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The director of Under The Shadow, Avak Anvari, has offered a brief update on his long-awaited monster movie sequel, Clovefield 2.

Since Matt Reeves’ Cloverfield arrived in a blitz of viral marketing back in 2008, a couple of films have followed bearing the same name, existing in the same universe.

The 2016 sci-fi thriller 10 Cloverfield Lane was retrofitted into becoming a Cloverfield film in post-production, while Paramount lost confidence in The Cloverfield Paradox and sold it to Netflix instead of releasing it in cinemas. There’s also talk early last year that David Robert Mitchell’s upcoming (and very secretive) Flowervale Street might be a secret Cloverfield movie, though that’s pure conjecture on our part.

Still, back in 2021, we were told that a direct sequel to Cloverfield was coming. Paramount clearly still has interest in more Cloverfield movies and hired Joe Barton to script the movie, with JJ Abrams producing. Anvak Anvari,...

Babak Anvari is set to direct a new sequel to Cloverfield, which is reportedly a direct sequel to Matt Reeves’s original 2008 film.

In a new interview during the SXSW premiere of his latest film Hallow Road, Anvari teased the new sequel.

“So sad that I cannot because everyone on that team is very secretive, which I understand,” Anvari told Countdown City Geeks. “But whatever happens, just know that hopefully you’re going to get something amazing.”

Although Anvari didn’t disclose any details about the follow-up film, he did express his excitement about the project as “high.”

Deadline reported in December 2022 that Anvari was attached to direct the new Cloverfield movie with Joe Barton writing the script, J.J. Abrams producing for Bad Robot, along with Hannah Minghella and Jon Cohen. Bryan Burk, Matt Reeves, and Drew Goddard are also attached as executive producers.

Related: SXSW 2025: All Of Deadline...

The long-awaited Cloverfield sequel has received an exciting update from its director, Babak Anvari. This project has been in the works since 2018, and it has been nearly two decades since the original Cloverfield movie made its big debut, directed by Matt Reeves. Fans of the sci-fi horror franchise have been eagerly waiting for news, and it seems like the sequel is finally moving forward.

Babak Anvari shared the latest on the Cloverfield sequel, confirming that the project is still under development at Paramount Pictures. While he couldn’t reveal too many details, he made it clear that he’s extremely excited about the movie and the direction it’s headed. “You know, everyone on that team, they’re very secretive, which I understand,” Anvari said. “Whatever happens, just know that hopefully you’re going to get something amazing.”

Anvari, who became attached to direct the sequel in 2022, has a solid background in the horror genre.

Stv has upped its majority stake in Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back indie Rumpus Media and reaped the rewards of the recent deal with Patrick Melrose maker Two Cities, as the Scottish outfit posted a profit and revenue boost.

Stv’s full-year results this morning revealed for the first time that production arm Stv Studios now owns 99% of Rumpus Media, a deal that came less than a year after the exits of Rumpus founders Emily Hudd and Iain Wimbush, who had turned the indie into a prolific unscripted producer across a decade. They were replaced by Josephine Brassey. The company’s credits include Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back and The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan.

Stv acquired 40% of Rumpus when it bought Greenbird from Keshet in July 2023 for £21.4M ($27.7M) and that became 99% around eight months ago following the trigger of what is called a “bad leaver” provision in...

Danny Dyer is on the awards trail for his turn in Disney+ series Rivals.

The EastEnders actor will compete for Best Actor at the Broadcasting Press Guild (Bpg) Awards, which is voted on by British television and media journalists.

Dyer starred as electronics businessman Freddie Jones in Disney’s series about sex and skulduggery in the British television business in the 1980s.

To win the Bpg prize, he will have to fend off competition from Lennie James (Mr Loverman), Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs the Post Office), Eddie Redmayne (Day of the Jackal), and Mark Rylance (Wolf Hall).

Rivals, based on Jilly Cooper’s novels, will do battle for Best Drama Series alongside Baby Reindeer, Day of the Jackal, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, and Wolf Hall.

Baby Reindeer star Jessica Gunning, a darling of the awards season, has been nominated for Best Actress, where her competition includes Monica Dolan...

To close out 2024, Netflix debuted its new British spy thriller series, Black Doves, and tons of people tuned in to see if it was any good. Not only did it deliver, but it far surpassed most viewers' expectations. With its short six-episode first season, fans quickly binged the series. Luckily, they didn’t have to worry about the future of the show, as Netflix had already renewed Black Doves for a second season before its premiere. We're talking four months earlier. Looks like Netflix knew it had a hit on its hands!

Black Doves was created by Joe Barton. The series stars Keira Knightley as Helen Webb, an undercover professional spy determined to uncover the truth behind the murder of her secret lover. Accompanying her is Sam Young, an old friend and skilled assassin, tasked with protecting her. The explosive season 1 finale left viewers craving more, and while they will eventually get a second installment,...

