Black Doves
Updated: 5/24/2026, 7:25:01 PM Wikipedia source
Black Doves is a British spy action thriller television series created by Joe Barton. The series, starring Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, and Sarah Lancashire, is developed by Sister and Barton's production company Noisy Bear for Netflix. The series is about a spies-for-hire organisation that obtains secrets for the highest bidder. Ahead of its premiere on 5 December 2024, it was renewed for a second series. The series was well received by critics, and Knightley was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for her performance.
Infobox
Genre
Action drama Spy thriller
Created by
Joe Barton
Written by
Joe Barton
Directed by
Alex Gabassi Lisa Gunning
Starring
Keira Knightley Ben Whishaw Sarah Lancashire
Ending theme
"Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" by Raye
Composer
Martin Phipps
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Original language
English
No. of series
1
No. of episodes
6
Executive producers
Jane Featherstone Chris Fry Joe Barton Keira Knightley
Producer
Harry Munday
Production location
London
Cinematography
Giulio Biccari Mark Patten
Editors
Simon Brasse Richard Graham Johnny Rayner
Running time
52–56 minutes
Production companies
Noisy Bear Sister
Network
Netflix
Release
5 December 2024 (2024-12-05) – present
Tables
· Episodes
1
1
No.
1
Title
"To Love Then"
Directed by
Alex Gabassi
Written by
Joe Barton
Original release date
December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05)
Helen Dawson is married to Wallace Webb, the Secretary of State for Defence. Unbeknownst to Wallace, Helen is a "Black Dove", a spy who has been giving information to a mercenary organization that buys and sells information. At a Christmas party, Helen's handler Reed informs her that Jason Davies, a civil servant and Helen's lover, has been murdere
Helen Dawson is married to Wallace Webb, the Secretary of State for Defence. Unbeknownst to Wallace, Helen is a "Black Dove", a spy who has been giving information to a mercenary organization that buys and sells information. At a Christmas party, Helen's handler Reed informs her that Jason Davies, a civil servant and Helen's lover, has been murdere
No.
Helen Dawson is married to Wallace Webb, the Secretary of State for Defence. Unbeknownst to Wallace, Helen is a "Black Dove", a spy who has been giving information to a mercenary organization that buys and sells information. At a Christmas party, Helen's handler Reed informs her that Jason Davies, a civil servant and Helen's lover, has been murdere
2
2
No.
2
Title
"A Little Black Dove"
Directed by
Alex Gabassi
Written by
Joe Barton
Original release date
December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05)
In 2014, Helen, going by the name of Daisy, is recruited by the Black Doves. On her first job, she has a one-night stand with Wallace but returns to his place after realizing that she left her deceased mother's lighter in his room. In the present, Helen learns that Jason was killed by a sniper named Elmore Fitch. He attacks Helen in her home seekin
In 2014, Helen, going by the name of Daisy, is recruited by the Black Doves. On her first job, she has a one-night stand with Wallace but returns to his place after realizing that she left her deceased mother's lighter in his room. In the present, Helen learns that Jason was killed by a sniper named Elmore Fitch. He attacks Helen in her home seekin
No.
In 2014, Helen, going by the name of Daisy, is recruited by the Black Doves. On her first job, she has a one-night stand with Wallace but returns to his place after realizing that she left her deceased mother's lighter in his room. In the present, Helen learns that Jason was killed by a sniper named Elmore Fitch. He attacks Helen in her home seekin
3
3
No.
3
Title
"The Coming Night"
Directed by
Alex Gabassi
Written by
Joe Barton
Original release date
December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05)
In 2014, Sam begins working as a trigger man for Lenny. In 2017, he is assigned to assassinate the four Newman brothers, but fails to complete the job fully when he discovers the last of them, Hector, is a child. Later on, Hector himself sends assassins after Sam at the flat he shares with Mike. While heavily pregnant, Helen rescues Sam and Mike, s
In 2014, Sam begins working as a trigger man for Lenny. In 2017, he is assigned to assassinate the four Newman brothers, but fails to complete the job fully when he discovers the last of them, Hector, is a child. Later on, Hector himself sends assassins after Sam at the flat he shares with Mike. While heavily pregnant, Helen rescues Sam and Mike, s
No.
In 2014, Sam begins working as a trigger man for Lenny. In 2017, he is assigned to assassinate the four Newman brothers, but fails to complete the job fully when he discovers the last of them, Hector, is a child. Later on, Hector himself sends assassins after Sam at the flat he shares with Mike. While heavily pregnant, Helen rescues Sam and Mike, s
4
4
No.
