Black Doves season 2 gets an update from creator Joe Barton, including a release timeline and a story tease. Premiering on Netflix in early December, with Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, and Sarah Lancashire in lead roles, the six-episode series unfolds over the holidays and zeroes in on what happens when Helen Webb (Knightley) finds out that her secret identity as a spy is in danger once her lover is killed by in a mysterious murder. Receiving acclaim from critics and topping viewership charts, Black Doves season 2 was confirmed before the show’s debut.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Barton gave an update on the show’s return and mentioned that filming was slated to begin next year. Although the show creator did not share a specific timeline, beyond that filming is currently underway, he does mention that viewers won’t have to wait too long between seasons:
“Literally, I’m in the writers’ room right now. We have just finished a meeting. We’re figuring it all out and putting it all down on paper. But yeah, we’re going to be filming next year, so hopefully, it won’t be too long a wait between series for people. That’s where we’re at”
When asked whether the spy thriller would continue to follow a Christmas theme, Barton seemingly indicated that Black Doves season 2 will not be ready by next December. The creator also said the upcoming episodes will not follow the same Christmas backdrop, though he would like for that to happen:
“If it was down to me, I’d probably set everything at Christmas. I just like writing about it. But no, I think mostly because of schedules and release, to have something ready for next Christmas would be impossible . And then you’d be in a situation where we’d have to make people wait two years for the Christmas after that, which should just be too long. So I think inevitably it’s not going to be a Christmas show. But it’ll be interesting to see them out of their winter coats”
Barton was also asked about a possible backstory for Lancashire’s Reed. He answered by praising the Happy Valley actor, revealing that there are plans to reveal more about the mysterious character.
“I do and I’ve been thinking about it a lot for series two. I’ve written some stuff. I couldn’t really give it away, but I love that character. And having Sarah come in and do it is amazing. And actually having someone like Sarah come in and do that, you want to know more, because it’s Sarah Lancashire playing the part. Yes, I would like to delve more into her backstory and who she is, but that would be definitely something for series two”
Barton then discussed bringing in a new villain for season 2. In the quote below, he praised guest star Tracey Ullman for her brief cameo as season 1’s ostensible final boss.
“Well, one of the things I felt watching the first series was that Sam and Helen, they don’t really a Moriarty. They don’t have the big bad. Tracey Ullman comes in and there’s a great scene in that, but she only comes in at the end and there’s a reveal, and then she’s gone. One of the things I think would be really fun to do is actually to give them a proper onscreen antagonist, a proper villain for them to have to deal with. So that’s big on my list of things for series two”
Lastly, the creator revealed it’s still early to talk about a villain for season 2, elaborating that he still hasn’t figured out the description of the next antagonist.
“Man, I don’t know. It’s too early to say, because I don’t even know exactly the age or even gender of the villain. We’re still playing around with it. What’s been amazing about series one is getting all these incredible actors together. So we do feel quite excited about who we can add to the group. Some names have been flying around. I’ve got one idea, but we’ll see”
What The Latest Updates Mean For Black Doves Season 2
The Wait Will Be A Bit Long
Barton’s overall response indicates that Black Doves won’t be released in 2025. However, it could be possible to see the spy series back in the early months of 2026 depending on filming. Although that is a bit of a disappointment, considering the show’s strong start, it is made easier by the fact that the Black Doves season 1 ending answers all the major questions.
There are a few dangling threads like Sam (Whishaw ) working as a hired hand for the young man that he was supposed to kill years earlier. Helen’s secret also continues to be a concern, but overwhelmingly, the show’s excellent first season stands on its own and tells a complete story. That should make the wait for season 2 a little easier, with the series having time to perfect the secondary casting of the Black Doves, which is arguably the drama’s secret weapon.
