What do you get if you combine a slick spy thriller with a tale of love and betrayal? A seriously compelling premise for a TV show. Created and written by Joe Barton, the brain behind Giri/Haji and The Lazarus Project, Netflix’s Black Doves is described as a sharp, action-filled and heartfelt story of friendship and sacrifice – set against the backdrop of London at Christmas.

In the market for the kind of TV that’s thrilling and festive in equal measure? Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming series that will hit our screens later this year. Frankly, it can’t come soon enough.

What is the plot of Black Doves?

This is how it all goes down: over six episodes, Black Doves will follow Helen Webb (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 organisation 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. But having been out of the game since a failed job had disastrous consequences, he’s come home to a London that has moved on without him. As his past threatens to catch up with him, Sam’s 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.

Black Doves certainly boasts an impressive lineup of actors, and after her portrayal of straight-talking Catherine Cawood in Happy Valley, we can’t wait to see Lancashire take on an equally no-nonsense role. 

And they must have a good feeling about the drama as it’s already been confirmed that it will return for a second season. 

Who else will star in Black Doves?

Rounding out the cast are Andrew Buchan (Carnival Row), Andrew Koji (Warrior), Kathryn Hunter (Andor), Sam Troughton (Chernobyl, Mank), Ella Lily Hyland (Fifteen Love, Silent Roar), Adam Silver (The Diplomat, Masters Of The Air, Eric), Ken Nwosu (Look The Other Way And Run) and Gabrielle Creevy (In My Skin).

When will Black Doves be available to watch?

There’s not too long to wait as Black Doves season one will launch on Netflix on 5th December.

Images: Netflix