ITV's new serial killer thriller The Dark has premiered, featuring a surprising cast member from the beloved sitcom Friends. Helen Baxendale, who played Ross Geller's ill-fated second wife Emily Waltham, appears in a transformed role as Bethany Morgan, a distressed mother linked to a missing son.
Plot and Premiere Details
Adapted from GR Halliday's novel From the Shadows, The Dark debuted on Sunday, July 13, 2026. The six-part series follows Detective Monica Kennedy, played by Laura Donnelly, as she pursues a chilling serial killer after a young man's body is discovered in the Scottish Highlands. Kennedy's investigation leads her to Bethany Morgan, whose son is missing and connected to the case.
Helen Baxendale's Transformation
Baxendale's portrayal of Bethany marks a dramatic departure from her Friends character. She trades her signature sleek bob for flowing waves and appears with minimal makeup, making her nearly unrecognizable. Promotional images show Baxendale's character clutching a shotgun, raising questions about her potential involvement in the murders.
Beyond Friends and The Dark, Baxendale is known for her role as Rachel Bradly in the sitcom Cold Feet alongside James Nesbitt, and Dr Claire Maitland in the BBC medical drama Cardiac Arrest.
Broadcast Schedule
The second episode of The Dark airs on Monday, July 14, 2026, on ITV. The third episode will follow on Sunday, July 19, as the series airs every Sunday and Monday. Viewers can also stream the show on ITVX.
