ITV’s new crime thriller “The Dark” falls short of its ambitious promise.

ITV’s new crime series The Dark offers a gritty, atmospheric thriller set against the stark beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Based on GR Halliday’s debut novel, the six‑part drama opens with a naked corpse discovered in the wilderness, prompting Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy to lead the investigation. Laura Donnelly portrays Kennedy, a newly appointed detective burdened by a complex personal history.

The victim, a solitary young man, becomes the first of several murders linked by a distinctive and unsettling method. As the body count rises, the series follows Kennedy and her partner, Detective Constable Connor Crawford, as they chase a faceless killer whose presence is felt more than seen.

Helen Baxendale appears as Bethany Morgan, a mother grappling with the loss of her son, while Emun Elliott plays her husband, whose reaction adds tension to the family’s grief.

Throughout the six episodes, the killer remains hidden behind a mask, creating a tense cat‑and‑mouse dynamic that sustains suspense without resorting to gratuitous violence against women. The narrative instead highlights the vulnerability of young men in isolated rural communities.

Gilles Bannier directs the series, with scripts by Matt Hartley, Lena Rae and Nessah Muthy. The production leverages the Highlands’ rugged terrain to enhance the story’s moody aesthetic, while the cast delivers consistently strong performances.

Although the show is available for on‑demand streaming, it also airs on ITV1 at 9 p.m. on Mondays, offering a traditional broadcast slot for viewers who prefer weekly episodes.

While The Dark follows familiar thriller conventions, its combination of striking locations, solid acting and a focused storyline should satisfy fans of the genre.