Keira Knightley emerged as a prominent figure in cinema throughout the early 2000s, capturing audiences with notable performances. Her breakthrough came with a memorable role in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), which was closely followed by her appearance in the beloved holiday film, Love Actually. The 2010s saw Knightley continue her success with major films such as Pride & Prejudice (2005) and Atonement (2007), alongside her return to the Pirates franchise.
Maintaining a steady presence in films through the 2010s and into the 2020s, Knightley showcased her versatility with performances in films like The Imitation Game (2014), Everest (2015), and the recent mystery thriller, Boston Strangler (2023). However, she had largely stayed away from television until her recent project, which marked a significant shift in her career. In late 2024, Knightley made her television debut in a Netflix spy thriller, an entirely new genre for the actress.
Black Doves Makes Waves on Netflix
Critical Acclaim for Black Doves
Black Doves has quickly gained popularity on Netflix, resonating well with audiences and critics alike. Created by Joe Barton, this spy thriller features Knightley in the role of Helen, a covert agent whose life becomes complicated when her romantic partner gets entangled with perilous criminals in London. With Ben Whishaw portraying Sam, Helen’s previous confidant, the series has been met with glowing reviews. Impressively, Black Doves achieved a remarkable 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes shortly after its launch on the platform.
According to Netflix’s latest statistics, Black Doves has soared to the second most viewed title globally, trailing only behind The Madness for the week of December 2 – 8. The show captivated viewers, racking up an astonishing 10.8 million views, which translates to 59.4 million hours watched across its six episodes.
Moreover, Netflix reports that Black Doves has not only secured second place in global rankings but has also featured in the top 10 lists of 89 countries, including Canada. Remarkably, it has clinched the top position in 18 of these nations, notably in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Australia, and New Zealand.
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Netflix Global Top 10 List |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Rank |
Title |
Total Views |
|
1 |
The Madness (Limited Series) |
13.3M |
|
2 |
Black Doves (S1) |
10.8M |
|
3 |
La Brea (S1) |
5M |
|
4 |
Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey (S1) |
4.6M |
|
5 |
The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On (S3) |
3.3M |
|
6 |
Is It Cake: Holiday (S1) |
3.1M |
|
7 |
A Man on the Inside (S1) |
3M |
|
8 |
A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter |
2.6M |
|
9 |
Arcane (S2) |
2.3M |
|
10 |
The Later Daters (S1) |
1.8M |
Implications of Black Doves’ Achievement on Netflix
Anticipation for Future Seasons
This impressive reception has led to excitement regarding the series’ continuation, as Netflix confirmed a second season of Black Doves back in August, before its official debut. This early endorsement from Netflix indicates their strong confidence in the project. With the series now attaining such viewership success, it sets a promising foundation for a lasting franchise. If both Knightley and Whishaw are willing to reprise their roles and high ratings persist, there is potential for additional seasons beyond the already announced second installment.
For Keira Knightley, this surge in popularity for Black Doves signals a significant achievement as she transitions into television. Despite her ongoing film projects, this dynamic shift towards TV could redefine her career trajectory. Knightley may become a prominent figure in the television landscape as her illustrious journey continues to evolve. While the future of Black Doves holds many uncertainties, it is clear that it is resonating well with international audiences.
Source: Netflix
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