Keira Knightley leads Netflix’s critically acclaimed new spy seriesBlack Doves, which provides a thrilling watch before the highly anticipated return of the hit action showThe Night Agent. After debuting in March 2023,Netflix’s thriller seriesThe Night Agentbecame a massive hit, racking up record-breaking viewership numbersfor the streaming service. The success of the show, which follows FBI agent Peter Sutherland as he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy in the White House, not only led to Netflix’s speedyrenewal ofThe Night Agentseason 2, but also a wider search for similar enthralling spy thrillers.

As it turns out, Netflix has answered its own call in the time sinceThe Night Agentseason 1’s ending. While Prime Video has excelled with thriller shows likeReacherandMr & Mrs Smith, Netflix itself has dropped similar genre hits likeThe DiplomatafterThe Night Agent’s debut. Now, withThe Night Agentseason 2 being set to release on June 03, 2025,Keira Knightley’sBlack Dovespremiering on December 5, 2024comes at the perfect time, and even gives the 2023 show a run for its money with the potential to become Netflix’s biggest spy thriller yet.

Keira Knightley turns her head in Black Doves

Netflix’s Black Doves Is Another Terrific Spy Thriller To Watch Before The Night Agent Season 2’s Release

Keira Knightley Leads Netflix’s Critically Acclaimed Spy Thriller

Starring two-time Oscar nominee Keira Knightley, Netflix’s new Christmas-set spy thrillerBlack Dovespremieres at an opportune time to captivateThe Night Agentfans ahead of season 2’s release.Black Dovesfollows Helen Webb (Knightley), the wife of the UK’s Secretary of Defense who hides a secret life as a spyfor the illusive organization known as the “Black Doves.” When the man who she had been having an affair with winds up dead at the same time as the Chinese Ambassador, Helen is reunited with her old triggerman colleague Sam (Ben Whishaw) to uncover a deadly, dangerous conspiracy.

Black Doves Review: Keira Knightley’s Ambitious & Crafty Spy Thriller Is A Genre-Blending Success

Keira Knightley is perfectly cast in Netflix’s ambitious and engaging spy thriller that packs uniquely strong punches with a few forceful whiffs.

Rather than a low-level FBI agent at the lead like inThe Night Agent,Black Doves’ story follows an experienced agent whose spy status is put in jeopardy while tracking her lover’s killer. However,bothThe Night AgentandBlack Dovesshare comparable plots with governmental conspiracies at their highest levelswhile trying to protect those whose lives are at risk from menacing, powerful groups. The tense story andtwists that madeThe Night Agentseason 1such an engrossing narrative are similarly found inBlack Doves, with the added advantage of an A-list star leading the 2024 Netflix series.

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Black Doves' Reviews Give The Night Agent Season 2 A Bigger Challenge

The Night Agent Season 2 Has A Challenge To Improve Its Critical Response

Black Doves’ success had already been apparent ahead of its release, as the show debuted with incredible reviews from critics.Black Dovesholds a 100% score from criticsonRotten Tomatoes, an impressive feat that immediately sets it apart from many otherNetflix thrillers. The 2024 Keira Knightley-starring project has received high praise for cast performances and chemistry, its smart and suspenseful action-heavy plot, entertaining character dynamics and comedic edge, and its poignant themes and exposition that break away from the typical spy thriller formula.

74%

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Black Dovesseason 1

100%

The phenomenal reviews forBlack Dovesgive Netflix a certified hit with critics, but they also increase the expectations for the streamer’s other series in this genre.The Night Agentseason 1 holds a 74% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, which is significantly lower thanBlack Doves. Therefore,Black Doves’ 100% rating givesThe Night Agentseason 2 an added challenge to increase its positive critical reception, hopefully working out the kinks from season 1 while taking some formula-breaking risks that made Keira Knightley’s show all the more refreshing.

The Night Agent

Cast

The Night Agent is a suspenseful thriller in which a dedicated FBI agent becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy after answering an emergency line call. Set against the backdrop of political intrigue, the agent uncovers a mole within the White House, posing significant risks to national security.

Black Doves

Black Doves is a suspenseful thriller released in December 2024. It follows a spy masquerading as a politician’s wife who, after discovering her lover’s murder, joins forces with an old assassin associate to uncover the truth and seek revenge.