Netflix Just Dropped Shetland Star Douglas Henshall’s Explosive Detective Thriller — Darker, Deadlier, and Impossible to Put Down

Shetland fans, buckle up! Douglas Henshall has returned to screens in Black Work — a three-part detective thriller that’s now streaming on Netflix and already being hailed as “gripping,” “binge-worthy,” and “utterly addictive.” The 2015 ITV series has found new life on the platform, sending viewers into a frenzy with its dark twists, shocking revelations, and powerhouse performances.

What is Black Work about?

Sheridan Smith stars as Leeds police constable Jo Gillespie, whose life shatters when her husband, undercover officer Ryan Gillespie (Kenny Doughty), is mysteriously murdered. Left to raise her daughter and stepson alone, Jo refuses to let the case rest.

While senior officers DCI Will Hepburn (Douglas Henshall) and Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki (Geraldine James) lead the official investigation, Jo begins to suspect her police family isn’t telling her the whole truth. Determined to uncover what really happened, she teams up with her close friend DC Jack Clark (Matthew McNulty) — but her rogue search for answers puts her directly in harm’s way.

Every episode is packed with tension, betrayals, and life-or-death stakes, making Black Work as emotionally charged as it is thrilling.

The cast and characters

• Sheridan Smith as Jo Gillespie — A young PC with everything to lose.

• Kenny Doughty as Ryan Gillespie — Jo’s husband, working deep undercover before his shocking death.

• Douglas Henshall as DCS Will Hepburn — The senior officer running the case, whose loyalties aren’t always clear.

• Geraldine James as Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki — A commanding presence at the top of the force.

• Matthew McNulty as DC Jack Clark — Jo’s ally and friend, torn between duty and loyalty.

• Andrew Knott as DS Lee Miekel and Ace Bhatti as DCI Jahan Kapoor — key figures in the high-stakes investigation.

What are viewers saying?

The show has been winning over new audiences since landing on Netflix. One viewer wrote:

“Came across a very good three-part thriller on @netflix. Was on @ITV. #BlackWork with Sheridan Smith, Geraldine James and Douglas Henshall. Thoroughly enjoyable!”

Another praised its writing and performances:

“Sheridan Smith @itv #blackwork absolutely fantastic — well written, produced, directed and all the actors smashed it!”

Fans are particularly impressed with its relentless pacing and shocking twists — with some even calling it “100x more addictive than Shetland.”

How to watch

Black Work is now available to stream on Netflix and ITVX. If you’re in the mood for a gritty, emotionally charged detective drama with a knockout cast, this is one you won’t want to miss.