Black Doves Returns: Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week 2026

Black Doves returns to Netflix this week, leading a packed slate of seven best shows to stream. Keira Knightley's Helen Webb is now the prime minister's wife, but her treachery hasn't tempered one bit. The hugely entertaining espionage thriller kicks off with Helen cracking a safe at an official engagement and adding to her spectacular body count.

The Black Doves spy ring is in chaos after a key disappearance, and Sam (Ben Whishaw) has become a loose cannon, taking on hit jobs without much due diligence. Soon, everyone is on a direct collision course. It's a glorious mess of motive, morality and murder.

Why Black Doves Is the Pick of the Week

The superb cast, now including Ambika Mod and Babou Ceesay, are clearly having a ball. So will you. The show blends sharp writing with stylish action, and Knightley's performance anchors the chaos with wit and menace.

What makes Black Doves stand out is its balance of high-stakes espionage and dark humor. The new season promises more of the same, with Helen's double life as a spy and political spouse creating endless complications.

What to Expect from the New Season

Expect more safe-cracking, more body bags, and more moral ambiguity. The disappearance of a key figure throws the spy ring into disarray, forcing everyone to improvise. Sam's loose-cannon arc adds unpredictability, and the new cast members bring fresh energy.

The show's creator has a knack for twisting plot threads into a satisfying knot. If you enjoyed the first season, this one doubles down on the chaos and charm.

SCTV: The Greatest Show You've Never Heard Of

For something completely different, Netflix also offers SCTV: The Greatest Show You've Never Heard Of, a documentary about the oddball Canadian sketch comedy that ran from 1976 to 1984. Tom Hanks says, "I have watched those things 122 times, and I still laugh."

Second City TV was defiantly lo-fi and made on a shoestring, but unapologetically itself. It launched the careers of superstars including John Candy, Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy. The documentary is every bit as endearing as the show was.

Why SCTV Still Matters

SCTV's influence on comedy is immeasurable. Its scrappy enterprise changed the life of almost everyone who encountered it, and the documentary captures that spirit. For comedy nerds and newcomers alike, it's a must-watch.

Stick: Owen Wilson's Charming Golf Comedy

Owen Wilson stars as an ageing golf pro in Stick, a charming performance that anchors this feel-good series. Wilson brings his signature blend of laid-back humor and genuine warmth to the role.

The show follows a former golf prodigy who hits rock bottom and must rebuild his life. It's a familiar underdog story, but Wilson's charisma and the show's sharp writing elevate it. The background to this story is set out in East of Eden to Kill Jackie: Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week. A related thread runs through Slow Horses Season 6 and the Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week. Earlier coverage in Keira Knightley on Hacking Nightmare and Stasi Spy Play shows how the argument developed.

Is Stick Worth Streaming?

If you're a fan of sports comedies with heart, Stick delivers. It's not groundbreaking, but it's an easy, enjoyable watch with plenty of laughs. A closer look at the same subject appears in Tyson to VisionQuest: Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Get Jiro and Below Lead the Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week. The same theme surfaces in Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week: Meet the Owens & Dog Park, which takes a different angle.

What Else to Stream This Week

Beyond these three, the week's lineup includes a mix of drama, comedy and documentary. Here are the key takeaways for your watchlist: Context on how this played out before sits in Keir Starmer's Next Move: Post-PM Plans Revealed.

• Black Doves (Netflix, from Thursday 5 November): Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw return in the stylish spy thriller.
• SCTV: The Greatest Show You've Never Heard Of (Netflix, out now): A loving tribute to the influential Canadian sketch show.
• Stick (Apple TV+): Owen Wilson charms as a down-on-his-luck golf pro.
• The Day of the Jackal (Peacock): Eddie Redmayne stars in this tense assassin thriller.
• Disclaimer (Apple TV+): Cate Blanchett leads this psychological drama.
• The Penguin (HBO/Max): Colin Farrell's Batman spin-off continues to impress.

Comparison Table: Streaming Highlights

FAQ

When does Black Doves season 2 premiere?

Black Doves returns to Netflix on Thursday 5 November. The new season picks up with Helen as the prime minister's wife and the spy ring in chaos.

What is SCTV about?

SCTV: The Greatest Show You've Never Heard Of is a documentary about the Canadian sketch comedy show that ran from 1976 to 1984 and launched the careers of John Candy, Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy.

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Is Stick based on a true story?

Stick is a fictional comedy series starring Owen Wilson as an ageing golf pro. It's not based on a true story but draws on familiar sports underdog tropes.

Where can I stream these shows?

Black Doves and SCTV are on Netflix. Stick and Disclaimer are on Apple TV+. The Day of the Jackal is on Peacock, and The Penguin is on HBO/Max.