Netflix’s new action-thriller show has finally dropped — and it’s 94% on Rotten Tomatoes

Keira Knightley as Helen Webb in "Black Doves" on Netflix — (Image credit: Ludovic Robert / Netflix)

Netflix is ending 2024 on a high note, and its new action-thriller show already looks like a must-watch.

The streaming service has been upping its game when it comes to original shows, with the conspiracy thriller “The Madness” currently dominating the charts at No.1. However, a new show has garnered unanimous critical acclaim right out of the gate, and it's bound to take the top spot.

Enter “Black Doves”, Netflix’s latest action-thriller making waves with a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Leading the charge is Keira Knightley as a wife and mother who also happens to be a skilled spy, and she's set on finding answers after her secret lover was murdered. It looks to be a very exciting spy thriller that takes place around Christmas in London, so it makes for perfect seasonal viewing this month.

Here’s everything you need to know about Netflix’s latest action-packed thriller and what critics are saying about it now that it's streaming...

What is ‘Black Doves’ about?

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“Black Doves” is set against the festive yet dark backdrop of Christmas time in London and follows Helen Webb (Keira Knightley), a clever, grounded wife and mother who also leads a double life as a professional spy.

For a decade, she’s been secretly feeding classified information from her politician husband to the covert organization she serves: the Black Doves. But when her lover, Jason (Andrew Koji), is murdered, Helen is thrust into a dangerous game of survival.

Her spymaster, Reed (Sarah Lancashire), enlists Helen’s estranged friend, Sam Young (Ben Whishaw), to protect her. Sam has been lying low since a botched mission derailed his career. Returning to a London that has moved on without him, he’s forced to confront his past as he works to shield Helen from the threats closing in around her.

‘Black Doves’ reviews — critics are loving this spy thriller

At the time of writing, “Black Doves” has a score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes from 50 reviews (and this is pretty impressive for a Netflix original). While this rating may shift over time, such a strong start sets the bar incredibly high. And I can guarantee that audiences will love it just as much.

Kristen Baldwin from Entertainment Weekly said: “The spirited Netflix thriller from Joe Barton (The Lazarus Project) is a remarkably fresh, exciting, and laugh-out-loud funny caper, driven by a sharp comedic sensibility and wildly entertaining performances from stars Ben Whishaw and Keira Knightley.”

Meanwhile, The Age’s Craig Mathieson was very impressed: “Black Doves is the British spy thriller I didn’t know I needed. That’s because as well as being a story about covert spooks, it’s also a melancholic examination of desire’s hold.”

“Black Doves” is also a standout in the genre, according to Kaiya Shunyata from RogerEbert: “From shootouts to tender admissions of love, Black Doves feels like a revelation in a genre that grows staler by the year.”

Ben Whishaw and Keira Knightley in "Black Doves" (2024) on Netflix — (Image credit: Netflix)

FandomWire’s Matt Hambidge stated it’s “a smart, twisty spy thriller. Led by Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, the stacked cast elevates an already strong script. And the moral and ethical questions it raises take it from good to great.”

Abe Friedtanzer from Awards Buzz put it simply: “There are so many spy shows on TV, but this action-packed, highly entertaining show is definitely at the head of the pack.”

Should you stream ‘Black Doves’ on Netflix?

Ben Whishaw and Keira Knightley in "Black Doves" — (Image credit: Netflix)

Christmas came early, because you can stream “Black Doves” right now on Netflix. The six-episode show has released in one go, meaning you can binge it over the weekend or this evening.

Want more good news? Netflix has already renewed “Black Doves” for season 2, a clear sign that this spy thriller is expected to deliver some fresh, exciting action during Christmas time.

And if you need more to watch, check out what else is new on Netflix this week. You can also see our guide on everything new coming to Netflix in December 2024, including “Squid Game” season 2 and a new war drama based on a true story.

Stream “Black Doves” on Netflix right now.

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Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote.

Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry.

She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.