Black Work, which leaves the streaming platform on 19 April, follows Leeds police constable Jo Gillespie, who is devastated when her husband, undercover officer Ryan, is murdered.

The series, produced by Mammoth Screen (Victoria, Poldark), is created by Matt Charman, who is no stranger to bringing intense and compelling stories to the screen. His previous credits include Netflix’s Hostage and the acclaimed film, Bridge of Spies.

With just three hour-long episodes, Black Work is the perfect weeknight binge. Find out more below…

BLACK WORK 2015 ITV series with Sheridan Smith© Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
Sheridan Smith leads the cast as PC Jo Gillespie

What is Black Work about?

The drama centres around Leeds-based police officer Jo Gillespie, whose world is shattered when she finds out that her husband, undercover police officer Ryan, is shot dead.

Jo, who is a mother to seven-year-old Melly (played by Honor Kneafsey) and stepson Hal, is heavily conflicted as she attempts to unravel the truth about Ryan’s death. Unsure of whom she can trust, Jo leans on a close friend and colleague as she embarks on her own investigation.

A synopsis continues: “What begins as a painful murder enquiry for Ryan’s friends and colleagues uncovers some terrible secrets for Jo and her family. With the help of friend and colleague Jack Clark (Matthew McNulty) Jo is determined to find out the truth about her husband’s death.”

Who stars in Black Work?

Sheridan Smith stars as young PC Jo Gillespie, while Kenny Doughty (Vera) plays her husband, DS Ryan Gillespie.

They’re joined by Matthew McNulty (Deadwater Fell, The Rising), who plays Jo’s friend and colleague DC Jack Clark, Douglas Henshall (Shetland) as Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn and Geraldine James (Dope Girls, This Town) as Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki.

close-up of sad woman© Netflix / ITV
The series follows Leeds police constable Jo Gillespie, whose husband, undercover officer Ryan, is murdered

Rounding out the cast are Andrew Knott (Gavin & Stacey, Protection) as DS Lee Miekel and Ace Bhatti (Protection, The Stranger) as DCI Jahan Kapoor.

What have critics and viewers said about the show?

The series climbed Netflix’s Top 10 TV chart after being added to the streamer a year ago, with many viewers binge-watching the “gripping” show.

One person wrote on social media: “Just watched #Blackwork on Netflix, slow start, lots of twists and turns. Worth a watch,” while another added: “A very engaging watch. Sheridan Smith excels in this thriller with a nice set of twists and turns.”

Douglas Henshall in Black Work© ITV
Douglas Henshall plays Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn

Meanwhile, the series received mostly positive reviews, with The Guardian hailing the show as “pacy, tight and intriguing,” while The New York Times said the show “is worth watching” because of Sheridan Smith.

Black Work is available to stream on Netflix until 19 April. The series is also available on ITVX.

Other dramas to watch if you love Douglas Henshall

The Darkness – A gritty Nordic crime drama which follows a veteran detective who becomes consumed by a chilling cold case, one year after her daughter’s death. Watch on Channel 4.

The Revenge Club – Line of Duty actor Martin Compston and Slow Horses actress Aimée-Ffion Edwards also star in this Paramount+ show. It follows six lonely people who are brought together by a divorce support group and decide to take revenge on those responsible for their broken hearts.

The series arrives on Friday 12 December© Gaumont/Paramout Global
Douglas stars in The Revenge Club on Paramount+

Murder is Easy – The BBC’s Agatha Christie adaptation starring David Jonsson as the young and ambitious Luke Fitzwilliam, who finds himself on the hunt for a serial killer in the sleepy village of Wychwood under Ashe.