Shetland fans, get ready to cancel your plans and clear your schedules—Douglas Henshall is back, and his electrifying three-part crime thriller, Black Work, has just landed on Netflix, leaving viewers and critics alike buzzing with excitement. Originally aired on ITV in 2015 and now streaming as of April 2025, this gripping series is being hailed as “unmissable” and “razor-sharp,” delivering the kind of taut, suspenseful storytelling that hooks you from the opening scene and refuses to let go. With a stellar cast led by Sheridan Smith and featuring Henshall in a pivotal role, Black Work is a masterclass in gritty crime drama, blending heart-pounding mystery with raw emotional depth. If you loved the windswept intrigue of Shetland, this short, shocking series is your next obsession. Buckle up, press play, and don’t expect to move until the final credits roll. 💬👇👇

A Gritty Triumph for Crime Drama Fans

Black Work arrives on Netflix at a time when crime dramas are a crowded field, but this three-episode gem stands out with its tight narrative, complex characters, and a mystery that unravels with chilling precision. Set in Leeds, England, the series follows police constable Jo Gillespie (Sheridan Smith), whose life is shattered when her husband, Ryan, an undercover officer, is found murdered. What begins as a personal tragedy spirals into a dangerous quest for truth as Jo uncovers secrets about Ryan’s covert operations, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about her husband and her colleagues in the police force.

Douglas Henshall, beloved for his BAFTA-winning role as DI Jimmy Perez in Shetland, steps into the shoes of Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn, the high-ranking officer overseeing the investigation into Ryan’s death. Fans of Henshall’s understated yet magnetic performance in Shetland will find him equally compelling here, bringing a steely intensity to a character whose motives remain tantalizingly ambiguous. With a runtime of just three 45-minute episodes, Black Work wastes no time, delivering a lean, mean thriller that’s already earning raves for its “thoroughly enjoyable” storytelling and “outstanding” performances. As one fan tweeted, “Came across a very good three-part thriller on @netflix. Was on @ITV. #BlackWork with Sheridan Smith, Geraldine James and Douglas Henshall. Thoroughly enjoyable!”

Jo Gillespie: A Heroine on the Edge

At the heart of Black Work is Sheridan Smith’s powerhouse performance as Jo Gillespie, a police constable balancing her demanding job with her role as a mother to her daughter, Melly, and stepson, Hal. Smith, known for her roles in Cilla and The Moorside, brings raw vulnerability and fierce determination to Jo, making her a relatable yet unstoppable force. When Ryan, her husband and an undercover officer, is killed under mysterious circumstances, Jo’s grief propels her into a dangerous investigation that puts her at odds with her superiors and her own moral compass.

The series opens with a gut-wrenching scene: Jo learns of Ryan’s death while on duty, her world collapsing as she grapples with the loss. As senior officers, including Henshall’s Will Hepburn and Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki (Geraldine James), lead the official investigation, Jo begins her own parallel probe, driven by love, betrayal, and a growing suspicion that Ryan’s death is tied to corruption within the force. Smith’s ability to convey Jo’s emotional turmoil—shifting from quiet devastation to reckless courage—makes her journey the emotional core of the series. As Edinburgh Live noted, “Sheridan Smith takes the lead in the three-part series as Leeds police constable Jo Gillespie, whose life is shattered when her husband, undercover officer Ryan, is murdered.”

Douglas Henshall Shines as Will Hepburn

For Shetland fans, Douglas Henshall’s presence in Black Work is a major draw, and he doesn’t disappoint. As Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn, Henshall trades the windswept Shetland Isles for the gritty streets of Leeds, delivering a performance that’s both commanding and enigmatic. Hepburn is the senior officer overseeing Ryan’s undercover operation, and his interactions with Jo are fraught with tension, as she begins to question whether he’s an ally or part of the cover-up. Henshall’s ability to project authority while hinting at hidden depths makes Hepburn a standout, keeping viewers guessing about his true intentions.

