The Dark, a new Scottish serial killer thriller, has premiered on ITV, featuring a Friends legend in a gripping role. The six-part series, based on GR Halliday's novel From the Shadows, aired its first episode on Sunday, July 13, 2026.
Plot and Cast
The story follows Detective Monica Kennedy, played by Laura Donnelly, as she becomes obsessed with catching a sinister serial killer after discovering a young man's body in the Scottish Highlands. Her investigation leads her to Bethany Morgan, portrayed by Helen Baxendale, a distressed mother whose missing son may be linked to the case.
Helen Baxendale is best known for playing Emily Waltham, Ross Geller's second wife, in the iconic sitcom Friends. Her character in The Dark marks a stark departure from her Friends role, adopting a new look with wavy hair and no makeup. Promotional images show Bethany holding a shotgun, hinting at a potentially dangerous character.
Broadcast Schedule
The Dark airs every Sunday and Monday on ITV. The second episode will be broadcast on Monday, July 14, while the third episode is scheduled for Sunday, July 19. The series is also available to stream on ITVX.
In addition to Friends and The Dark, Baxendale is remembered for her roles in Cold Feet and the BBC medical drama Cardiac Arrest.
