A brand new detective series adapted from an 'unsettlingly good' novel is arriving on ITV. Featuring Outlander's Laura Donnelly and Trigger Point's Mark Rowley, The Dark has been brought to the screen from GR Halliday's debut novel, From the Shadows.
Filmed on location in Scotland, the 'chilling' drama follows DI Monica Kennedy (Laura Donnelly) as she launches an intense pursuit of a deranged serial killer throughout the stunning Scottish landscape, working alongside her fresh partner DC Connor Crawford (Mark Rowley). Readers of the original book have described it as 'unsettlingly good' and 'impossible to put down,' with one reviewer commenting: '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.'
Premiere Date and Teaser Revealed
ITV has now shared an update regarding the television adaptation, announcing it will premiere on ITV and STV next month, with availability for streaming via ITVX and STV Player. The broadcaster has additionally unveiled a 30-second teaser for The Dark, offering viewers their initial look at Detective Monica at work, alongside the killer, concealed, menacing and prepared to strike once more.
Plot Synopsis
A synopsis for The Dark, which comprises six episodes, states: '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?'
Production and Cast
Matt Hartley has adapted The Dark, with production handled by Poison Pen Studios, which forms part of ITV Studios. 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.'
Northern Irish actress Laura has built her reputation through collaborations with playwright Jez Butterworth, featuring in Broadway productions of his works The River, The Ferryman and The Hills of California. Her television credits include prominent parts in Outlander, Beowulf and HBO's The Nevers. Scottish actor Mark, meanwhile, first gained recognition on the soap River City. His subsequent appearances include Home Fires, The North Water, The Spanish Princess, Trigger Point and Netflix's The Witcher: Blood Origin.
The Dark filmed in and around Glasgow in 2025 and is set to air on ITV in July.
