Netflix viewers are clearing their schedules for the return of Black Doves, with the new season of the fast-paced spy thriller already earning enthusiastic reactions from fans and critics alike.

© Courtesy of Matthew Towers/Netfl

Ambika Mod’s character, Laila, joins the Black Doves in season 2

The action-packed series, led by Keira Knightley, returned on Thursday for its long-awaited second season. And judging by the early response, many viewers are finding it difficult to stop watching.

Knightley stars as Helen Webb, an undercover operative for the secretive organisation known as Black Doves. For the past decade, Helen has secretly passed information from her politician husband to her mysterious spymaster, Reed, played by Sarah Lancashire.

Ben Whishaw also returns as Helen’s longtime friend Sam Young, a hitman who once helped her uncover the truth behind the murder of her secret lover, Jason.

Helen and Sam Face a Dangerous New Mission

Season two reunites Helen and Sam under even more dangerous circumstances.

Helen finds herself walking an increasingly treacherous path as she continues leaking her nation’s secrets to the covert organisation, all while her husband, Wallace, prepares to become Prime Minister.

But when her enigmatic handler, Mrs Reed, suddenly disappears, Helen is left exposed.

The pair are forced to search for answers as old loyalties are tested and trust begins to unravel. Their mission takes them back to familiar faces and dangerous enemies, while confronting difficult decisions and painful sacrifices from their pasts.

As the stakes rise, the fight to protect the people they care about could cost them everything.

© Courtesy of Matthew Towers/Netfl

Ben Whishaw and Keira Knightley star in Black Doves

Fans Are Binge-Watching All Six Episodes

The new season has made a strong first impression, with some viewers revealing they watched all six episodes in a single sitting.

One fan wrote on social media that they had “officially parked everything else” to watch the thriller, while another praised the show and called for a third season.

Another viewer described season two as a brilliant watch from beginning to end, praising its story, twists and performances and saying they were hooked throughout.

Critics Also Give the New Season High Praise

© Courtesy of Sanne Gault/Netflix

Keira leads the cast as Helen Webb, an operative who has spent the last decade leaking her politician husband’s secrets to spymaster Reed (Lancashire).

The positive reaction has not been limited to viewers.

The Guardian awarded the second season four stars, describing it as a magnetically acted story of friendship with moments of genuine poignancy.

The Independent was equally enthusiastic, also giving the series four stars and calling it the show most worthy of a Netflix subscription.

Familiar Faces and New Additions Join the Cast

© Courtesy of Matthew Towers/Netfl

Helen finds herself navigating even higher stakes as her husband, Wallace (Andrew Buchan), prepares to step into the role of Prime Minister.

Knightley returns as Helen alongside Whishaw as Sam and Lancashire as Reed.

Andrew Buchan, Kathryn Hunter, Ella Lily Hyland, Gabrielle Creevy and Agnes O’Casey also reprise their roles in the new season.

Several new faces have joined the cast, including Ambika Mod as Black Doves agent Laila, Babou Ceesay as Black Doves executive Mr. Conteh and Sam Riley as Patrick.

Neve Campbell, Sylvia Hoeks, Goran Kostic and Samuel Barnett also appear in the second season.

With six new episodes packed with espionage, shifting loyalties and high-stakes drama, Black Doves is already proving to be a difficult show for Netflix viewers to put down.

Black Doves is available to stream on Netflix.