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Netflix is the biggest streaming platform in the world and it can be easily said that it has the best content library when it comes to TV shows and movies. In this article, we are going to list the best of the best shows currently available on the streaming service. We avoided popular titles like Love is Blind and Too Hot To Handle as we are not going to include reality TV shows in this list. Check out the best TV shows you can watch right now on Netflix below.

Cobra Kai Credit – Netflix

Cobra Kai is a martial arts comedy-drama series created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg. Based on The Karate Kid film franchise by Robert Mark Kamen, the Netflix series is set 34 years after the events of the first Karate Kid film, and...

After a two-year wait, The Recruit season 2 just premiered on Netflix on Jan. 30. I binge-watched the new season in just a few days, and now, I'm ready for the next spy show to check out next. I bet you are, too!

If you're looking for a new show like The Recruit to watch right now, you're in luck. I shared a list of four good spy shows to watch while we wait to find out if The Recruit is renewed for season 3. The good news is that Netflix has a bunch of new spy and political thrillers to watch right now. We've seen at least four released on Netflix in as many months, not including The Recruit. That streak of new thrillers continues in February with Zero Day starring Robert De Niro coming to Netflix on Feb. 20.

Up first is the Netflix spy series that had a new season premiere...

Filmmaker J.J. Abrams rose to prominence with his work on hit television shows and as a screenwriter for blockbuster movies. In the 2000s, he made a name for himself by directing big-budget franchise movies, including the Star Trek reboot and two of the Star Wars sequels. However, the latter became a bit of a stain on his career after the sequel trilogy ended poorly.

J.J. Abrams last directed 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Credit: Lucasfilm).

Amidst these big-budget projects, Abrams also oversaw the production of movies in the Cloverfield franchise, which remain extremely grounded and exceptionally well-made sci-fi movies. As a result, Abrams must refocus his efforts on delivering on one promise he made for the franchise while trying to redeem himself after the Star Wars backlash.

J.J. Abrams must fulfill bigger plans for the Cloverfield franchise after Star Wars stained his career

J.J. Abrams...

Keira Knightley is a certified movie star, whose films grossed over $3.6 billion at the worldwide box office. However, the actress has stayed away from big blockbusters and focused on several roles where she can balance her personal life and professional life.

Because of this, she has found a new partnership with Netflix that helps her achieve both things. Following a successful run with Black Doves, the two teamed up again for a new project. Netflix has just unveiled the first look at The Woman in Cabin 10 during its Next on Netflix event.

She witnessed a murder… but no one believes her.Keira Knightley will stop at nothing to learn what really happened to The Woman in Cabin 10. #NextOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/4khdHUdTfx— Netflix (@netflix) January 30, 2025

Related Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein Gets First Look and Netflix Release Window

Horror vet Guillermo del Toro is bringing Dr. Frankenstein's monster to life.

There are some absolute monsters of shows that fans are waiting to hear more news about. The main news we all want is, of course, when we will see new seasons for some top shows. Netflix has just unveiled plans for their 2025 series plans, but what they haven't said is as important as what they did tell us.

Of course, we’ll all be glad to hear there are new seasons this year for the likes of Wednesday, Squid Games, and Emily in Paris, plus a whole load more. You’ll hear all the information we know about them here on Netflix Life for sure. But when you see the new list of 2025 shows it’ll leave you asking one big question.

‘What about..[insert here some of your favorites that aren't on that list]?’ That's where what Netflix hasn't said comes into play. As a general rule, it means if a series isn't on the Netflix 2025 list then we’ll...

When you watch a great drama on Netflix you have a conflict over its ending. Of course, you want to get to the end to find out what happens, how all the stories come together, and what happens to the characters. Sometimes, though, it’s so good and enthralling that you want to be able to keep watching it and wish it wouldn't end. A new season is the obvious answer.

That was very much the case for Black Doves. The Netflix drama was released late last year and captured a lot of attention. It was a great mix of a thrilling story, some festive elements due to its Christmas in London setting, and, of course, a brilliant cast.

Led by Kiera Knightley and Ben Whishaw, there were also strong roles for Sarah Lancashire and Andrew Buchan. Tracey Ullman also makes a dramatic late appearance in the show. The names...

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2024 is over, and while it was a wasteland at the box office last year for television fans, it was one of the better years as we got many brilliant shows on the big and small scale. With incredible series like Masters of the Air starting the year, there was no way that the rest of the year could go bad, and that’s what happened because we got powerful and thrilling shows like Shōgun, Fallout, and 3 Body Problem. So, we compiled the list of the best returning and new shows on streaming, Cabel, and networks.

