Joe Barton has created a spy series for Netflix titled Black Doves – here’s what we know so far, including the cast and plot details.
This year alone, Netflix has had a near-impeccable track record of fan-favorite hits when it comes to original output.
From new seasons of shows including Virgin River Season 6 and Bridgerton Season 3, to new titles such as Baby Reindeer, the drive to create something fresh isn’t slowing down.
Next in line is a brand new announcement from the streaming service in the form of Black Doves. Here’s everything you need to know – including cast, plot, and more.
Black Doves release date
Black Doves comes to Netflix on December 5, 2024.
The series is set to have six episodes and was filmed on location in London.
According to series creator Joe Barton – who is best known for his work on The Lazarus Project – the beginnings of Black Doves started in late 2022.
“I started writing the scripts for this show over last year’s Christmas holidays, fuelled by turkey sandwiches and discarded bottles of cream liquor,” Barton said in a statement.
“To be now going into production with a cast and crew full of people whose work I admire so much is unbelievably exciting and I couldn’t be more thrilled to get to see this show come to life.”
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Black Doves cast
Keira Knightly, Ben Whishaw, and Sarah Lancashire lead the cast of Black Doves, though you’ll spot a few more familiar faces as the episodes go on.
- Keira Knightly
- Ben Whishaw
- Sarah Lancashire
- Andrew Buchan
- Kathryn Hunter
- Andrew Koji
- Sam Troughton
- Ella Lily Hyland
- Adam Silver
- Ken Nwosu
- Gabrielle Creevy
- Omari Douglas
Alongside Joe Barton in the role of creator, the series will be directed by Alex Gabassi and Lisa Gunning, with Harry Munday on board as a producer.
Plot details
Black Doves follows a spy thrown into turmoil when their secret lover is assassinated, leading to a mission within a geopolitical crisis.
The show’s official synopsis reads, “Helen Webb (Keira Knightley), a quick-witted, down-to-earth, dedicated wife and mother – and professional spy. For 10 years, she’s been passing on her politician husband’s secrets to the shadowy organization she works for: the Black Doves. When her secret lover Jason is assassinated, her spymaster, the enigmatic Reed (Sarah Lancashire) calls in Helen’s old friend to keep her safe.”
“Sam Young (Ben Whishaw) is a suave, Champagne-drinking assassin,” it continues. “But having been out of the game since a failed job with disastrous consequences, he’s come home to a London that has moved on without him. As his past threatens to catch up with him, his task is to protect Helen as she investigates who killed Jason and why.
“Together, they set off on a mission that will lead them to uncover a vast, interconnected conspiracy. One that links the murky underworld of London to a looming geopolitical crisis – and leads them to question the cost of the moral choices they’ve made.”
Is there a trailer?
The first full trailer for Black Doves dropped on October 30, which you can catch up with below.
Black Doves hits Netflix on December 5. In the meantime, catch up with more TV shows streaming this month, as well as the best TV shows of the year so far. You can also check out other upcoming hits on the streamer, like Stranger Things Season 5.