How to watch The Dark from anywhere
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The Dark, ITV's gripping new serial killer crime drama, premieres Sunday 12 July 2026 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The six-part thriller stars Laura Donnelly as Detective Monica Kennedy, investigating a series of eerily staged murders across the Scottish countryside. Based on GR Halliday's novel "From the Shadows," the series follows its second episode on Monday 13 July, with the remaining four episodes expected to air weekly.
UK viewers can stream The Dark free on ITVX with a free account, but the platform is geo-restricted to the UK. International viewers will need a VPN with UK servers to access ITVX from abroad.
Where to watch The Dark
| Country | Streaming Service | Price | Notes |
| United Kingdom | ITVX | Free | Free account required, UK postcode needed at signup |
| International | ITVX + UK VPN | From $3.09/month (VPN cost) | Requires UK VPN server to access ITVX from abroad |
How to watch The Dark free with a VPN
The Dark streams free in the UK on ITVX, the official streaming platform for ITV programming. The platform requires a free account with a UK postcode but offers full access to all six episodes at no cost. However, ITVX is geo-restricted and only accessible within the UK. If you're traveling or located outside the UK, a VPN lets you connect to a UK server and watch The Dark free on ITVX from anywhere in the world. For more on VPN streaming capabilities, check out our guide to the best VPNs for streaming.
- Choose a VPN with UK servers. We recommend NordVPN for streaming. It uses the fast NordLynx protocol that retains around 83% of baseline speeds for smooth HD streaming, and supports Smart DNS for compatible smart TVs.
- Install the VPN app on your device. Download and install the VPN on your preferred streaming device, whether that's Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, or a supported smart TV platform like Fire TV or Apple TV.
- Connect to a UK server. Open the VPN app, select a server located in the United Kingdom, and establish the connection. This gives you a UK IP address that lets ITVX recognize you as a UK viewer.
- Go to ITVX and create a free account. Visit ITVX in your browser or through the ITVX app. Sign up with a free account using any UK postcode at registration. The platform doesn't verify address details beyond requiring a UK postcode format.
- Start streaming The Dark for free. Navigate to The Dark's series page on ITVX, select the episode you want to watch, and start streaming. Keep your VPN connection active throughout to maintain access.
The Dark episode release schedule on ITVX
The Dark premieres with two episodes on consecutive nights, followed by weekly releases:
- Episode 1: Sunday 12 July 2026, 9pm BST
- Episode 2: Monday 13 July 2026, 9pm BST
- Episodes 3-6: Expected Sundays and Mondays at 9pm BST (weekly schedule TBC)
All episodes become available for on-demand streaming on ITVX immediately after their ITV1 broadcast. The platform allows viewers to watch live or catch up at any time after the initial airing.
FAQ
Where can I watch The Dark?
The Dark is available free on ITVX in the United Kingdom with a free account. The series is not currently licensed to any streaming platforms outside the UK. International viewers can access ITVX from abroad using a VPN connected to a UK server.
When does The Dark premiere?
The Dark premieres Sunday 12 July 2026 at 9pm BST on ITV1 and ITVX, with the second episode airing the following evening, Monday 13 July at 9pm BST.
How many episodes are in The Dark?
The Dark is a six-part limited series. The first two episodes air on consecutive nights, with the remaining four episodes expected to follow a weekly Sunday and Monday schedule.
Can I watch The Dark outside the UK?
Yes, but you'll need a VPN. ITVX is geo-restricted to UK IP addresses, so viewers outside the UK must connect to a UK VPN server to access the platform. Once connected, you can create a free ITVX account and stream all episodes at no additional cost beyond the VPN subscription.
