The world of crime thrillers just got a seismic jolt, and Douglas Henshall, the beloved star of Shetland, is at the epicenter. Fans of the Scottish actor’s brooding, methodical Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez are in for a treat with Black Work, a three-part detective thriller that’s taken Netflix by storm a decade after its 2015 ITV debut. This isn’t just another crime drama—it’s a masterclass in suspense, weaving a taut narrative that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. With a stellar cast led by Sheridan Smith and Henshall’s commanding presence, Black Work is being hailed as an unmissable gem that’s got critics raving and viewers binge-watching into the early hours.
A Story That Cuts Deep
At the heart of Black Work is Jo Gillespie (Sheridan Smith), a Leeds police constable whose life is shattered when her husband, Ryan, an undercover officer, is brutally murdered. What begins as a personal tragedy spirals into a labyrinth of deception, as Jo discovers that Ryan’s death is shrouded in secrets—secrets that threaten to unravel everything she thought she knew about her husband and her colleagues. Driven by grief and a relentless need for truth, Jo embarks on a dangerous quest to uncover the killer, putting her own life on the line while balancing her responsibilities as a mother to her daughter, Melly, and stepson, Hal.
Henshall steps into the role of Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn, the high-ranking officer overseeing the investigation into Ryan’s undercover operation. His performance is a study in understated intensity, blending authority with an enigmatic edge that keeps you guessing about his true motives. Is Hepburn a steadfast leader, or does he know more than he’s letting on? Henshall’s ability to convey layers of complexity with a single glance makes him the perfect foil to Smith’s raw, emotional portrayal of Jo.
A Thriller That Hits All the Right Notes
Black Work is a lean, mean storytelling machine. Clocking in at just three episodes, it wastes no time plunging viewers into a world of high-stakes drama and moral ambiguity. The series thrives on its ability to balance personal and professional conflicts, with Jo’s journey serving as both a deeply human story of loss and a pulse-pounding investigation. Each episode peels back another layer of the mystery, revealing betrayals, cover-ups, and hidden agendas that keep you on the edge of your seat.
The pacing is relentless, yet the show never sacrifices character development for cheap thrills. Jo’s struggle to navigate her grief while protecting her family adds a poignant emotional core, while the investigation itself is a tightly wound coil of suspense. From shadowy backroom deals to tense confrontations, Black Work masterfully builds a sense of dread that culminates in a finale that’s as shocking as it is satisfying. It’s the kind of series that demands your full attention, rewarding careful viewers with subtle clues and devastating twists.
Douglas Henshall: A Star Reborn
For fans of Shetland, seeing Henshall in Black Work is both a thrill and a revelation. While his portrayal of Jimmy Perez showcased his knack for playing a compassionate, introspective detective, his role as Will Hepburn allows him to flex a different set of muscles. Hepburn is a man of authority, operating in a world where trust is a luxury and every decision carries weight. Henshall brings a quiet gravitas to the character, infusing him with a mix of charisma and ambiguity that makes him impossible to pin down. It’s a testament to Henshall’s versatility that he can shift so seamlessly from the windswept cliffs of Shetland to the gritty streets of Leeds without missing a beat.
Henshall’s performance isn’t the only standout. Sheridan Smith delivers a tour-de-force as Jo, capturing the character’s anguish and determination with heartbreaking authenticity. The supporting cast, including Geraldine James as Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki, Andrew Knott as DS Lee Miekel, and Ace Bhatti as DCI Jahan Kapoor, adds depth and texture to the story, creating a rich ensemble that elevates the series to new heights.
Why Black Work Is a Must-Watch
Since landing on Netflix in April 2025, Black Work has sparked a frenzy among viewers, with social media buzzing about its gripping plot and stellar performances. Fans have taken to platforms like X to share their enthusiasm, with one viewer calling it “a very good three-part thriller” that’s “thoroughly enjoyable,” while another praised its writing, direction, and acting as “absolutely fantastic.” The series’ compact format makes it an ideal binge-watch, perfect for a single electrifying evening.
What sets Black Work apart from other crime dramas is its refusal to rely on tired tropes. There’s no cartoonish villain twirling a mustache or predictable plot twist telegraphed from a mile away. Instead, the show respects its audience, trusting them to piece together the puzzle alongside Jo. The result is a thriller that feels fresh and urgent, even a decade after its original airing. Its exploration of themes like trust, betrayal, and the cost of truth resonates just as strongly today, making it a timely addition to Netflix’s crime drama lineup.
A Deeper Look at the Craft
Behind the scenes, Black Work is a triumph of craftsmanship. The writing, led by creator Matt Charman, is sharp and economical, delivering a story that’s both intricate and accessible. The direction, with its moody cinematography and taut editing, creates an atmosphere of constant unease, amplifying the stakes of Jo’s investigation. The series also makes excellent use of its Leeds setting, grounding the story in a gritty, lived-in world that feels authentic and immersive.
The show’s sound design deserves special mention, with a haunting score that underscores the tension without overpowering the drama. From the quiet moments of Jo’s grief to the heart-pounding sequences of danger, the audio landscape enhances every beat of the story, drawing viewers deeper into its web.
Henshall’s Journey Beyond Shetland
Douglas Henshall’s star power is undeniable, but Black Work is just one chapter in his illustrious career. Since leaving Shetland in 2022 after a BAFTA-winning run as Jimmy Perez, Henshall has tackled a diverse array of roles, from the villainous Daniel Lang in Netflix’s Who Is Erin Carter? to a key part in the BBC’s Agatha Christie adaptation Murder Is Easy. He’s also set to appear in the upcoming period drama Angh, set in 1960s Nagaland, and the six-part thriller The Revenge Club alongside Martin Compston. Each project showcases Henshall’s range, proving he’s not just a one-note detective but a chameleon capable of tackling any genre.
For Black Work, Henshall’s involvement was a coup for the production. His ability to embody complex characters made him the perfect choice for Will Hepburn, a role that requires both authority and subtlety. It’s clear that Henshall relished the opportunity to dive into a darker, more ambiguous character, and his chemistry with Smith is electric, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their scenes together.
A Universal Appeal
While Black Work is rooted in the specifics of British policing, its themes are universal. Who hasn’t grappled with the pain of betrayal or the drive to uncover the truth at all costs? Jo’s journey is as much about personal redemption as it is about solving a crime, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist. The series also raises timely questions about trust in institutions, the sacrifices of those who serve, and the ripple effects of secrecy, giving it a relevance that transcends its 2015 origins.
For international audiences, Black Work offers a window into the British crime drama tradition, with its emphasis on character-driven storytelling and moral complexity. Yet its fast-paced narrative and universal themes ensure it’s accessible to viewers worldwide, whether you’re a Shetland devotee or a newcomer to Henshall’s work.
Final Thoughts
Black Work is more than just a crime thriller—it’s a gripping exploration of loss, loyalty, and the lengths we’ll go to for justice. With Douglas Henshall and Sheridan Smith at the top of their game, a airtight script, and a production that fires on all cylinders, it’s no wonder critics and fans alike are calling it “unmissable.” Whether you’re drawn in by the promise of a twisty mystery or the chance to see Henshall in a new light, this three-part series delivers on every front.
So, grab your remote, dim the lights, and prepare to lose yourself in Black Work. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself hitting “play” on the next episode before you’ve had a chance to catch your breath. The truth is out there, but in this world of shadows and secrets, it comes at a cost. Will you dare to uncover it?