Baby Reindeer (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Baby Reindeer is a Scottish psychological dark comedy-drama thriller series created by Richard Gadd. Based on Gadd’s autobiographical one-man show, the Netflix series follows aspiring comedian Donny Dunn, who is dealing with a female stalker,...

Keira Knightley’s Black Doves recently premiered on Netflix to rave reviews, earning a strong 95% score from critics and a 63% rating from general audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. The show quickly jumped to the top of streaming charts, claiming the #1 spot that had previously been occupied by The Madness, the thriller series starring Colman Domingo. Black Doves may have lost its top spot and fallen to the middle of the pack in the Netflix top 10, but fans are still anxiously awaiting news about the second season, which has already been announced. During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, writer/creator Joe Barton delivered just that, speaking about production on Season 2 while also teasing what fans can expect to see from the plot:...

Black Doves creator Joe Barton details why Sam can't bring himself to kill grown-up Hector. Although the six-episode Netflix series gains a lot of its narrative momentum from the secret identity of spy Helen Webb (Keira Knightley) and the global crisis that looms after her lover is one of four people who are found dead, there is a parallel storyline with Ben Whishaw's Sam Young as he comes to terms with the fact that the boy he couldn't bring himself to kill years earlier has now returned as a dangerous young man,

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Barton was asked about the fact that Sam can't bring himself to kill Hector Newman (Luther Ford) even though that's what he initially plans to do. The series creator gives a lengthy response, juxtaposing Sam's decision to kill his father with his inability to pull the trigger when it comes to Sam.

Black Doves season 2 gets an update from creator Joe Barton, including a release timeline and a story tease. Premiering on Netflix in early December, with Keira Knightley, Ben Winshaw, and Sarah Lancashire in lead roles, the six-episode series unfolds over the holidays and zeroes in on what happens when Helen Webb (Knightley) finds out that her secret identity as a spy is in danger once her lover is killed by in a mysterious murder. Receiving acclaim from critics and topping viewership charts, Black Doves season 2 was confirmed before the show's debut.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Barton gave an update on the show's return and mentioned that filming was slated to begin next year. Although the show creator did not share a specific timeline, beyond that filming is currently underway, he does mention that viewers won't have to wait too long between seasons:

Literally, I’m in the writers’ room right now.

During the holiday season, audiences are always looking for something with a clear festive spirit to make their Christmas-watching fun and nostalgic. Ironically, one of this year's most popular options is Netflix's Black Doves, a gripping espionage thriller series starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw. Although its story is quite dark and gritty at times, Black Doves' soundtrack features some classic holiday songs that help create a wintery atmosphere throughout the story.

Hawkeye is another recent example of a streaming-released festive TV show that became essential viewing for the holiday season, and this year, it may be competing with Black Doves for those viewing numbers. These are two excellent series, and while Hawkeye certainly ranks among the MCU’s best TV shows, Black Doves is an equally strong option for this year's Christmas viewing parties.

Keira Knightley's Black Doves Is An Action Series That Takes Place Around Christmas Black...

[This story contains spoilers from the season one finale of Black Doves.]

Upon its early December release, Joe Barton‘s spy thriller Black Doves soared into Netflix’s top 10 most-watched shows in 89 countries.

Starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, the series has already been renewed for a season two. It was a bloody and brutal season finale — we’d expect nothing less — where everyone (metaphorically and literally) lost their head a little.

In Black Doves, Knightley stars as Helen Webb, wife to the U.K.’s defense secretary Wallace and ascending government minister (Andrew Buchan). For years, she’d been passing her husband’s secrets on to a shadowy organization Helen works for (helmed by Sarah Lancashire’s Mrs Reed), which leaves her hard-pressed to explain where she’s been and what she’s been up to when returning home to her family after a hard day’s work.

All of a sudden, the death of Helen’s secret lover...

Who needs a stocking stuffer when you can watch Keira Knightley deck the halls with bullets and mayhem in the Christmas-set thriller Black Doves?

Fromcreator, writer, and executive producer Joe Barton, Black Doves — now streaming on Netflix — is Knightley’s first TV role since the 2002 mini-series Doctor Zhivago. The English actor stars as Helen, a professional spy who’s pulled into a vast, interconnected conspiracy alongside her assassin friend Sam (Ben Whishaw) when her secret lover Jason (Andrew Koji) is murdered.

After making her mark as an action heroine with films like Pirates of the Caribbean, King Arthur, and 2014’s Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, the actor found it “very exciting” to leap back into combat with Black Doves.

“It was amazing how that whole muscle memory thing, it was really still in there,” Knightley tells Tudum. “Now being a bit older, it didn’t freak me...