4
Title
"Go Bang Time"
Directed by
Lisa Gunning
Written by
Joe Barton
Original release date
December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05)
Sam is able to save Kai-Ming, whom he leaves in the care of Williams and Eleanor. They realize they are being watched. Sam visits his ex-boyfriend. Helen learns Jason may have had another partner. Reed convinces her to infiltrate the American embassy to bring CIA agent Cole Atwood an envelope with an offer of money to betray his country. Cole revea
Sam is able to save Kai-Ming, whom he leaves in the care of Williams and Eleanor. They realize they are being watched. Sam visits his ex-boyfriend. Helen learns Jason may have had another partner. Reed convinces her to infiltrate the American embassy to bring CIA agent Cole Atwood an envelope with an offer of money to betray his country. Cole revea
No.
Sam is able to save Kai-Ming, whom he leaves in the care of Williams and Eleanor. They realize they are being watched. Sam visits his ex-boyfriend. Helen learns Jason may have had another partner. Reed convinces her to infiltrate the American embassy to bring CIA agent Cole Atwood an envelope with an offer of money to betray his country. Cole revea
5
5
No.
5
Title
"The Cost of It All"
Directed by
Lisa Gunning
Written by
Joe Barton
Original release date
December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05)
The Clarks kidnap Eleanor and Kai-Ming. Sam, with Helen, Cole and the wounded Williams, flee to Michael's apartment. Reed tells Sam to kill Alex Clark. Dani tells Wallace that Helen is having an affair. He tells Helen that he has always loved her. Later, Helen realizes that the video recording everyone is looking for, might be at the jewellery shop
The Clarks kidnap Eleanor and Kai-Ming. Sam, with Helen, Cole and the wounded Williams, flee to Michael's apartment. Reed tells Sam to kill Alex Clark. Dani tells Wallace that Helen is having an affair. He tells Helen that he has always loved her. Later, Helen realizes that the video recording everyone is looking for, might be at the jewellery shop
No.
The Clarks kidnap Eleanor and Kai-Ming. Sam, with Helen, Cole and the wounded Williams, flee to Michael's apartment. Reed tells Sam to kill Alex Clark. Dani tells Wallace that Helen is having an affair. He tells Helen that he has always loved her. Later, Helen realizes that the video recording everyone is looking for, might be at the jewellery shop
6
6
No.
6
Title
"In the Bleak Midwinter"
Directed by
Lisa Gunning
Written by
Joe Barton
Original release date
December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05)
Helen takes the recording of the murder to crime family matriarch Alex Clark in exchange for freeing Sam, Eleanor, and Kai-Ming. Helen is about to kill Alex but discovers that she didn't order the hit on Jason and that it was Trent, trying to cover his tracks. To save Helen, Sam kills both Alex and Trent. He is warned by an anonymous voice that his
Helen takes the recording of the murder to crime family matriarch Alex Clark in exchange for freeing Sam, Eleanor, and Kai-Ming. Helen is about to kill Alex but discovers that she didn't order the hit on Jason and that it was Trent, trying to cover his tracks. To save Helen, Sam kills both Alex and Trent. He is warned by an anonymous voice that his
No.
Helen takes the recording of the murder to crime family matriarch Alex Clark in exchange for freeing Sam, Eleanor, and Kai-Ming. Helen is about to kill Alex but discovers that she didn't order the hit on Jason and that it was Trent, trying to cover his tracks. To save Helen, Sam kills both Alex and Trent. He is warned by an anonymous voice that his
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
| 1 | "To Love Then" | Alex Gabassi | Joe Barton | December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05) | |
| Helen Dawson is married to Wallace Webb, the Secretary of State for Defence. Unbeknownst to Wallace, Helen is a "Black Dove", a spy who has been giving information to a mercenary organization that buys and sells information. At a Christmas party, Helen's handler Reed informs her that Jason Davies, a civil servant and Helen's lover, has been murdere | |||||
| 2 | "A Little Black Dove" | Alex Gabassi | Joe Barton | December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05) | |
| In 2014, Helen, going by the name of Daisy, is recruited by the Black Doves. On her first job, she has a one-night stand with Wallace but returns to his place after realizing that she left her deceased mother's lighter in his room. In the present, Helen learns that Jason was killed by a sniper named Elmore Fitch. He attacks Helen in her home seekin | |||||
| 3 | "The Coming Night" | Alex Gabassi | Joe Barton | December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05) | |
| In 2014, Sam begins working as a trigger man for Lenny. In 2017, he is assigned to assassinate the four Newman brothers, but fails to complete the job fully when he discovers the last of them, Hector, is a child. Later on, Hector himself sends assassins after Sam at the flat he shares with Mike. While heavily pregnant, Helen rescues Sam and Mike, s | |||||
| 4 | "Go Bang Time" | Lisa Gunning | Joe Barton | December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05) | |