Henshall, who played the soulful DI Jimmy Perez for seven seasons, brings a similar gravitas to Hepburn, but with a darker edge. Unlike Perez, whose decency and warmth were central to Shetland, Hepburn is a more ambiguous figure, navigating the murky waters of police politics and undercover operations. As Daily Record reported, “Douglas Henshall of Shetland fame steps into the role of Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn, the high-ranking official spearheading the inquiry where Ryan was deep undercover.” Fans have praised Henshall’s “outstanding” performance, with one viewer noting in 2020, “Sheridansmith1 @itv #blackwork absolutely fantastic, well written, produced, directed and all the actors smashed it!”

A Taut, Twisty Mystery

Black Work wastes no time plunging viewers into its central mystery: who killed Ryan, and why? The series’ three-episode structure ensures a relentless pace, with each installment peeling back layers of deception. Jo’s investigation uncovers a trail of secrets tied to Ryan’s undercover work, including connections to organized crime and potential corruption within the police force. The stakes are personal and professional, as Jo risks her career and safety to uncover the truth while caring for her children.

The series excels at balancing intimate character moments with high-stakes suspense. Scenes of Jo grappling with her grief—comforting Melly and Hal while hiding her own pain—are interspersed with tense confrontations and shocking revelations. The mystery is driven by a series of chilling details: a cryptic message, a suspicious colleague, and a trail of evidence that points to betrayal at the highest levels. Without spoiling the jaw-dropping twist that awaits in the final episode, we can say it’s a game-changer that flips the narrative, leaving viewers stunned and satisfied. As one fan on X raved, “#BlackWork is a slow burn that explodes in the end. You won’t see it coming!”

A Stellar Ensemble Cast

Beyond Smith and Henshall, Black Work boasts a stellar supporting cast that elevates its gritty narrative. Geraldine James (Dope Girls, This Town) shines as Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki, bringing a commanding presence to a role that keeps viewers guessing about her loyalties. Andrew Knott (Gavin & Stacey, Protection) plays DS Lee Miekel, a colleague whose actions add layers to the mystery, while Ace Bhatti (The Stranger, Protection) rounds out the ensemble as DCI Jahan Kapoor, a detective with his own agenda. The chemistry among the cast is electric, with each actor bringing depth to their roles, whether it’s James’ steely authority or Knott’s understated intensity.

The series also benefits from its realistic portrayal of police work, grounded in the personal toll it takes on Jo and her colleagues. The Leeds setting, with its urban grit and working-class ethos, provides a stark contrast to the windswept beauty of Shetland, but the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and justice resonate just as strongly. As HELLO! noted, “Shetland fans will love ITV thriller Black Work, which just arrived on Netflix. Sheridan Smith leads the cast, alongside Douglas Henshall, Kenny Doughty and Matthew McNulty.”

Why It’s a Must-Watch for Shetland Fans

For fans of Shetland, Black Work feels like a natural extension of the qualities that made the BBC series a hit: complex characters, a tight-knit community rocked by crime, and a lead investigator whose personal life is as compelling as the case. While Shetland leaned on the stark beauty of the Scottish Isles, Black Work trades that for the raw energy of Leeds, but the emotional stakes are just as high. Henshall’s performance as Hepburn echoes the quiet intensity of Jimmy Perez, yet offers a fresh take with a character who operates in a world of moral ambiguity.

The series’ compact format is a major strength, delivering a complete, satisfying story in just three episodes. This makes it perfect for a weekend binge, as evidenced by fans who’ve already devoured it. One viewer shared on X, “Binged #BlackWork on Netflix last night, and wow, what a ride! Sheridan Smith and Douglas Henshall are phenomenal!” The series’ 2015 debut earned critical acclaim, with audiences praising its “well written, produced, directed” execution, and its Netflix revival has sparked renewed excitement.