Black Doves creator Joe Barton has revealed a crucial twist that was embedded into the final scenes of season one. The sequence in question features a woman, whom fans may have been unable to identify. The woman sits quietly in the home of spymaster Mrs. Reed (Sarah Lancashire), who enjoys a glass of champagne on Christmas. Barton divulges his intentions behind various character choices in a new GQ interview, and the show's creator also reveals the mystery woman's identity at long last.

"That's Marie (Molly Chesworth), she's Helen and Wallace's nanny. She pops up throughout the series, so it's possible to miss. I mean, she looks like she could be Reed’s daughter, they've got a similar haircut," explained Barton, adding:

But no, she's the nanny, so she's been spying on them the whole time. Basically, everyone's a spy.

Though Marie is afforded limited screen time, she shares an...

Before Joe Barton created Black Doves, he made one of the most compelling international television series with Giri/Haji. Different enough to Black Doves to be its own entity but similar enough in themes and tone to sit next to it as a companion piece, Giri/Haji is set in both London and Tokyo. It’s a cross-cultural thriller, with dialogue spoken in both English and Japanese, featuring an all-star cast from across the globe, primarily from Japan and the UK. Kenzo Mori (Takehiro Hira) is a Tokyo-based detective who travels to London to look for his brother, Yuto (Yōsuke Kubozuka). As Kenzo is trying to solve the mystery of his brother’s whereabouts, he befriends a British police officer named Sarah (Kelly MacDonald), and a young sex worker named Rodney (Will Sharpe). Along with a host of other supporting characters, they end up heavily involved in Kenzo’s work to solve the case.

Having started her career in action-heavy films like Domino, King Arthur and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Keira Knightley decided in her early 20s to step away from the stunts. “I wanted to do stuff that was about words,” says Knightley. “Also, when you’re doing action films, generally speaking, it takes a long time. It’s quite dull.” With Joe Barton’s new spy thriller Black Doves, Knightley has finally found a way to combine her love for character drama with some impressive — and, to the actress, surprisingly enjoyable — fight choreography. “The whole idea of the character for me was that she had to be interesting enough to sustain on my interest for two seasons,” says Knightley. “She’s well interesting enough.”

Deadline: You are an executive producer on the Black Doves series. Did that give you a different sense of ownership of the project?

Keira Knightley:...

Keira Knightley has starred in plenty of successful projects throughout her career, from Pride and Prejudice to Pirates of the Caribbean, but her latest series Black Doves is proving to be one of his most acclaimed works to date. The series follows a female assassin named Helen, whose cover is seemingly blown when her lover falls victim to the dangers of London’s gritty underworld and attracts the attention of some dangerous criminals. Alongside being one of Keira Knightley’s best projects, it’s also been a huge success for Netflix.

Black Doves was renewed for a second season before the first was even released, which proves just how much faith the streaming service has in this project. It’s a gripping, high-octane, often frightening series that keeps its foot on the gas and keeps its characters in the most dangerous of situations from start to finish. It’s a...

Black Doves star Keira Knightley has it in for one of her co-stars. The Netflix streaming series may have recently ended its first season, but that doesn't mean the actress doesn't have certain ideas about where she wants things to head in season two.

In fact, in a recent interview with Variety, the actress revealed exactly who she'd like her character to kill in season two, saying that she's "having a very funny text line at the moment" with the series creator/showrunner Joe Barton about the one person she'd like to take out. And, considering that the show already has a confirmed second season on the way, she may just get her wish.

Who Does Keira Knightley Want to Kill During 'Black Doves' Season Two?

Needless to say, but if you don't want to be majorly spoiled on how the first season of Black Doves ends, do not read any further!

Keira Knightley‘s new Netflix series Black Doves is a huge hit, and it’s one of those rare cases where we didn’t have to wait for a renewal notice.

The series premiered on the streaming platform on December 5. Before it even arrived, Netflix renewed it for a second season.

During a recent interview, Keira shared some of her ideas for the show’s second season.

Spoiler Warning: What she had to say does spoil some of the details from the show’s first season, so proceed with caution!

Keep reading to find out more…

When asked by Variety what she wants in the second season, Keira had a simple response.

“I want to kill Dani (Agnes O’Casey),” she said. “I don’t think it’s Ok that she tried to f-ck my husband and kill me on Christmas Eve.”

Keira continued, revealing that she is making a case...

Spoiler Alert: This article contains major spoilers from “Black Doves” Season 1, now streaming on Netflix.

“Black Doves,” Keira Knightley’s first television series in more than two decades, has already proved a massive success for Netflix, which, knowing it had a hit, had ordered a second season from Knightley and creator/showrunner Joe Barton before the show even premiered.

Over the course of six episodes, viewers have been entranced by Helen (Knightley) as she balances her competing roles: elegant wife of Wallace (Andrew Buchan), the Minister of Defence, doting mother of twins, supportive friend to semi-alcoholic assassin Sam (Ben Whishaw), passionate affair partner to her lover Jason (Andrew Koji) and ruthless spy for a mercenary organization called the Black Doves.

