Netflix’s new action-thriller show has finally dropped — and it’s 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

When you purchase through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

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

The streaming service has upped its game when it comes to original shows with the conspiracy thriller “The Madness” is 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. The accuser is Keira Knightley as a wife and mother who also happens to be a skilled spy, and she is determined to find answers after her secret lover is murdered. It looks to be a very exciting spy thriller set 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?

Set against the festive but dark backdrop of Christmastime in London, “Black Doves” follows Helen Webb (Keira Knightley), a wise, down-to-earth wife and mother who also leads a double life as a professional spy.

For a decade, she has been secretly feeding classified information from her politician husband to the secret organization she serves: The Black Doves. But when her lover, Jason (Andrew Koji), is murdered, Helen is thrown 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 is forced to confront his past as he works to protect Helen from the threats around her.

‘Black Doves’ reviews – critics love this spy thriller

At the time of writing, “Black Doves” has a perfect score of 100% on it Rotten tomatoes from 19 reviews (and this is pretty impressive for a Netflix original). While this rating may change over time, such a strong start sets the bar incredibly high. And I can guarantee that the audience will love it just as much.

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

Meanwhile The age Craig Mathieson was very impressed: “Black Doves is the British spy thriller I didn’t know I needed. That’s because, in addition to being a story about hidden ghosts, it’s also a melancholic study of the grip of desire.”

“Black Doves” is also a standout in the genre, according to Kaiya Shunyata from Roger Ebert: “From shootouts to tender confessions of love, Black Doves feels like a revelation in a genre that keeps growing year by year.”

It is at this point that I will mention a few negative reviews just for balance, but considering that “Black Doves” has a perfect 100% rating, there aren’t any.

FandomWire’s Matt Hambidge said it’s “a smart, twisted 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 Prices Buzz put it simply: “There are so many spy shows on TV, but this action-packed, highly entertaining show is clearly at the head of the pack.”

Should you stream ‘Black Doves’ on Netflix?

Christmas came early because you can stream “Black Doves” right now on Netflix. The six-episode show is released all at once, meaning you can binge over the weekend or tonight.

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

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

Stream “Black Doves” on Netflix right now.

More from Tom’s Guide