Netflix is promising spies, spies, and more spies over the next two months and we can't be happier about it! For December there's Black Doves, a series that sees Keira Knightley in the lead as Helen Webb, a woman seeking vengeance for the murder of her lover, Jason. In everyday society, Helen is a politician's wife, a loving mother, and an upstanding citizen. But, in actuality, she's a spy who has been passing her husband's secrets to her agency and has been in love with another man.
When Jason is killed, Helen does everything in her power to avenge him. She's on the warpath but she needs help. That's where Sam Young, played by Ben Whishaw comes in. He's an assassin, as well as Helen's friend, and though he's been out of the business for awhile he has a skillset that doesn't simply fade away. However, Sam has his own secrets and his past could come back to bite him. If that doesn't wet your whistle enough to tune in, here are more reasons to watch!
Black Doves is set during Christmas
We're currently in the most wonderful time of the year and Netflix has gift wrapped a present in Black Doves for us. For fans of action-packed programming, a holiday offering is always welcome. We love a good tussle in the holly jolly atmosphere and you can certainly expect that in this series. Sure, it's tragic that Helen has lost Jason but her gunning for revenge in the snow and among the twinkling lights is so perfect we couldn't ask for more. Thankfully, however, we'll be getting it!
Season 2 has been greenlit by Netflix
If you were weary about diving into Helen's story because of Netflix's reputation of axing shows that subscribers have come to love and root for, don't worry! This spy thriller was renewed for a second season before it premiered. We can anticipate more of its twists and turns coming to the streamer. A release window hasn't been announced as its still early days, but we're happy to know that we'll be returned to this world in the future. Perhaps next holiday season if the team behind the series intend to make it a Christmas staple.
Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw's chemistry
You only need to watch the trailer to get a look at the fun chemistry that Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw have as Helen and Sam. The characters' friendship shines and it has deadpan humor which is always good for a laugh among the serious subject matter of the plot. Spy thrillers walk the line of being too cool for school, often there are messy interpersonal relationships, but the best of them have excellent dynamics between the lead and the supporting characters. And when you get a duo that works well, that's just magic.
Black Doves is a quick binge
Coming in at six episodes, all ranging from 52-55 minutes, Black Doves is low-commitment. You could watch two episodes each day if you start tonight (Dec. 6), catch three episodes if you want to spread it across Saturday and Sunday, or go for it all in one go and make a day of it. Dealer's choice. Either way, you're in for a good time with this witty and emotional series.
Stay tuned to Americans Undercover for coverage of spy shows and movies. Follow us on X for more content!