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.
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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.
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Black Doves Latest News
The Full Trailer Is Revealed

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Not long after Netflix revealed the release date for the upcoming series, the latest news comes in the form of a full trailer for Black Doves. The lengthy trailer introduces Knightley's Helen, a spy who has been married to a top-ranking government official for years, secretly feeding secrets to her organization. However, an affair leads to her position being compromised, and she must team up with an assassin (played by Ben Whishaw) to keep her family safe and solve a murder mystery.
Black Doves Release Date
The Spy Thriller Arrives In Time For Christmas

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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
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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.
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Actor | Black Doves Character | |
---|---|---|
Keira Knightley | Helen Webb | ![]() |
Ben Whishaw | Sam Young | ![]() |
Sarah Lancashire | Reed | ![]() |
Andrew Buchan | Unknown | ![]() |
Omari Douglas | Michael | ![]() |
Andrew Koji | Jason | ![]() |
Kathryn Hunter | Unknown | ![]() |
Sam Troughton | Unknown | ![]() |
Ella Lily Hyland | Unknown | ![]() |
Adam Silver | Unknown | ![]() |
Ken Nwosu | Unknown | ![]() |
Gabrielle Creevy | Unknown | ![]() |
Adeel Akhtar | Unknown | ![]() |
Tracey Ullman | Alex | ![]() |
Finn Bennett | Unknown | ![]() |
Luther Ford | Unknown | ![]() |
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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.
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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.
Black Doves Trailer
Watch The Full Trailer Below

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With only weeks to go until the show's release, Netflix revealed a full trailer for Black Doves that offers an effective tease for the season. It opens with Helen (Knightley) as she finds that her cover has been blown, and her lover has been killed. This puts her (and her family) in mortal danger, and she must team up with an assassin, Sam (Whishaw), to keep herself safe and discover who is trying to kill her.

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Black Doves
Drama
Thriller
Black Doves is a drama series that centers on the complex interplay of espionage and personal relationships. Focused on Helen Webb, a seasoned spy striving to balance her covert missions with a turbulent family life, the series delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice. Starring Keira Knightley, it examines the moral ambiguities faced by those who live double lives in service to their countries.
- Cast
- Keira Knightley , sarah lancashire , Ben Whishaw , Andrew Koji , Andrew Buchan , Omari Douglas , Kathryn Hunter , Sam Troughton , Ella Lily Hyland
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
- Creator(s)
- Joe Barton