ITV has announced its new crime drama The Dark, adapted from G.R. Halliday’s novel From the Shadows. The six-part drama is being adapted by playwright Matt Hartley, known for his work on EastEnders and Hollyoaks, and produced by Ben Stephenson’s Poison Pen.
The official summary for the series reads: “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. Only she can stop this monster before he claims any more victims. 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?”
Adapted from G.R. Halliday’s debut novel From the Shadows, The Dark is the first installment in the novel series that also includes Dark Waters and Under the Marsh, which hints at a potential trilogy on the screen too.
The crime drama marks the second ITV commission for Poison Pen Studios, the production company founded by former BBC drama chief Ben Stephenson. Meanwhile, Poison Pen’s first project for ITV, Adultery, is currently in development with writer Danny Brocklehurst.
Polly Hill has commented on the series: “The Dark is a compelling new series introducing the fearless DI Monica Kennedy, who must track a serial killer in this haunting Scottish thriller. Matt’s adaptation is intensely gripping, and I’m thrilled to be working with him and the team at Poison Pen to bring this story to life.”
Producer Stephenson added: “The Dark is a chilling, edge-of-your-seat thriller with unexpected twists and a central character whose mysterious past gives her both a unique insight into a twisted killer and a profound empathy for the victims left behind.”
Filming for The Dark set to begin in Glasgow in 2025, and is produced in association with ITV Studios, who will also distribute the series internationally.
Source: ITV
