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Black Doves season 2 first look unveiled for new episodes of hit Netflix thriller – returning in mere weeks

Helen and Sam are headed on a new action-packed mission.

"Woman in blue dress aiming a handgun with both hands in a tense indoor setting, standing by a white door with a picture frame on the beige wall in the background."

Netflix

Published: Thursday, 24 September 2026 at 4:45 pm

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It's been almost two years since spy thriller Black Doves debuted on Netflix, but now we finally know when the second season will arrive, and we've got our first look at what to expect.

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The thrilling trailer for season 2 sees Keira Knightley's Helen being assigned a new handler, while reuniting with Ben Whishaw's Sam and going on another action-packed mission – all while now being the wife of the incoming Prime Minister, Andrew Buchan's Wallace.

It's also been revealed that the six-part second season will stream on Netflix from Thursday 5 November – meaning there's just over a month left to wait.

You can watch the trailer right here now.

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The synopsis for season 2 says: "Helen (Knightley) is still betraying her nation’s secrets to the covert organisation she serves: the Black Doves. But after the misadventures of last Christmas, and with her husband Wallace (Buchan), preparing to become Prime Minister, she is walking a more treacherous line than ever.

"As Helen’s enigmatic handler Mrs Reed (Sarah Lancashire) is ensnared in a ruthless plot to undermine her position in the Black Doves, Helen is reunited with her best friend Sam (Whishaw). The once high-end triggerman is now reduced to lonely drinks in Soho bars and low-rate hits.

"As they search for answers, loyalties are weaponised, trust is shattered, and the fight to protect the people they love could cost everything. With all the explosive wit of series 1, Helen and Sam’s mission leads them back to old friends and enemies, through the dark decisions and painful sacrifices of their pasts, and right to the heart of the Black Doves."

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Amibka Mod as Laila, Ella Lily Hyland as Williams and Gabrielle Creevy as Eleanor in Black Doves season 2, stood in a doorway and all holding guns.

Ben Whishaw as Sam and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb in Black Doves season 2, sat next to each other.

Sarah Lancashire as Reed and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb in Black Doves season 2. They are stood on a flight of stairs, both holding guns.

Andrew Buchan as Wallace Webb and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb in Black Doves season 2. They are stood outside 10 Downing Street, with police officers next to them.

Amibka Mod as Laila, Ella Lily Hyland as Williams and Gabrielle Creevy as Eleanor in Black Doves season 2, stood in a doorway and all holding guns.

Ben Whishaw as Sam and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb in Black Doves season 2, sat next to each other.

Sarah Lancashire as Reed and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb in Black Doves season 2. They are stood on a flight of stairs, both holding guns.

Andrew Buchan as Wallace Webb and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb in Black Doves season 2. They are stood outside 10 Downing Street, with police officers next to them.

Amibka Mod as Laila, Ella Lily Hyland as Williams and Gabrielle Creevy as Eleanor in Black Doves season 2, stood in a doorway and all holding guns.

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Matthew Towers/Netflix

Sanne Gault/Netflix

Matthew Towers/Netflix

Matthew Towers/Netflix

Alongside the key cast members above, season 2 will also feature returning stars including Ella Lily Hyland (Fifteen Love), Gabrielle Creevy (Amadeus) and Agnes O’Casey (Star City).

Meanwhile, newcomers include Kathryn Hunter (Ann Droid), Ambika Mod (One Day), Babou Ceesay (Alien: Earth), Sam Riley (Mint), Neve Campbell (The Lincoln Lawyer), Sylvia Hoeks (Ride or Die), Goran Kostic (Ant-Man and The Wasp) and Samuel Barnett (Lee).

Joe Barton has returned as the show's creator, writer and executive producer.

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Black Doves season 2 will stream on Netflix from Thursday 5 November 2026. Sign up for Netflix from £7.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

Add Black Doves to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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