ITV viewers can't stop 'binge watching' crime drama The Dark, but there's one big complaint about the Laura Donnelly series
It landed on ITV1 and ITVX at the weekend
The Dark lives up to its name in more ways than one, as the ITV crime drama delivers a brutal game of cat and mouse between a detective and a serial killer – and the reviews are now in.
The six-part series took over the coveted Sunday night slot last weekend, going up against BBC One’s I, Jack Wright. Both series were dropped as boxsets on ITVX and BBC iPlayer respectively.
It’s the first time a brand new drama has landed for a while, after a blistering start to summer with football, tennis and repeats. While I, Jack Wright previously aired on U&Alibi, The Dark was brand spanking new.
So what did viewers and critics think about the new crime drama? Well, reviews for The Dark were mixed to say the least…
Reviews are in for ITV crime drama The Dark
It’s been a while since a new drama landed on the small screen, especially one as hyped as ITV thriller The Dark. What with the brilliant cast, the stunning locations, and the bestselling book it’s based on, fans had high hopes for this six-parter.
And, largely, they weren’t disappointed. In fact, many shared the fact they were binging the series from start to finish, and weren’t waiting for it to be broadcast on ITV1.
One said: “Binged watched #thedark. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Made me think of past times when the anticipation of waiting for the next episode somehow made time appear to go slower.”
Another wrote: “[Bleep], didn’t expect that, gonna have to binge watch it now! #thedark.”
Another said: “Not waiting until tomorrow to watch the next episode #TheDark.”
A third agreed, typing: “Started the new ITV drama #TheDark and I’m gonna end up bingeing this with no footy for two nights.”
Others called it “gripping”, “bloody creepy”, “original”, and “brilliant”.
Fan complaints for the ITV thriller
However, some viewers struggled with the sound – and claimed they needed subtitles.
Chattering on social media, one viewed said: “The Dark audio needs putting through Google translate and the unnecessary background music killing completely.”
Another said: “Can’t understand a word they’re saying. Subtitles on. #TheDark.”
A third complained: “I’ve had to put the subtitles on. The audio is low, and I can’t understand them.”
Others enjoyed the series, but questioned ITV showing it in the hot summer months. One wrote: “Would have been ideal for being shown in the autumn/winter months rather than mid-summer where it will get overlooked.”
Another said: “Would have loved this for the dark, wintry rainy cold nights in autumn/winter! #TheDark.”
This feel like a “proper winter series” said another.
The Dark critic reviews
The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan gave the series 3/5 stars. She said: “This gothic crime drama is so icily creepy it’s practically a heatwave antidote. […] A cold finger of dread will run up your spine as you watch this tale of a Highlands murder investigation. It’s stylish, fun and chilling.”
The Independent’s Annabel Nugent also gave it a 3/5 rating. She said: “ITV’s terrifying cop show has pitch-black levels of grimness. With twisted motives and brutal killings, ITV’s latest outing scratches the detective drama itch.”
The Times called it “gloomy Tartan noir”, while The Telegraph said: “This is a grim drama. It leans more towards horror than police procedural. There is no gore but the tone is horribly creepy.”
