After captivating audiences as the brooding Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez in the BBC’s Shetland, Scottish actor Douglas Henshall is back on our screens in a gripping three-part crime thriller, Black Work, which has just landed on Netflix a decade after its 2015 ITV premiere. Starring alongside Sheridan Smith, who leads the series as the determined Leeds police constable Jo Gillespie, Henshall delivers a commanding performance as Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn in a drama that has been hailed as “unmissable” and “outstanding” by viewers and critics alike. With its twist-laden plot, stellar cast, and intense exploration of betrayal and justice, Black Work has reignited excitement among fans of Henshall and the crime genre, climbing Netflix’s charts and earning widespread praise on social media. Here’s why this rediscovered gem is the must-watch thriller of 2025.

A Shocking Murder and a World Unraveled

Black Work, originally aired on ITV in June 2015 and now streaming on Netflix and ITVX, dives headfirst into a heart-wrenching tale of personal and professional betrayal. The series centers on Jo Gillespie (Sheridan Smith), a dedicated police constable whose life is shattered when her husband, Ryan (Kenny Doughty), an undercover officer, is found shot dead in a derelict warehouse. What begins as a devastating personal loss quickly spirals into a complex web of secrets, as Jo discovers that Ryan was not the man she thought he was. Determined to uncover the truth behind his murder, Jo embarks on a dangerous personal investigation, defying her colleagues and risking her own safety to find his killer.

Douglas Henshall shines as Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn, the senior officer overseeing the investigation into Ryan’s death. Hepburn is a figure of authority, yet his enigmatic demeanor hints at deeper complexities, making him a pivotal and intriguing presence in the series. As Jo digs deeper, she begins to question the integrity of those around her, including Hepburn and Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki (Geraldine James), whose leadership of the case raises suspicions. The three-episode format keeps the pace relentless, with each installment packed with revelations that keep viewers on edge. As Good Housekeeping aptly described it, Black Work is a “crime thriller with more twists than a rollercoaster,” and its compact structure ensures no moment is wasted.

A Stellar Cast Elevates the Drama

The strength of Black Work lies not only in its tightly woven narrative but also in its exceptional ensemble cast. Sheridan Smith, known for her roles in The Barking Murders and Gavin & Stacey, delivers a tour-de-force performance as Jo Gillespie, capturing the raw grief of a widow and the fierce determination of a woman seeking justice. Her portrayal earned widespread acclaim, with viewers on X praising her as “outstanding” and “extraordinary.” One fan tweeted in 2020, “Sheridansmith1 @itv #blackwork absolutely fantastic, well written, produced, directed and all the actors smashed it!”

Douglas Henshall, fresh off his BAFTA Scotland-winning role in Shetland, brings gravitas and nuance to Will Hepburn. His ability to portray a high-ranking officer with both authority and ambiguity adds layers to the investigation, keeping audiences guessing about his true motives. Henshall’s performance is a testament to his versatility, transitioning from the introspective Jimmy Perez to a more commanding, morally complex character. Fans of Shetland have been quick to celebrate his return, with one X post noting, “Came across a very good three-part thriller on @netflix. Was on @ITV. #BlackWork with Sheridan Smith, Geraldine James and Douglas Henshall. Thoroughly enjoyable!”

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Geraldine James (Dope Girls) delivering a steely performance as Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki, and Andrew Knott (Gavin & Stacey) and Ace Bhatti (The Stranger) rounding out the lineup as DS Lee Miekel and DCI Jahan Kapoor, respectively. The chemistry among the cast, particularly between Smith and Henshall, elevates the series, making every confrontation and revelation crackle with tension.

A Thriller That Resonates a Decade Later

Though Black Work first aired in 2015, its arrival on Netflix in April 2025 has introduced the series to a new audience, sparking a wave of enthusiasm. The show’s themes of trust, betrayal, and the personal toll of police work remain strikingly relevant, resonating with contemporary audiences in a post-Line of Duty era where police corruption and moral ambiguity are staple themes. The series’ exploration of Jo’s struggle to balance her grief, her responsibilities as a mother to daughter Melly and stepson Hal, and her relentless pursuit of truth adds an emotional depth that sets it apart from more procedural-driven crime dramas.

Critics and viewers have lauded Black Work for its tight scripting and unpredictable plot. When it first aired, it was nominated for a National Television Award, a testament to its impact. HELLO! magazine called it a “gripping detective thriller” that Shetland fans would love, while Edinburgh Live described Henshall’s performance as “outstanding.” The series’ ability to maintain suspense over just three episodes has been a particular point of praise, with Good Housekeeping noting its “unmissable” quality and urging viewers to watch it on repeat. On X, fans have echoed this sentiment, with one user (@crimefanatic) posting, “Black Work on Netflix is a hidden gem! Sheridan Smith and Douglas Henshall are electric, and the twists hit hard. Binge it now!”

