Ben Whishaw gives a positive clue on when Black Doves Season 2 will reach Netflix

When you watch a great drama on Netflix you have a conflict over its ending. Of course, you want to get to the end to find out what happens, how all the stories come together, and what happens to the characters. Sometimes, though, it’s so good and enthralling that you want to be able to keep watching it and wish it wouldn't end. A new season is the obvious answer.

That was very much the case for Black Doves. The Netflix drama was released late last year and captured a lot of attention. It was a great mix of a thrilling story, some festive elements due to its Christmas in London setting, and, of course, a brilliant cast. 

Led by Kiera Knightley and Ben Whishaw, there were also strong roles for Sarah Lancashire and Andrew Buchan. Tracey Ullman also makes a dramatic late appearance in the show. The names were enough to draw people in, but those other factors helped hugely too. 

When might Black Doves Season 2 arrive on Netflix?

The good news is that a second season for Black Doves has already been confirmed. As always the questions are about who will be involved and also when it will be on our screens. It’s that timing issue that is seeing some focus and concern currently. 

Back in December, the show's writer and creator, Joe Barton, was interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter and gave some great insight into Black Doves. He talked about Season 2 and was well aware that demand was high for a quick return to the screens. Asked about whether the Christmas setting would be repeated Barton reckoned that was unlikely. 

“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.”

In another clue to timing, Barton was also asked then if he was still in the writer's room. His reply backed that earlier comment and indicated encouragingly that they’d be filming in 2025. 
“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.”

Ben Whishaw gives update on Black Dove Season 2 timeline

A more recent interview with actor Whishaw has caused some confusion but seems to confirm that general timing from Barton. The interview posted on Stephen Weintraub’s Instagram page features actor Whishaw being asked for news about season 2. He says on camera that it hasn't been written yet and reckons it is six or seven months away.

That has led to speculation that the next season might not appear until late in 2026, to fit in with the festive season. But with Barton’s view that we’ll see a different season featured, that timescale looks unlikely, and the speculation is rather wild.

There might be some disagreement between the writer and Whishaw on whether writing has started, but I’ll take the writer's more positive view on that all day long. This all looks like a spring-to-summer release date for Black Doves 2 could well be the more likely outcome. 

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