Netflix's "Black Doves" First Look and Premiere Date Unveiled

Netflix has unveiled the first look photos and premiere date for the spy thriller series "Black Doves", starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw.

The six-part series is written and created by “The Lazarus Project” showrunner Joe Barton and is set to premiere on the giant streamer on December 5.

A story of friendship and sacrifice, “Black Doves” is set during Christmastime in London. It revolves around Helen Webb (Knightley), a politician’s wife, doting mother — and professional spy.

For years, Helen has been passing on her husband’s secrets to the Black Doves, the shadowy organization for whom she works. But when her lover Jason is assassinated, Helen’s life is turned upside down and only her old friend Sam Young (Whishaw) can keep her safe.

Helen and Sam set out to discover who killed Jason and why. But Sam, a suave, champagne-drinking assassin, also has problems of his own. Out of the game, since his last job went wrong, he soon realizes his past is coming back to haunt him.

The logline reads: “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.”

Sarah Lancashire will play Helen’s enigmatic spymaster Reed. Rounding out the cast are Andrew Buchan, Adeel Akhtar, Tracey Ullman, Finn Bennett, Luther Ford, Koji, Kathryn Hunter, Sam Troughton, Ella Lily Hyland, Adam Silver,  Ken Nwosu, Gabrielle Creevy, and Omari Douglas. 

"Black Doves" is the latest splashy offering from Netflix UK, which has made a slew of hits this year including Baby Reindeer and The Gentlemen. 

It is being co-produced by Sister, which has just seen its previous Netflix show, Kaos, axed after one season. Barton’s outfit Noisy Bear is co-producing. EPs include Knightley, Barton, Jane Featherstone, and Chris Fry. Directors are Alex Gabassi (The Crown) and Lisa Gunning (The Power). Series producer is Harry Munday.