Henshall’s Return to the Crime Genre

For Douglas Henshall, Black Work marks a significant chapter in his storied career, which spans stage, film, and television. Best known for his nine-year run as Jimmy Perez in Shetland (2013–2022), for which he won a BAFTA Scotland Award in 2016, Henshall has proven himself a master of the crime genre. His portrayal of Perez, a detective navigating personal and professional challenges in the remote Shetland Islands, earned him a devoted fanbase, and his departure from the series in 2022 left viewers heartbroken. In an interview with Radio Times, Henshall explained his exit, stating, “I decided to leave a few years ago because I felt that Perez’s story was coming to a natural end. It was time to find a resolution to Perez’s private life.”

Since leaving Shetland, Henshall has taken on diverse roles, from the villainous Daniel Lang in Netflix’s Who Is Erin Carter? (2023) to Major Horton in the BBC’s Agatha Christie adaptation Murder Is Easy (2023). His role in Black Work showcases his ability to inhabit complex characters, blending authority with an undercurrent of mystery. Fans have been thrilled to see him back in a crime thriller, with one X post noting, “Douglas Henshall in Black Work is why I love crime dramas. He’s got this quiet intensity that pulls you in.” His upcoming projects, including the indie film Angh set in 1960s Nagaland and the Paramount+ thriller The Revenge Club with Martin Compston, signal that Henshall remains a force in the industry.

Why Black Work Stands Out

Black Work distinguishes itself in the crowded crime drama landscape through its concise storytelling and emotional intensity. Unlike sprawling series like True Detective or Shetland, which unfold over multiple seasons, Black Work delivers a complete, self-contained story in just three episodes, making it an ideal binge-watch. The series avoids the pitfalls of overlong narratives, maintaining a breakneck pace that keeps viewers hooked. Its focus on Jo’s personal journey—grappling with her husband’s secrets while protecting her children—adds a human element that grounds the high-stakes investigation.

The show’s exploration of undercover policing and institutional distrust also taps into timeless themes, making it feel fresh even a decade after its debut. The production, directed by Michael Samuels and written by Matt Charman, is polished yet gritty, with Leeds’ urban landscape providing a stark contrast to the sweeping vistas of Shetland. The series’ twists, described by Good Housekeeping as “more than a rollercoaster,” keep audiences guessing until the final moments, with a conclusion that is both shocking and emotionally resonant.

A Resurgence on Netflix

The arrival of Black Work on Netflix has sparked a resurgence of interest, with the series climbing to the top 10 in the UK shortly after its April 2025 release. This success mirrors the streaming platform’s ability to revive older gems, as seen with shows like Your Honor and Suits. Social media has been abuzz with praise, with viewers rediscovering the series’ intensity. One X user (@tvbinger) wrote, “Just finished Black Work on Netflix. Sheridan Smith is phenomenal, and Douglas Henshall’s Hepburn is so layered. Why didn’t I watch this sooner?” Another (@crimejunkie88) added, “Black Work is the perfect weekend binge. Those twists! Henshall and Smith are a dream team.”

The series’ accessibility on both Netflix and ITVX has made it a go-to recommendation for crime drama fans, particularly those drawn to Henshall’s work in Shetland or Smith’s acclaimed performances. Its compact format and high stakes have also earned comparisons to other short-form thrillers like The Undoing and Your Honor, though Black Work stands out for its grounded realism and emotional core.

A Must-Watch for Crime Drama Fans

Black Work is a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-crafted crime thriller. With Douglas Henshall and Sheridan Smith at the helm, the series delivers a potent mix of suspense, heartbreak, and unrelenting twists that have earned it the “unmissable” label. For fans of Shetland, it’s a chance to see Henshall in a new light, while newcomers will be drawn in by the stellar cast and gripping narrative. As one viewer aptly put it on X, “Black Work is proof that a three-episode series can hit harder than a full season. Don’t sleep on this one!”

All three episodes of Black Work are available to stream now on Netflix and ITVX, offering the perfect opportunity to dive into a thriller that’s as emotionally charged as it is suspenseful. Whether you’re a longtime Henshall fan or a newcomer to the crime genre, Black Work is a rollercoaster ride that will leave you breathless—and likely checking Netflix for more.