A Masterclass in Slow-Burn Suspense

Created by Matt Charman (Bridge of Spies), Black Work is a masterclass in slow-burn suspense, building tension with every scene until it erupts in a shocking finale. The series’ strength lies in its ability to balance Jo’s personal journey with the broader mystery, making viewers care deeply about her quest for justice. The cinematography, with its moody urban landscapes and claustrophobic interrogation scenes, amplifies the tension, while the script keeps you guessing with its clever misdirection.

Critics have lauded the series for its “razor-sharp suspense” and “gritty logic,” with Surrey Live calling it an “outstanding” thriller that’s found new life on Netflix. The show’s pacing is deliberate, allowing each twist to land with maximum impact. As Jo digs deeper into Ryan’s death, she uncovers connections to a dangerous criminal network, forcing her to confront the possibility that those closest to her may be complicit. The final episode’s twist—described by fans as “next-level” and “mind-blowing”—redefines the entire story, making Black Work a standout in the crime drama genre.

Comparisons to Shetland and Beyond

While Black Work shares DNA with Shetland—thanks to Henshall’s presence and its focus on a tight-knit community rocked by crime—it carves its own path with a faster pace and a more urban setting. Fans of Shetland’s thoughtful, character-driven mysteries will appreciate Black Work’s similar emphasis on personal stakes, but its three-episode arc makes it a more intense, condensed experience. The series also draws comparisons to other British crime dramas like Line of Duty for its exploration of police corruption and Broadchurch for its emotional depth.

Henshall’s transition from the soulful Jimmy Perez to the enigmatic Will Hepburn showcases his versatility, proving he can command both the windswept Isles and the gritty streets with equal gravitas. His performance, paired with Smith’s tour-de-force as Jo, makes Black Work a must-watch for anyone who loves a good detective story. As MyLondon noted, “The three-part thriller that originally aired on ITV in 2015, with Sheridan Smith taking the lead and Douglas Henshall also starring in the cast,” has found a new audience on Netflix, and it’s easy to see why.

What’s Next for Douglas Henshall?

Since leaving Shetland in 2022 after seven seasons, Henshall has been a busy man, taking on diverse roles that showcase his range. In addition to Black Work, he’s starred as a villain in Netflix’s Who Is Erin Carter? (2023), appeared in the BBC’s Agatha Christie adaptation Murder Is Easy (2023), and joined the Nordic noir series The Darkness (2024). He’s also set to star in Paramount+’s The Revenge Club alongside Martin Compston and in the indie film Angh, set in 1960s Nagaland. These projects highlight Henshall’s ability to move seamlessly between genres, from crime thrillers to period dramas.

For Shetland fans hoping for a Jimmy Perez return, Henshall has ruled out a comeback, telling ITV’s This Morning in 2022 that he wanted to “go out on a high” after nearly a decade on the show. However, Black Work offers a chance to see him in a role that’s just as compelling, proving he’s still one of Scotland’s finest actors.

Why You Can’t Miss Black Work

Black Work is the kind of series that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Its three-episode run makes it an ideal binge, delivering a complete, satisfying story that’s perfect for a single evening. Sheridan Smith’s raw, emotional performance as Jo Gillespie is a revelation, while Douglas Henshall’s steely turn as Will Hepburn will thrill Shetland fans and newcomers alike. The supporting cast, tight pacing, and shocking twist make it a standout in Netflix’s crowded crime drama lineup.

As HELLO! reported, “Shetland fans will love ITV thriller Black Work, which just arrived on Netflix,” and the fan response backs that up, with viewers calling it “fantastic” and “well written.” Whether you’re drawn to the suspense, the stellar performances, or the chance to see Henshall in a new light, Black Work is a must-watch that lives up to the hype. So, grab your remote, start streaming on Netflix, and prepare to be glued to your screen. This is one thriller you won’t be able to stop watching—and that final twist will leave you speechless. 💥🔥

Stream Black Work on Netflix now, and catch up on Shetland on BBC iPlayer or BritBox for more Douglas Henshall brilliance.