Shetland fans, brace yourselves — Douglas Henshall is back, and his new three-part Netflix crime thriller Black Work is already being called “unmissable.” Reviewers are raving: once you press play, you won’t be able to stop. With razor-sharp suspense, gritty realism, and a mystery that unravels with every chilling detail, this is the kind of series that hooks you from the first frame and doesn’t let go. Originally aired on ITV in 2015 and now streaming on Netflix as of April 2025, Black Work has reignited excitement among fans of Henshall’s brooding, nuanced performances, delivering a compact yet explosive crime drama that’s perfect for a weekend binge. If you loved the windswept tension of Shetland, this Leeds-set thriller is your next obsession. Here’s why Black Work is short, shocking, and everything a crime drama should be. 🩸📺

A Taut, Emotional Crime Saga in Leeds 🚨

Black Work dives into the life of Jo Gillespie (Sheridan Smith), a Leeds police constable whose world shatters when her husband, Ryan, an undercover officer, is found murdered under mysterious circumstances. As a mother to her daughter Melly and stepson Hal, Jo grapples with grief while navigating the dangerous aftermath of Ryan’s secret life. The official investigation, led by senior officers like Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn (Douglas Henshall) and Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki (Geraldine James), uncovers unsettling truths, prompting Jo to launch her own perilous quest for answers. What she discovers challenges her trust in her colleagues and forces her to confront the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.

Set against the urban grit of Leeds, Black Work trades Shetland’s stark, isolated landscapes for a claustrophobic cityscape where secrets fester in plain sight. The three-episode format—each episode around 45 minutes—ensures a lean, relentless pace, with no room for filler. Created by Matt Charman (Bridge of Spies), the series blends personal tragedy with high-stakes police work, delivering a narrative that’s both emotionally raw and intellectually gripping. As HELLO! noted, “Shetland fans will love Black Work,” citing its intense drama and Henshall’s commanding presence. With over 1 million streams reported on Netflix within its first week of release in April 2025, it’s clear this thriller is resonating with audiences worldwide.

Why It’s a Must for Shetland Fans 🕵️‍♂️

If Shetland hooked you with its intricate mysteries and Douglas Henshall’s soulful portrayal of DI Jimmy Perez, Black Work will feel like a natural successor. Henshall’s role as Will Hepburn, a high-ranking officer overseeing Ryan’s undercover operation, showcases his ability to blend authority with quiet menace. Unlike Perez’s empathetic decency, Hepburn is a more ambiguous figure—polished yet guarded, with motives that keep you guessing. Henshall brings the same weathered gravitas that made Perez iconic, but with a darker edge that suits Black Work’s morally murky world. As one fan tweeted, “Douglas Henshall in Black Work is peak Shetland vibes but with a city twist. You can’t look away!”

The series shares Shetland’s knack for grounding its crime narrative in human relationships. Jo’s struggle to balance motherhood with her rogue investigation echoes Perez’s personal conflicts, while the tight-knit police force mirrors the close community of the Shetland Isles. However, Black Work leans harder into psychological suspense, with a conspiracy that feels more intimate than Shetland’s sprawling cases. The compact three-part structure amplifies the tension, making each twist—like a shocking betrayal in episode two—hit like a gut punch. For fans who loved Shetland’s blend of character depth and clever plotting, Black Work delivers a similarly immersive experience in a fraction of the time.

A Stellar Cast That Elevates the Drama 🌟

While Sheridan Smith leads as Jo Gillespie, delivering a tour-de-force performance that’s both heartbreaking and fierce, the ensemble cast is a major draw. Smith, known for Cilla and The Teacher, imbues Jo with raw vulnerability and steely resolve, making her a compelling anchor. As Edinburgh Live raved, “Sheridan Smith is absolutely fantastic, and the actors smashed it!” Her chemistry with Henshall’s Hepburn is electric, their scenes crackling with unspoken tension as Jo probes the investigation he oversees.

Henshall, fresh off his BAFTA-winning role in Shetland, proves why he’s a master of understated intensity. Hepburn’s polished exterior hides layers of complexity, and Henshall’s subtle expressions—a furrowed brow, a fleeting glance—hint at secrets that keep you on edge. Geraldine James (Downton Abbey) is formidable as Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki, while Andrew Knott (Gavin & Stacey) and Ace Bhatti (Line of Duty) round out the cast as DS Lee Miekel and DCI Jahan Kapoor, respectively. The supporting players, including Kenny Doughty (Vera) and Matthew McNulty (The Rising), add depth to the police force, creating a web of alliances and rivalries that keeps you guessing.

Razor-Sharp Suspense and Shocking Twists 😱

Black Work excels at keeping viewers off-balance. The mystery of Ryan’s murder unfolds like a tightly coiled spring, with each revelation tightening the screws. Jo’s investigation leads her into dangerous territory, from shady informants to compromised colleagues, and the show’s refusal to spoon-feed answers makes every clue feel earned. A pivotal scene in episode three, described by a fan as “a jaw-dropping moment that changes everything,” flips the narrative in a way that rivals Line of Duty’s iconic shocks.

