The new Scottish crime drama stars Outlanders actor Laura Donnelly and Trigger Point’s Mark Rowley
A fresh detective series inspired by a “disturbingly good” novel is heading to ITV.
Starring Outlander star Laura Donnelly and Trigger Point’s Mark Rowley, The Dark has been brought to the screen from GR Halliday’s first book, From the Shadows.
Filmed and set in Scotland, the “chilling” drama will chart DI Monica Kennedy’s (Laura Donnelly) intense pursuit of a deranged serial killer across the stunning Scottish countryside, working with her newly assigned partner DC Connor Crawford (Mark Rowley).
Readers of the book have described it as “disturbingly good” and “impossible to put down”, with one reviewer stating: “I haven’t been able to put this crime book down since the day it arrived and landed on my doormat. Introducing a great new Scottish crime series.”
ITV has now shared an update on the TV adaptation, revealing it will land on ITV and STV next month, while it’s available to stream via ITVX and STV Player, reports The mirror.
The channel has also unveiled a 30-second teaser for The Dark, giving viewers their first look at Detective Monica in the field with the killer, hidden, deadly and ready to strike again.
A synopsis for The Dark, which spans six episodes, says: “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 campaign of terror that will strike at the heart of a rural community.
“As paranoia mounts, suspicions and secrets are forced to the surface, and the locals begin to realize that there is a serial killer hidden among them.
“With her experience dealing with the darkest of humanity, Monica Kennedy quickly finds herself embroiled in a heightened game of cat and mouse with a cunning killer.
“Only she can stop this monster before he claims more victims. But as her own history creeps up on her, she begins to lose confidence in her own judgment. Will her own actions be the greatest risk to herself and her family?”.
Matt Hartley has adapted The Dark, with production handled by Poison Pen Studios, part of ITV Studios.
Writer GR Halliday expressed their enthusiasm: “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 a fantastic job bringing the story, characters and Scottish landscape to life.”
Northern Irish actress Laura has built her reputation through collaborations with playwright Jez Butterworth, appearing in Broadway productions of his works The River, The Ferryman and The Hills of California. Her television credits include notable appearances in Outlander, Beowulf and HBO’s The Nevers.
Scottish actor Mark, meanwhile, first gained recognition on the soap River City. His subsequent work has included 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.