| Sam is able to save Kai-Ming, whom he leaves in the care of Williams and Eleanor. They realize they are being watched. Sam visits his ex-boyfriend. Helen learns Jason may have had another partner. Reed convinces her to infiltrate the American embassy to bring CIA agent Cole Atwood an envelope with an offer of money to betray his country. Cole revea | |||||
| 5 | "The Cost of It All" | Lisa Gunning | Joe Barton | December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05) | |
| The Clarks kidnap Eleanor and Kai-Ming. Sam, with Helen, Cole and the wounded Williams, flee to Michael's apartment. Reed tells Sam to kill Alex Clark. Dani tells Wallace that Helen is having an affair. He tells Helen that he has always loved her. Later, Helen realizes that the video recording everyone is looking for, might be at the jewellery shop | |||||
| 6 | "In the Bleak Midwinter" | Lisa Gunning | Joe Barton | December 5, 2024 (2024-12-05) | |
| Helen takes the recording of the murder to crime family matriarch Alex Clark in exchange for freeing Sam, Eleanor, and Kai-Ming. Helen is about to kill Alex but discovers that she didn't order the hit on Jason and that it was Trent, trying to cover his tracks. To save Helen, Sam kills both Alex and Trent. He is warned by an anonymous voice that his | |||||
· Reception › Accolades
Golden Globe Awards
Golden Globe Awards
Award
Golden Globe Awards
Date of ceremony
January 5, 2025
Category
Best Actress – Television Series Drama
Recipient(s)
Keira Knightley
Result
Nominated
Critics' Choice Awards
Critics' Choice Awards
Award
Critics' Choice Awards
Date of ceremony
February 7, 2025
Category
Best Actress in a Drama Series
Recipient(s)
Nominated
Royal Television Society Programme Awards
Royal Television Society Programme Awards
Award
Royal Television Society Programme Awards
Date of ceremony
March 25, 2025
Category
Leading Actor – Male
Recipient(s)
Ben Whishaw
Result
Nominated
GLAAD Media Awards
GLAAD Media Awards
Award
GLAAD Media Awards
Date of ceremony
March 27, 2025
Category
Outstanding New TV Series
Recipient(s)
Black Doves
Result
Nominated
Gotham TV Awards
Gotham TV Awards
Award
Gotham TV Awards
Date of ceremony
June 2, 2025
Category
Breakthrough Drama Series
Recipient(s)
Joe Barton, Jane Featherstone, Chris Fry, Keira Knightley
Result
Nominated
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Drama Series
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Drama Series
Award
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Drama Series
Date of ceremony
Ben Whishaw
Category
Won
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
| Golden Globe Awards | January 5, 2025 | Best Actress – Television Series Drama | Keira Knightley | Nominated | |
| Critics' Choice Awards | February 7, 2025 | Best Actress in a Drama Series | Nominated | ||
| Royal Television Society Programme Awards | March 25, 2025 | Leading Actor – Male | Ben Whishaw | Nominated | |
| GLAAD Media Awards | March 27, 2025 | Outstanding New TV Series | Black Doves | Nominated | |
| Gotham TV Awards | June 2, 2025 | Breakthrough Drama Series | Joe Barton, Jane Featherstone, Chris Fry, Keira Knightley | Nominated | |
| Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Drama Series | Ben Whishaw | Won |
References
- Cosmopolitanhttps://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a63158322/black-doves-season-2-release-date-cast-plot/
- The Hollywood Reporterhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/netflix-uk-series-keira-knightley-bank-of-dave-sequel-1235402565/
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/2023/tv/global/keira-knightley-black-doves-netflix-1235595146/
- Screen Dailyhttps://www.screendaily.com/news/netflix-reveals-48bn-investment-in-uk-economy-teases-upcoming-slate/5181405.article
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/2024/tv/news/fall-tv-2024-new-shows-showrunners-1236168773/
- kftvhttps://www.kftv.com/news/2023/10/17/keira-knightley-drama-black-doves-filming-uk-netflix
- Radio Timeshttps://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/black-doves-netflix-sarah-lancashire-newsupdate/
- Black Doveshttps://variety.com/2024/tv/global/keira-knightley-ben-whishaw-adeel-akhtar-tracey-ullman-netflix-black-doves-1235949397/
- Digital Spyhttps://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a61934785/black-doves-netflix-season-2-renewed/
- Radio Timeshttps://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/keira-knightley-black-doves-interview/
- The Hollywood Reporterhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/neve-campbell-black-doves-netflix-season-2-1236429260/
- TVLinehttps://tvline.com/trailers/black-doves-cast-release-date-trailer-keira-knightley-netflix-1235349480/
- Black Doveshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/black_doves
- Black Doveshttps://www.metacritic.com/tv/black-doves
- The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/dec/06/black-doves-review-keira-knightley-and-ben-whishaws-gleefully-pulpy-christmas-gift
- Digital Spyhttps://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a63115228/black-doves-gay-sex-scene/
- Skyhttps://news.sky.com/story/golden-globes-eddie-redmayne-and-keira-knightley-among-british-stars-nominated-for-awards-13270363
- Deadline Hollywoodhttps://deadline.com/2024/12/critics-choice-awards-2024-tv-nominations-shogun-1236195173/
- RTShttps://rts.org.uk/article/nominations-rts-programme-awards-2025-announced
- RTShttps://rts.org.uk/award/rts-programme-awards-2025