ITV has long been the go-to destination for high-quality crime dramas, boasting an impressive track record of nail-biting hits like Broadchurch, Vera, and Unforgotten – and now the broadcaster looks to have another hit on its hands.
The new serial killer drama, The Dark, premiered on Sunday night, and viewers wasted no time getting stuck into the six-parter.
© ITVBilled as a "chilling serial killer drama," the show stars Outlander's Laura Donnelly as Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy as she hunts for a twisted murderer in the Scottish Highlands
If you enjoy gritty, dark crime dramas like The Fall or The Crow Girl, The Dark could be right up your street. Before you press play, find out what viewers and critics have said about the show below.
What is The Dark about?
Adapted from G.R. Halliday's debut novel, From the Shadows, the series follows DI Monica Kennedy as she embarks on a "tense cat and mouse chase" for a serial killer across the Scottish Highlands.
© ITVThe synopsis 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?"
© ITVWhat have viewers said about the show?
Viewers who tuned into the opening episode hailed the show as "gripping," with some immediately binge-watching all six episodes on ITVX.
Taking to social media, one person wrote: "Binged watched #thedark Thoroughly enjoyed it," while another described it as "bloody creepy".
A third viewer penned: "The Dark on ITV/STV is brilliant isn't it?! I'm not saying this as it was filmed in my neck of the woods but what a great first episode. Bring on the second episode tomorrow."
What's the verdict from TV critics?
The critical reception has been largely positive.
© ITVThe Guardian awarded the drama three stars, hailing it as "stylish, fun and chilling," while The Independent also gave it three stars, highlighting its 'pitch-black' tone.
Meanwhile, RadioTimes.com also offered a three-star rating, calling it a "chilling" series while noting that it falls back on "a psychological thriller starter kit".
Who stars in The Dark?
Laura Donnelly (Outlander) leads the cast as Monica Kennedy, alongside Mark Rowley (The Last Kingdom) as DC Connor Crawford and Helen Baxendale (Cold Feet) as Bethany Morgan.
They're joined by Emun Elliott as Barclay Adams, Tunji Kasim as Michael Bach, Stella Gonet as Angela Kennedy, Rona Morison as Philly, Catherine McCormack as Gloria MacLennan and Cal MacAninch as Stephen Wright.
© ITVOther cast members include Jatinder Singh Randhawa as DC Ewan Dhillon, Brian Ferguson as Kyle Ward and Phil McKee as Don Cameron.
The Dark is available to stream on ITVX now.
