What to Watch: Black Doves, Muster Dogs, How to Make Gravy, Earth Abides and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew

Black Doves

Thursday, streaming on Netflix

Described as a “Christmas mystery”, this series, which stars Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw and Sarah Lancashire, is already generating a heap of buzz, thanks to its high-octane trailer and high-profile cast.

Knightley, who has stepped away from the spotlight of late, returns with a (literal) bang as Helen Webb, a “quick-witted, down-to-earth, dedicated wife and mother” — who also happens to be a professional spy.

For years, she’s been living a double life, peddling her politician husband’s high-level secrets to the mysterious organisation she works for: the Black Doves. But when her secret lover Jason (Andrew Koji) winds up dead, things get messy, and it’s time for her enigmatic boss (played by Lancashire, in a distracting blonde wig) and the always delightfully watchable Whishaw, to step in and keep her safe.

Whishaw plays Sam, an old friend of Helen’s, described as a suave, champagne-drinking assassin, recently returned to London having been out of the game because of a botched operation.

“Together, Helen and Sam set off on a mission to investigate who killed Jason and why, leading them to uncover a vast, interconnected conspiracy linking the murky London underworld to a looming geopolitical crisis,” says a release — and sign us up.

If you’ve seen the high-octane promos, you’ll know this is shaping up to be a blood-soaked wild ride. Add to that the stellar, top-shelf cast, and you have all the makings of a hit.

Mark your diaries.

Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now

Sunday, 7.30pm, ABC

If you’re a fan of “wholesome” television, it doesn’t get much sweeter than the Muster Dogs series, which has chronicled the exploits of a gaggle of working dogs as they train up to become champion muster dogs. This catches up with the pups and their handlers after two seasons, to see how they’re all faring — it’s an absolute delight. One to watch with the whole family.

How To Make Gravy

Sunday, streaming on Binge

Megan Washington and husband Nick Waterman are behind this Aussie Christmas flick, a film adaptation of the world first brought to life in the track by Paul Kelly.

Over the years the song has become something of an Aussie classic, with December 21, or “Gravy Day” as it’s now known thanks to the song, enshrined in Aussie pop culture lore. This may well sit alongside it — get excited.

Earth Abides

Monday, streaming on Stan

This six-part series is based on the books by sci-fi writer George R. Stewart, and stars Vikings’ Alexander Ludwig as a man who awakes from a coma to find the world has been ravaged by a mystery pandemic — and he may well be the only living survivor. Incredibly, the book was written in 1949, but it’s never felt more prescient. There are some sensational performances, especially from Ludwig and co-star Jessica Frances Dukes.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew

Wednesday, streaming on Disney Plus

Jude Law stars in this live-action series, which follows four children whose lives are altered after they make a strange discovery in the woods on their seemingly safe home planet. They wind up lost in a dangerous new galaxy. Can they find their way home? Young Star Wars fans will want to check this one out. Kids are front and centre, and honestly, it’s about time.