The first season of Netflix’s spy-fi series Black Doves instantly propelled itself to our Best of the Year list–as well as our list of the best British TV series–and it’s remained in the Top 15 since.  Starring Keira Knightley as an undercover operative for a mercenary operation and Ben Whishaw as a triggerman getting too old for the job, the show became the most engaging, intriguing, and exciting of suspense-thrillers.  Whishaw’s assassin Sam is a mess–born with a father who was a killer, he only achieved some kind of normalcy when he found the love of his life.  But that ended far too soon.  Whishaw looks like he could be literally shaken out of his skin as he tries to express his feelings in one scene.  His performance through the six episodes of the series never veers.  And Knightley proved she belongs up there with the biggest and best action stars.

Both are back for Season 2 with bigger stakes and a big conspiracy.  Joining this season are actors Babou Ceesay (Alien: Earth), Sam Riley (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies), Sylvia Hoeks (Blade Runner 2049), Ambika Mod (This is Going to Hurt), and Neve Campbell (Scream).  That’s quite a cast!

Get ready for action and intrigue with this trailer for Season 2 of Black Doves:

Look forward to the return of Williams, played by Ella Lily Hiland, one scary and quirky hitman.  All six first season episodes of Black Doves are streaming now on Netflix.  Season 2 arrives on the streaming platform November 5, 2026.

C.J. Bunce / Editor / borg