The Dark on ITV: Plot, location, start date, and latest news about upcoming 'serial killer thriller'
Dan Seddon | 4:38pm Fri 12 SepThe Dark will introduce another detective to our screens as ITV has announced an upcoming TV adaptation of the novel From the Shadows. And there can never be too many sleuths walking the streets in our opinion.
The channel describes the upcoming series as a “serial killer thriller”, with an “unforgettable series lead” at the helm. We’re introduced to Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy, who must solve a murder in the Scottish Highlands.
Here’s everything you should know about The Dark on ITV, including plot, cast, start date, location, and number of episodes.
What’s the plot of The Dark on ITV?
The Dark introduces Detective Monica Kennedy. She is called to investigate when the body of a young man is found “eerily staged” in the Scottish wilderness. Monica immediately “fears this is just the beginning of a terrifying campaign that will strike the heart of a rural community”. And, of course, she’s right.
The synopsis tells us: “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 quickly becomes entangled in a heightened game of “cat and mouse”
But when her own history creeps up on her, she begins to lose trust in her own judgement. Will it be her own actions that are the biggest risk to herself and her family?
Is it based on a book?
Yep, The Dark on ITV is based on the 2020 bestselling book
The plot of the book teases: “Seven days. Four deaths. One chance to catch a killer.”
The murder mystery is described as perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves’ Vera, Susie Steiner and Peter May. One reader called it “a real page turner”.
The second in the Monica Kennedy books is called Dark Matters, followed by Under the Marsh. So watch this space for more series of the ITV drama, too.
How many episodes will there be?
The Dark will consist of six episodes, and we’re making an educated guess that they’ll be around an hour long.
Of course, TV viewers will know that ITV has a solid history with fictional crime-solvers, including Shetland‘s DI Jimmy Perez, and Agatha Christie‘s Poirot.
The Dark filming locations
Production is underway in the Scottish city of Glasgow, famed for its art nouveau and Victorian architecture.
It’s not the first time ITV has chosen Glasgow as a location for a thriller… Andrew Lincoln’s brilliant Coldwater was also filmed in and around the Scottish location.
Who’s in the cast of The Dark?
Belfast-born actress Laura Donnelly headlines the cast of The Dark as Detective Monica Kennedy. She’s perhaps best known for playing Amalia True in The Nevers, Hella in Britannia, Jenny Fraser in Outlander, and Elvina in Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands. She also played Violet Heath in the 2010 series Missing.
Arguably her biggest film role to date has been Werewolf by Night heroine Elsa Bloodstone.
The 43-year-old said: “When I read the first script of The Dark I knew it was going to be something special. I’m so excited to work with Poison Pen, ITV and a fantastic cast to create something unique and thrilling.”
Trigger Point and Karen Pirie actor Mark Rowley joins Donnelly as Detective Connor Crawford.
The Gold and The Guest actor Emun Elliott stars as Barclay Adams, father to a missing son. Meanwhile, Cold Feet’s Helen Baxendale plays Bethany Adams, the mother.
Completing the cast in undisclosed roles are:
Absentia’s Rona Morrison.
Silent Witness‘ Cal MacAninch.
Breeders’ Stella Gonet.
The Rig’s Phil McKee.
Temple’s Catherine McCormack.
Nancy Drew’s Tunji Kasim.
When’s the start date? How can I watch it?
ITV has not yet released a start date for The Dark, and it’s only recently been announced.
We’d expect it to be on screens no later than Autumn 2026, though.
Detective fans will be able to watch the show on ITV and ITVX.
Read more: Inside the ‘nerve-shredding’ new action thriller Deadpoint on Channel 4 starring Michael Socha