After Jason is mysteriously murdered, Helen is hellbent on revenge before realizing she has stumbled into a global conspiracy that could possibly result in World War III, and pits her...

Netflix’s latest binge-worthy spy thriller, Black Doves, isn’t just a showcase of high-octane espionage and compelling performances by Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw. It’s also a love letter to London, capturing the city’s essence during the festive season. Created by Joe Barton of Giri/Haji fame, the show follows Helen Webb (Knightley), a secret agent married to the UK’s Secretary of State for Defence, as she navigates personal and professional chaos when her lover is killed by a mystery sniper. Alongside her enigmatic colleague Sam Young (Whishaw), the duo unravels layers of deceit, set against a distinctly London backdrop. Here’s a breakdown of the stunning locations that bring Black Doves to life.

Netflix’s ‘Black Doves’: Where Was the Series Shot? – Filming Locations & Other Details Key Filming Locations in London The South Bank

In the opening moments of the series, Helen’s lover...

Unlike most Netflix shows, the spy thriller series Black Doves was immune from sudden cancelation from the get-go, having been renewed for Season 2 before the first outing was even released. Now that the series has debuted and hugely impressed both critics and audiences, creator Joe Barton has teased what we can expect from Black Doves Season 2 and the continuing adventures of Keira Knightley’s Helen Webb.

Speaking with Netflix Tudum recently, Barton teased the plot of Black Doves Season 2, revealing that he likes the idea of seeing Helen getting “pulled deeper into the world of spies having been so close to leaving.” As her husband, Wallace, edges closer to the top job as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, this inevitably “increases the pressure and the danger on her as a spy.”

“Just seeing the tension of that, seeing Sam back in London … I would like to see more Eleanor and Williams,...

A new thriller on Netflix is beating some of the biggest blockbusters of the year in the latest streaming ranking. Because of the strike delays related to the writers and actors strikes, and also because of how long prestige series can take to move through production, Netflix made it known that some of its biggest originals wouldn't make a 2024 release date. That includes the Jenna Ortega-led supernatural horror Wednesday and the final season of Stranger Things.

The streamer was boosted by the breakout success of the romantic comedy series Nobody Wants This, led by Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, which became one of the most-discussed new series. The Diplomat season 2 and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story built on the foundations of their first installments, with Outer Banks, Bridgerton, and The Lincoln Lawyer all continuing to draw massive viewership. A recently debuted thriller could end up being a significant hit.

One of the stars from True Detective: Night Country has a great television replacement in Netflix's spy thriller series Black Doves. Created by Joe Barton, Black Doves has opened to outstanding reviews, earning a near-perfect 94% Rotten Tomatoes critic score after its December 5, 2024 release date. Keira Knightley leads the cast of Black Doves along with Ben Whishaw of Skyfall and No Time to Die acclaim.

Black Doves follows Knightley's Helen Webb, the loving and supportive wife of Wallace Webb, a prominent British politician. Webb is also a secret agent working for the mysterious covert spy organization known as the Black Doves, which Mrs. Reed is the head of. Reed confronts Helen over an affair she was having with a civil servant named Jason (Andrew Koji), who was shockingly shot and killed in a park from long range. Suspecting that Helen could be in hot water with a powerful criminal conspiracy,...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Black Doves season 1.

Keira Knightley's Netflix espionage series Black Doves features a robust cast of secret agents, undercover spies, and lethal assassins. Created by Joe Barton, Black Doves has opened to outstanding reviews, earning a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes critic score upon its December 5, 2024 release date. Knightley leads the cast of Black Doves along with Ben Whishaw, who is best known for playing Q in Daniel Craig's final three James Bond movies. Black Doves also features a stellar supporting cast, including Sarah Lancashire's Reed, Kathryn Hunter's Lenny, Ella Lily Hyland's Williams, and Omari Douglas's Michael.

Black Doves follows Knightley's Helen Webb, the loving and supportive wife of Andrew Buchan's Wallace Webb, a prominent British politician. Webb is also a secret agent working for the mysterious covert spy organization known as the Black Doves, which Mrs. Reed is the head of.

Warning: Minor spoilers for Black Doves.

One of the best aspects of Netflix’s newest spy thriller, Black Doves, is the platonic relationship between its two main characters, Helen (Keira Knightley) and Sam (Ben Whishaw). The series centers around Helen, the wife of the UK’s Defence Secretary and a veteran spy for an elusive organization known as the Black Doves, who sells secrets across the globe to the highest bidder. Set against the backdrop of Christmas in London, the series unfolds in the days after Helen’s lover, Jason (Andrew Koji), is killed. Unsure if she’s the next target, her old associate and friend, Sam, is brought into the fold to keep her safe and figure out whether Jason’s death has anything to do with Helen.

