The Final 'Black Doves' Trailer Leans into the Thriller Vibes

It's always hard to judge a new series before it debuts. Case in point: Netflix's forthcoming Black Doves, first confirmed in mid-2023. The series was initially presented as a Keira Knightley (Pride & Prejudice) vehicle, a big-budget thriller drawing the big-screen star back to television. Then the cast expanded to add Ben Whishaw (This is Going to Hurt), Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley), Adeel Akhtar (Showtrial), and Paapa Essiedu (The Lazurus Project), making the series more of a The Crown-style A-list British actor fest. The first trailer even leaned into Whishaw and Knightley as BFFs, emphasizing their snarky friendship, suggesting this show will be fun.

However, the second trailer takes an entirely different approach, perhaps to attract male audiences or to downplay the humor. This look at the series, which debuts the week after Thanksgiving, is far more into the violence and mayhem that the original "spy-series-thriller" presentation said it would be. While it might bring in some viewers who weren't as into the first trailer, those who thought we were getting Knightley and Whishaw making us laugh for six episodes are a little wary. 

The series is partly Whishaw (who co-starred in the Daniel Craig-era James Bond films) and Knightley (who spent a decade being a Pirate in the Caribbean), putting all those action skills they picked up during their time on the big screen to good use. But will it be funny? Or will it be a tragic end waiting to leave us sobbing? Check out the trailer and decide for yourself.

Here's the series' synopsis:

Set against the backdrop of London at Christmas, Black Doves is a sharp, action-filled, and heartfelt story of friendship and sacrifice. It follows Helen Webb, 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 organization she works for: the Black Doves. 

When her secret lover Jason is assassinated, her spymaster, the enigmatic Reed, calls in Helen’s old friend Sam to keep her safe. Together, Helen and Sam set off on a mission to investigate who killed Jason and why. This led them to uncover a vast, interconnected conspiracy linking the murky London underworld to a looming geopolitical crisis.

Knightley, Whishaw, Lancashire, Akhtar, and Essiedu lead a cast that also includes Andrew Koji (Warrior), Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch), Finn Bennett (Domina), Tracey Ullman (Howard's End) and Luther Ford (The Crown). Supporting cast includes Kathryn Hunter (Macbeth), Sam Troughton (The Outlaws), Ella Lily Hyland (Fifteen-Love), Adam Silver (The Diplomat), Ken Nwosu (Down Cemetary Road), Gabrielle Creevy (Operation Mincemeat) and Omari Douglas (It’s A Sin).

Joe Barton created and wrote all six episodes of Black Doves' first season and is expected to return for Season 2. Directors Alex Gabassi and Lisa Gunning split helming duties and will likely do the same for Season 2. Barton and Knightley executive produce with Jane Featherstone and Chris Fry for SISTER; Harry Munday serves as producer.

Black Doves Season 1 will arrive on Netflix with all episodes on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Season 2 is already commissioned.