Gbemisola Ikumelo as Dom and Hammed Animashaun as Kay in Black Ops
29 April 2024

Black Ops S1

Who said infiltrating a criminal gang was going to be easy?

The BBC series Black Ops is set in East London and follows two inept community support officers, Dom and Kay, who join the Met Police in the hope of cleaning up their community but are unwittingly thrust into the murky world of deep cover infiltration as they become part of a powerful criminal enterprise.

The six-part comedy crime-thriller is co-created, written and exec produced by Nigerian-British BAFTA winners Gbemisola Ikumelo (Famalam, Brain In Gear) and Akemnji Ndifornyen (Famalam, The Queen’s Gambit), who star alongside award winner Hammed Animashaun (The Wheel of Time, Cunk & Other Humans on 2019, Pls Like).  

“Can you really make a hilarious comedy about police racism? … the answer – pretty miraculously – is yes,” says The Guardian’s 5/5-star review, calling the show “a pitch-perfect, star-packed joy.” Praising the “dream team of Ikumelo and Animashaun,” they say, “if these two are the future of British comedy, we’re in very safe hands.”

Already renewed for a second season, Black Ops was nominated for Best Comedy Performance (for Ikumelo) at the 2023 Talk Telly Awards, as well as the 2023 Royal Television Society, UK award for Original Score - Scripted. 

Black Ops also earned Gbemisola Ikumelo the Female Performance: Comedy award at the 2024 BAFTAs.

More like this

The Neighborhood S1-8 on Showmax

The Neighborhood S1-8

When Dave Johnson and his family arrive from Michigan, they're unfazed that their new dream home is located in a community quite different from their previous small town.

First
Law, Love and Betrayal S2 on Showmax

Pearl Modiadie steps into her power in Law, Love and Betrayal S2

Pearl Modiadie talks about stepping into power as Ayanda in Law, Love and Betrayal S2, premiering 8th March on Mzansi Magic and 9 March on Showmax.

Original South Africa
Bad Girls Bootcamp S1 on Showmax

Bad Girls Bootcamp S1

A group of rebellious young girls are put through a reality-themed boot camp by their families. These ladies face multiple challenges intended to moderate their behaviours for a better life.

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa on Showmax

Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more

Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.

Original South Africa
iThonga S1 on Showmax

South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced

Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.

Made in South Africa
Heart Eyes on Showmax

Heart Eyes (2025)

In this whodunit horror slasher, Valentine's Day is turned into a battle for survival as a masked serial killer goes after couples.

Bride Hard on Showmax

Bride Hard (2025)

When a mercenary team hijacks a wedding, a secret agent bridesmaid fights to save the day in this chaotic action comedy.

Friendship on Showmax

Friendship (2024)

Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd lead this dark comedy about an awkward man trying to be friends with his charismatic neighbour.

Everything I Know About Love, now streaming

Power Book II: Ghost, now streaming