The Dark is a new six-part ITV serial killer thriller set in rural Scotland, starring Outlander’s Laura Donnelly.
20:31, 29 Apr 2026Updated 22:06, 29 Apr 2026
Laura Donnelly stars as Detective Monica Kennedy in The Dark(Image: GETTY)
A fresh serial killer drama set amidst the wilderness of rural Scotland is arriving on ITV shortly, ideal for devotees of Shetland.
Adapted from GR Halliday’s first novel, The Dark is a six-episode series following Scottish Detective Monica Kennedy (portrayed by Laura Donnelly) and Detective Connor Crawford (portrayed by Mark Rowley).
A synopsis for the programme 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.”
The Dark is set to air on ITV soon(Image: ITV)
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Monica is the sole person capable of stopping the murderer before he takes further lives. Yet, when her own past catches up with her, she starts to doubt her own instincts, reports the Daily Record.
Could her own decisions pose the greatest threat to herself and those closest to her?
Joining the cast of The Dark will also be Emun Elliott as Barclay Adams and Helen Baxendale as Bethany.
Both portray parents haunted by their history who aren’t delighted to find Detective Monica on their doorstep once more with a case connected to their vanished son.
Mark Rowley is taking on the role of Detective Connor Crawford(Image: 2026 Karwai Tang/GETTY)
The novel’s writer, GR Halliday, was full of admiration when discussing Matt Hartley’s adaptation of her work and the dedication of Poison Pen Studios.
She commented: “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.”
Meanwhile, Matt shared: “ITV is home to some of the most iconic detective shows, so it is an honour to be writing The Dark and adding to that great cannon of work.
Mark Rowley and Laura Donnelly attend the ITV Showcase 2026(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
“I am hugely grateful to Polly Hill for her faith in me and excited to be working with her, alongside the brilliant producers at Poison Pen, to bring this new, distinctive crime thriller to life. I can’t wait for viewers to meet the inimitable DI Monica Kennedy and to journey into the dark with her.”
Filming for The Dark got underway in and around Glasgow during 2025, with the production being made in association with ITV Studios.
No official release date has been given for when The Dark will air