Having met 10 years prior during Helen’s first assignment for the Black Doves, it’s clear from the beginning that she...

It might be hard to remember, given the absolute cavalcade of "content" being constantly shoveled onto the Netflix servers, but back in 2022 Charlie Cox starred in the Netflix spy thriller "Treason," a show that released for Christmas and turned out to be pretty underwhelming. That was a shame, too, since Cox's star was back on the rise following the cancellation and swift Disney revival of "Daredevil," and the man is undeniably a talented actor. Sadly, the series itself fell short of being the Christmas gift fans of the spy genre were hoping for.

Now, Netflix is making it up to us all with "Black Doves," a six-episode spy thriller that debuted just in time for the festive season and features another British star in the form of Keira Knightly. Created and written by Joe Barton, "Black Doves" is set in London at Christmas time and follows Knightly's Helen Webb,...

When I think of spy thrillers, my mind usually goes to the typical tropes—gritty action, brooding heroes, and a whole lot of “save the world” drama. But then came Black Doves, and wow, did it shake things up. It’s not just another spy show; it’s a reinvention of the genre that hooked me from the first episode and left me counting down the days for Season 2. Let me tell you why it’s worth all the hype.

First off, how often do you get a spy thriller drenched in Christmas vibes? I mean, the series starts with a jolly Santa singing in a pub and wraps up on Christmas Day. It’s like someone thought, “What if Love Actually had spies and high-stakes drama?” Keira Knightley, who’s already got her Christmas movie credentials, shines as Helen, a politician’s wife-slash-secret spy. But don’t let the...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Black Doves season 1.

The Clarks and the Newmans are two feared and dangerous London-based crime family organizations in the Netflix espionage series Black Doves. Created by Joe Barton, Black Doves has outstanding reviews, earning a 98% Rotten Tomatoes critic score after its December 5, 2024 release date. Knightley leads the cast of Black Doves along with Ben Whishaw's Sam Young, best known for playing Q in Daniel Craig's James Bond films. Black Doves features a stellar supporting cast, including Sarah Lancashire's Reed, Kathryn Hunter's Lenny, and Ella Lily Hyland's Williams.

Black Doves follows public figure Helen Webb, the loving and supportive wife of Andrew Buchan's Wallace Webb, a prominent British politician. Webb is also a secret agent working for the mysterious covert spy organization known as the Black Doves, which Mrs. Reed is the head of. Reed confronts Helen over an affair she...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Black Doves season 1.

Keira Knightley's Helen Webb has a complicated relationship with her assassin friend Sam, whose first kill was his own father in the Netflix espionage series Black Doves. Created by Joe Barton, Black Doves has outstanding reviews, earning a 98% Rotten Tomatoes critic score after its December 5, 2024 release date. Knightley leads the cast of Black Doves along with Ben Whishaw's Sam Young, best known for playing Q in Daniel Craig's James Bond films. Black Doves features a stellar supporting cast, including Sarah Lancashire's Reed, Kathryn Hunter's Lenny, and Ella Lily Hyland's Williams.

Black Doves follows public figure Helen Webb, the loving and supportive wife of Andrew Buchan's Wallace Webb, a prominent British politician. Webb is also a secret agent working for the mysterious covert spy organization known as the Black Doves, which Mrs. Reed is the head of.

Keira Knightley, an actress synonymous with period dramas, returned to the action genre with Netflix's Black Doves. Created for the small screen by Joe Barton, the spy series concerns a secret agent, Helen (Knightley), whose double life is nearly exposed when her new boyfriend is killed by the London criminal underworld. In order to protect their assets, The Black Doves send in Sam (Ben Whishaw) to protect her. Perhaps best known for her more dramatic roles, Black Doves is a departure for Knightley, who is taking a stab at action stardom once again in the 2020s.

Black Doves is not just a testament to Knightley's versatility as an actress, but also signals Netflix's commitment to producing high-quality, captivating entertainment. Knightley's involvement in the project generated considerable excitement, showcasing her in a role that promises to blend the dramatic depth she's known for with the dynamic pace of a spy thriller.

Keira Knightley was a staple of the big screen in the early 2000s, starting with her big break role in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003). That same year, she starred in Love Actually, which is now, for many, a Christmas classic. Knightley rounded out her 2010s with two more Pirates of the Caribbean movies, as well as Pride & Prejudice (2005) and Atonement (2007).

Knightley continued to appear regularly in movies throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, with notable titles including The Imitation Game (2014), Everest (2015), and Boston Strangler (2023), but she was notably absent from the TV space. The actor's most recent foray into TV was as a narrator in the animated The Sound Collector, but her major push into the medium didn't actually arrive until late 2024 with the release of a spy thriller show on Netflix, a kind of project Knightley has never tackled before.