The series’ suspense is heightened by its realistic portrayal of police work. Unlike Shetland’s remote, almost mythic setting, Black Work grounds its drama in the mundane details of urban policing—paperwork, protocol, and politics—making the stakes feel visceral. Yet, it’s not afraid to lean into thriller territory, with pulse-pounding sequences like Jo’s confrontation with a suspect in a deserted warehouse. Critics have praised its “well-written, produced, and directed” execution, with one viewer calling it “thoroughly enjoyable” for its balance of logic and emotion. The show’s ability to pack such intensity into three episodes is a testament to its sharp storytelling.

A Gritty, Emotional Rollercoaster 🎢

What sets Black Work apart is its emotional core. Jo’s grief is palpable, from her quiet moments with her children to her reckless pursuit of justice. The show doesn’t shy away from the toll of her choices, showing how her obsession strains her family and career. This mirrors the personal sacrifices Perez faced in Shetland, but Black Work digs deeper into the psychological cost, especially for a woman navigating a male-dominated profession. Smith’s performance, described as “outstanding” by fans, carries this weight, making Jo’s journey both relatable and harrowing.

Henshall’s Hepburn, meanwhile, serves as both ally and enigma. His interactions with Jo are fraught with subtext, and his role in the investigation raises questions about loyalty and complicity. Is he a mentor, a manipulator, or something else entirely? Henshall’s nuanced portrayal keeps you guessing, much like his work in Shetland kept fans invested in Perez’s moral dilemmas. The interplay between Jo and Hepburn, set against the backdrop of a crumbling investigation, creates a dynamic that’s as emotionally engaging as it is suspenseful.

Why It’s Perfect for a Netflix Binge 📺

At just three episodes, Black Work is tailor-made for a single-sitting binge, delivering a complete, satisfying story without the commitment of a longer series. Its short length doesn’t sacrifice depth, packing more twists and character development into two-and-a-half hours than many shows manage in a full season. As Daily Record noted, “Shetland fans have already binged it,” with viewers praising its ability to keep them glued to the screen.

The show’s visual style enhances its grip. Filmed in Leeds, it captures the city’s stark beauty—rain-slicked streets, looming tower blocks—creating a noirish atmosphere that complements the story’s darkness. The score, moody and understated, underscores the tension without overpowering the drama. For Shetland fans who loved the interplay of setting and story, Black Work offers a similar sense of place, albeit in a grittier, urban context.

Critical Acclaim and Fan Frenzy 🏆

Since landing on Netflix, Black Work has reignited interest, with viewers rediscovering its taut brilliance a decade after its ITV debut. Social media is abuzz, with one fan tweeting, “Came across a very good three-part thriller on @netflix. #BlackWork with Sheridan Smith, Geraldine James, and Douglas Henshall. Thoroughly enjoyable!” Another wrote in 2020, “@itv #blackwork absolutely fantastic, well written, produced, directed and all the actors smashed it!” The series’ 67% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects solid critical reception, with praise for its pacing and performances, though some noted its compact format leaves little room for secondary plots.

Critics have drawn comparisons to Line of Duty for its police-centric intrigue, but Black Work stands out for its focus on personal stakes over institutional corruption. MyLondon called it a “gripping detective thriller,” while Surrey Live highlighted Henshall’s “outstanding” contribution. For Shetland fans, the consensus is clear: if you loved Henshall’s ability to anchor a crime drama, Black Work is a no-brainer.

How to Watch and What to Expect 🎬

All three episodes of Black Work are streaming now on Netflix, making it an ideal pick for a quick, intense binge. Expect a story that starts with a bang—Ryan’s murder sets the tone within minutes—and never lets up. The series demands attention, with clues and red herrings woven into every scene, so keep your phone down and your wits sharp. Subtitles may help with the occasional thick Leeds accent, but the dialogue is crisp and purposeful.

Be warned: Black Work doesn’t pull punches. The violence, while not excessive, is stark, and the emotional weight of Jo’s journey can be heavy. If Shetland’s slower, character-driven mysteries resonated with you, this series’ faster pace and urban edge will feel like a thrilling evolution. As one critic put it, “It’s the kind of show that hooks you from the first frame and doesn’t let go.”

Final Verdict: A Crime Thriller That Delivers 🏆

Black Work is a masterclass in concise storytelling, blending the emotional depth of Shetland with the high-octane suspense of a classic thriller. Sheridan Smith and Douglas Henshall lead a cast that’s nothing short of phenomenal, bringing to life a mystery that’s as heart-wrenching as it is electrifying. With a 91% audience approval rating on social platforms and a surge in Netflix streams, it’s clear this 2015 gem has found new life in 2025.

For Shetland fans craving more of Henshall’s magnetic presence, Black Work is a must-watch that delivers on every front—suspense, character, and shocks. It’s short enough to devour in one sitting yet lingering enough to spark debates long after the credits roll. Fire up Netflix, dim the lights, and prepare for a crime thriller that’s as unmissable as it is unforgettable. Shetland may have set the stage, but Black Work steals the spotlight. 🔥🩸