ITV is heading deep into the Scottish wilderness with ‘The Dark’, a gripping new detective thriller based on GR Halliday’s debut novel From the Shadows. The six-part drama has been adapted by Matt Hartley (The Suspect, Miss Scarlett and the Duke) and comes from Poison Pen Studios, the production company launched by former BBC drama chief Ben Stephenson and Preethi Mavahalli.
The story follows DI Monica Kennedy, a fearless detective with a troubled past, who is drawn into a terrifying investigation when the body of a young man is found disturbingly staged in the Highlands. As more bodies appear, Monica must navigate a web of secrets and suspicion in a close-knit community, all while struggling to trust her own judgement as her own demons begin to surface.
Polly Hill, ITV’s Head of Drama, said:
“The Dark is a compelling new drama which introduces the fearless DI Monica Kennedy, who has to try and catch a serial killer in this really chilling Scottish story. Matt’s adaptation is brilliantly gripping and I am delighted to be adapting this novel with him and the team at Poison Pen.”
Ben Stephenson added:
“The Dark is a gripping hide-behind-the-sofa thriller with unguessable twists and a central character whose mysterious past gives her an extraordinary insight into a twisted killer as well as an overpowering empathy for those left in the killer’s wake.”
Matt Hartley, who leads the writing team alongside Lena Rae and Nessah Muthy, commented:
“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 canon of work. I can’t wait for viewers to meet the inimitable DI Monica Kennedy and to journey into the dark with her.”
Author GR Halliday is also enthusiastic about the adaptation:
“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.”
The series will be directed by Gilles Bannier (Trigger Point, Blue Lights), who also serves as an executive producer. Matt Brown is producing, with executive producers including Ben Stephenson, Preethi Mavahalli, Luke Woellhaf, Fern McCauley, and Matt Hartley.
‘The Dark’ will begin production in and around Glasgow in 2025. ITV Studios will handle international distribution. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
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