Black Doves...

Joe Barton, the mind behind Giri/Haji, returns with Black Doves—a spy series that boldly merges the high-stakes intensity of espionage drama with the warmth and sentimentality of a holiday movie. This unique tonal blend sets Netflix’s Black Doves apart, carving a place for itself alongside modern espionage hits like Slow Horses and The Agency. With its emotionally complex characters and intrigue-laden narrative, the series signals a renaissance of the spy thriller genre in television. Set against the shimmering backdrop of a Christmastime London, Black Doves follows Helen Webb (Keira Knightley), a former honeytrap operative turned housewife, whose life unravels when her lover is assassinated. Her thirst for revenge draws her back into the shadowy world of international espionage, putting her at odds with her handler, Mrs. Reed (Sarah Lancashire), and entangling her with Sam (Ben Whishaw), a morally ambiguous triggerman haunted by a failed mission from his past.

Black Doves was released earlier this month to rave reviews from both critics and audiences alike, and it is now rising up on Netflix's streaming charts. Starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, the six-part spy thriller follows the former as a professional spy whose secret lover is assassinated and is now forced to team up with an old friend to keep her safe. Delivering "some of the most captivating storytelling in episodic television this year," Black Dove has been the must-watch binge on Netflix for the holiday season.

According to Flix Patrol, Black Doves has held the #1 spot on Netflix's TV charts for the past few days, beating out The Madness and La Brea. Partially inspired by true events, Black Doves blends the spy thriller genre that always does well on the streamer with the holiday season. The six-episode season takes place during Christmas, making the sweat-inducing story the...

Starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw in the lead roles, Black Doves tells the story of a spy and triggerman embroiled in a complicated mystery that threatens to destroy their lives. The six-episode thriller is currently rated fresh at 98% on rotten tomatoes. The series wraps up the season-long arc but leaves an opening for a second season. Series creator, writer and director Joe Barton talked to Variety about crafting the engaging spy drama. Barton talked about setting up the story during Christmas and some of the most memorable scenes in the series. He also talked about the direction the second season will take. Netflix renewed it for Season 2 before the first premiered. Barton talked about diving into some characters' backstory, saying,...

This article contains general spoilers for the Black Doves season 1 ending.Black Doves creator Joe Barton teases his plans for season 2 of the Netflix spy thriller. Consisting of six episodes, Black Doves stars Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, and Sarah Lancashire to tell a story of triggermen and espionage, detailing how four mysterious murders accidentally set the course for a global crisis. Black Doves season 2 was renewed in August, prior to the show's premiere.

In an interview with Netflix's Tudum, Barton teased that things could get more complicated for the characters when the thriller returns. The creator, who wrote each of the thriller's six episodes, particularly cited trouble for Helen Webb (Knightley). But it's not just Helen, as several of Black Doves' characters could be in trouble, including Sam Young (Whishaw). Read Barton's comments below:

Helen [gets] pulled deeper into the world of spies having been so close to leaving. Increases the...

Warning: Major Spoilers ahead for the Black Doves season 1 finale!Black Doves creator Joe Barton discusses season 1 ending with a major character death while explaining Sam's ultimate decision in the final episode. Black Doves season 1 ended by revealing Jason (Andrew Koji) was killed by the son of London crime lord Alex Clark (Tracy Ullman), Trent (Angus Cooper), who was trying to take away any connection to his accidental murder of Ambassador Chen (Andy Cheung). Although Helen (Keira Knightley) is the one out for revenge for her lover's death, it's Sam (Ben Whishaw) who winds up killing the culprit instead, something the Clarks won't take lightly.

Speaking with Netflix's Tudum about Black Doves' final episode, Barton explained how Sam's decision to kill Trent came from protecting Helen, not wanting her killing the young man to weigh on her conscience. The showrunner also explained how this has put his relationship with...

Keira Knightley’s espionage thriller Black Doves is already making waves on Netflix, and fans are eager to know if the London-based spy drama will return for Season 2. Here’s everything we know so far about the hit series and its future.

What Is Black Doves About?

Black Doves follows Helen Webb (Keira Knightley), a spy working for a private espionage agency that trades in high-stakes secrets. While navigating her dual life as the wife of the UK government’s defence secretary, Helen begins a vengeful quest when her lover is assassinated during the Christmas season. Teaming up with her old mentor Sam Young (Ben Whishaw), the series dives into a dangerous underworld filled with deception, action, and bloodshed.

The six-episode series has been a hit with critics, boasting a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes and earning praise for its gripping storytelling and Knightley’s unique take on a spy protagonist.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Black Doves season 1.

