunning (The Power).

The extended cast includes Andrew Buchan (Carnival Row), Omari Douglas (Rye Lane, It’s a Sin), Kathryn Hunter (Andor, The Tragedy of Macbeth), Gabrielle Creevy (In My Skin, Three Women), Tracey Ullman (The Tracey Ullman Show) and Luther Ford (The Crown). 

In August 2024, ahead of its winter premiere, Black Doves was renewed for a second season, a decision that bodes well for the upcoming series.