Release Date, Cast, Story & Everything We Know

Keira Knightley, an actress synonymous with period dramas, will be returning to the action genre with Netflix’s Black Doves. Created for the small screen by Joe Barton, the upcoming spy series concerns a secret agent, Helen (Knightley), whose double life is nearly exposed when her new boyfriend is killed by the London criminal underworld. In order to protect their assets, The Black Doves send in Sam (Ben Whishaw) to protect her. Perhaps best known for her more dramatic roles, Black Doves is a departure for Knightley, who is taking a stab at action stardom once again in the 2020s.

Black Doves is not just a testament to Knightley’s versatility as an actress, but also signals Netflix’s commitment to producing high-quality, captivating entertainment. Knightley’s involvement in the project has generated considerable excitement, showcasing her in a role that promises to blend the dramatic depth she’s known for with the dynamic pace of a spy thriller. Netflix’s best original shows are always a combination of high production value and terrific writing, and Black Doves looks to have both in spades. Perhaps most intriguing of all, Black Doves has already been renewed for season 2.

Black Doves Latest News

Netflix Announces The Release Date For Black Doves

The release comes perfectly timed, since the series will take place at Christmastime, and offers an alternative to the usual holiday fare.

Though news has been rather scant throughout most of 2024, the latest news confirms the release date for the debut season of Black Doves. The highly-anticipated spy thriller has now set a release date, and all episodes of season 1 will drop on Thursday, December 5, 2024 (via Deadline). The release comes perfectly timed, since the series will take place at Christmastime, and offers an alternative to the usual holiday fare. With season 2 already confirmed, it’s unclear where the sophomore season stands in terms of development.

Black Doves Release Date

The Spy Thriller Arrives In Time For Christmas

Netflix is looking to continue their hot-streak with Black Doves, and the streamer has finally put the spy thriller on the release schedule. Coming just in time for the Christmas season, Black Doves season 1 will drop all episodes on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Since the show was preemptively renewed for a second season, it’s unclear when the sophomore installment will arrive. However, if Black Doves proves to be a smash hit, Netflix will likely want to rush it out as quickly as possible to capture the momentum.

Black Doves
season 1 will consist of 6 episodes.

Black Doves Cast Details

Several Recognizable Actors Join Knightley & Whishaw

Though she is best known for starring in period piece movies like Pride and Prejudice, Keira Knightley has been tapped to lead Black Doves, and dust off her action hero skills last seen in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Knightley will play the role of Helen, a secret agent for The Black Doves, who has been undercover as the wife of a successful politician in order to gather intel. Meanwhile, Paddington and Skyfall star Ben Whishaw will play Sam, a skilled Doves agent who is sent to protect Helen after her cover is nearly blown.

The cast of Black Doves features a blend of established stars and rising talents. Alongside Knightley and Whishaw, the series boasts the involvement of Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch), Omari Douglas (Rye Lane), Andrew Koji (Warrior), Kathryn Hunter (Poor Things), Sam Troughton (The Ritual), Ella Lily Hyland (Silent Roar), Adam Silver (Masters of the Air), Ken Nwosu (Killing Eve), Gabrielle Creevy (In My Skin), and Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley). Though little is known about the supporting characters, the ensemble represents a truly talented bunch.

Black Doves Story

Knightley Plays Both A Politician’s Wife & A Spy

As they delve deeper, they confront the murky ties between London’s underworld and a looming geopolitical crisis, all while grappling with the personal costs of their choices.

Black Doves presents a narrative woven with espionage, personal sacrifice, and a deep examination of moral complexities (via Variety). The series centers on Helen Webb (Knightley), a figure who embodies the dual roles of a politician’s wife and a spy. Her life takes a dramatic turn with the assassination of her lover, Jason, thrusting her into a web of danger and conspiracy. Alongside her old friend Sam Young (Whishaw), a charming yet troubled assassin, Helen embarks on a mission that uncovers a sprawling conspiracy.

As they delve deeper, they confront the murky ties between London’s underworld and a looming geopolitical crisis, all while grappling with the personal costs of their choices. Black Doves promises a story of depth, action, and intrigue set against the backdrop of a festively lit London, offering viewers a compelling mix of drama and suspense.