Keira Knightley's Netflix espionage series Black Doves includes several significant character deaths, particularly in the shocking season 1 finale. Created by Joe Barton, Black Doves has opened to outstanding reviews, earning a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes critic score upon its December 5, 2024 release date. Knightley leads the cast of Black Doves along with Ben Whishaw, who is best known for playing Q in Daniel Craig's final three James Bond movies. Black Doves also features a stellar supporting cast, including Sarah Lancashire's Reed, Kathryn Hunter's Lenny, Ella Lily Hyland's Williams, and Omari Douglas's Michael.

Black Doves follows Knightley's Helen Webb, the loving and supportive wife of Andrew Buchan's Wallace Webb, a prominent British politician. Webb is also a secret agent working for the mysterious covert spy organization known as the Black Doves, which Mrs. Reed is the head of. Reed...

If you're a fan of Michael Bay's Transformers series of films, be warned—most of his entries in the series will be leaving Netflix by the end of the month, on Dec. 31. The streaming service has been home to Michael Bay's Transformers Saga for a while, which makes this a disappointing loss for those subscribed. While most of the films in the series haven't been the most well-received, they are still considered entertaining popcorn flicks, especially by those who have a deep affection for Transformers as a whole outside of Bay's films.

The original 2007 film that started it all might be the most significant loss out of the whole series of films that are leaving, as it is not only the film that started it all, but is often considered the best in the series. Starring a young Shia Labeouf and Megan Fox, Transformers (2007) set the precedent for how...

Quick Links A World of Espionage Grounded in Reality with 'Black Doves' A Relationship Rarely Seen in Spy Thrillers Nothing Says Happy Holidays Quite Like a Spy Series

Spy thrillers aren't a novelty in the entertainment industry, and some might say they're overrated and overdone with recycled storytelling, but they still manage to intrigue audiences, especially when the plot reflects real-life events. Netflix's latest spy thriller, Black Doves, is about a woman named Helen (Keira Knightley) who gets entangled in a passionate affair with a man dealing in the criminal underworld of London. Helen, however, has a mysterious past, and it comes back to haunt her, endangering her lover. The six-episode series was created by Joe Barton, and joining Knightley are Ben Whishaw, Andrew Koji, Sarah Lancashire, Andrew Buchan, and Tracy Ullman.

In an interview with RadioTimes, Barton revealed that his latest series was inspired by true events and...

Keira Knightley experienced horrifying stalking by men following her rise to increasing notoriety after starting in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Knightley became known for playing Elizabeth Bennet in 2005’s Pride and Prejudice, two years after playing Elizabeth Swan in Pirates at just 18. Knightley played this character for four of the five released Pirates films, though she is not likely to reprise her role. While she acknowledges her harrowing experiences on the set of the first film, she also noted that playing Elizabeth Swan opened doors to Oscar nominations.

Related Why Keira Knightley Convinced Her Mom To Let Her Join Star Wars

Pirates of the Caribbean star Keira Knightley had to convince her mom to let her join the cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace as Padme's decoy.

Knightley Found Herself At The Center of A Media Frenzy And The Eyes Of The World On Her

The British actress, who...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Black Doves season 1.

Keira Knightley's Netflix espionage series Black Doves has a major twist that reveals the true identity of her secret love interest, Jason. Created by Joe Barton, Black Doves has opened to outstanding reviews, earning a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes critic score upon its December 5, 2024 release date. Knightley leads the cast of Black Doves along with Ben Whishaw, who is best known for playing Q in Daniel Craig's final three James Bond movies. Black Doves also features a stellar supporting cast, including Sarah Lancashire's Reed, Kathryn Hunter's Lenny, Ella Lily Hyland's Williams, and Omari Douglas's Michael.

Black Doves follows Knightley's Helen Webb, the loving and supportive wife of Andrew Buchan's Wallace Webb, a prominent British politician. Webb is also a secret agent working for the mysterious covert spy organization known as the Black Doves, which Mrs. Reed is the head of.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Black Doves season 1.

Keira Knightley's Netflix espionage series Black Doves hints at Helen Webb's true origin story before joining the Black Doves. Created by Joe Barton, Black Doves has opened to outstanding reviews, earning a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes critic score upon its December 5, 2024 release date. Knightley leads the cast of Black Doves along with Ben Whishaw, who is best known for playing Q in Daniel Craig's final three James Bond movies.

Black Doves follows Knightley's Helen Webb, the loving and supportive wife of Andrew Buchan's Wallace Webb, a prominent British politician. Webb is also a secret agent working for the mysterious covert spy organization known as the Black Doves, which Mrs. Reed is the head of. Black Doves also features a stellar supporting cast, including Sarah Lancashire's Reed, Kathryn Hunter's Lenny, Ella Lily Hyland's Williams, and Omari Douglas's Michael.