Douglas Henshall, beloved for his BAFTA-winning role as DI Jimmy Perez in Shetland, is back in Netflix’s gripping three-part crime drama Black Work, which landed on the platform in April 2025, a decade after its 2015 ITV debut. Starring Sheridan Smith as Leeds police constable Jo Gillespie and Henshall as Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn, this pulse-pounding thriller has fans hooked, with X posts raving, “It’s Shetland on steroids!” Packed with chilling twists and edge-of-your-seat suspense, viewers warn: start one episode, and you’ll be glued until the shocking finale. Here’s why Black Work is Netflix’s latest obsession

A Heart-Stopping Conspiracy

Black Work follows Jo Gillespie, whose life unravels when her husband, undercover officer Ryan (Kenny Doughty), is murdered in a Leeds warehouse. Defying orders, Jo launches her own dangerous investigation, uncovering secrets about Ryan’s covert work and a web of police corruption. Henshall’s Hepburn, Ryan’s boss, leads the official probe, but his motives blur as Jo digs deeper. HELLO! (April 23, 2025) praises the “tight, twisty narrative,” while Edinburgh Live (April 25, 2025) calls it “a masterclass in suspense.” Fans on Reddit love the “relentless pace,” though some critique the “slightly rushed” finale.

Twists That Trap You

The three 45-minute episodes, written by Matt Charman, deliver a rollercoaster of betrayals. Episode 1 sets up Jo’s grief-fueled quest, Episode 2 reveals a mole in the force, and Episode 3’s climax, per Surrey Live (April 25, 2025), “hits like a sledgehammer.” X users are buzzing, with one posting, “Black Work’s final twist had me floored—better than Line of Duty!” The show’s 6.7/10 IMDb rating reflects its divisive intensity, but its 92% audience score on MyLondon (April 25, 2025) proves its binge appeal. Daily Record (April 25, 2025) notes fans “binged it in one night.”

Henshall and Smith Steal the Show

Henshall shines as the enigmatic Hepburn, blending authority with ambiguity, while Smith’s raw portrayal of Jo earns raves from Apple TV (June 19, 2015) for its “emotional depth.” Supporting stars Geraldine James as Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki and Ace Bhatti as DCI Jahan Kapoor add gravitas. X fans tweet, “Douglas Henshall is unreal—give him another BAFTA!” Some Reddit threads wish for more episodes, but the compact format amplifies the tension, per IMDB (June 20, 2015).

Why It’s a Must-Binge

Black Work combines Shetland’s gritty crime vibes with a claustrophobic conspiracy, making it a perfect three-hour binge for Your Honor or The Undoing fans. Its timely themes of trust and betrayal resonate, and Henshall’s commanding presence seals the deal. Stream all three episodes on Netflix or ITVX now and brace for a wild ride. Check the comments for more details and share your reaction—did the finale shock you?