A brand new detective series based on an "unsettlingly good" novel is coming to ITV. Starring Outlander actor Laura Donnelly and Trigger Point's Mark Rowley, The Dark has been adapted for television from GR Halliday's debut book, From the Shadows.
Plot and Setting
Set and filmed in Scotland, the "chilling" drama will follow DI Monica Kennedy (Laura Donnelly) as she embarks on a tense cat and mouse hunt for a twisted serial killer across the breathtaking Scottish countryside alongside her new partner DC Connor Crawford (Mark Rowley).
Those who have read the book have said it was "unsettlingly good" and "impossible to put down," with one critic writing: "I haven't been able to put this crime book down since the day it arrived and landed on my doormat. Here is introducing a major new Scottish crime series."
Release Details
ITV has now provided an update on the television adaptation, confirming it will be available on ITV and STV next month, with streaming on ITVX and STV Player. The broadcaster has also released a 30-second trailer of The Dark, which gives audiences a first glimpse of Detective Monica in action, as well as the murderer, masked, dangerous and poised to kill again.
Synopsis
A synopsis for The Dark, which will be made up of six episodes, reads: "When the body of a young man is found eerily staged in the idyllic Scottish wilderness, detective Monica Kennedy fears this is just the beginning of a terrifying campaign that will strike the heart of a rural community. As paranoia rises, suspicions and secrets are forced into the light, and the locals start to realise that there is a serial killer hidden amongst them. With her experience of dealing with the darkest of humanity, Monica Kennedy quickly becomes entangled in a heightened game of cat and mouse with a cunning killer. Only she can stop this monster before he claims any more victims. But when her own history creeps up on her, she begins to lose trust in her own judgement. Will her own actions be the biggest risk to herself and her family?"
Creative Team
The Dark is adapted by Matt Hartley and produced by Poison Pen Studios, part of ITV Studios. The book's author, GR Halliday, said: "I'm so thrilled and excited that Monica and co are coming to the screen! With so much talent on board I know Matt and the Poison Pen team will do an amazing job in bringing the story, characters and Scottish landscape to life."
Cast
North Irish actress Laura is best known for her work with playwright Jez Butterworth, appearing in Broadway adaptations of his plays The River, The Ferryman and The Hills of California. On television, she is most recognised for her roles in Outlander, Beowulf and HBO's The Nevers. Meanwhile, Scottish actor Mark rose to fame on the soap River City. He has also starred in Home Fires, The North Water, The Spanish Princess, Trigger Point and The Witcher: Blood Origin on Netflix.
The Dark filmed in and around Glasgow in 2025 and is set to air on ITV in July.
