Luther Creator Neil Cross Behind New ITV Drama

ITV has commissioned the suspense drama Because the Night, which comes from Luther creator Neil Cross.

Because the Night is a four-part story of murder—and maybe ghosts—that exposes the quiet terror of a man trying to escape his past. The series is inspired by the novel Burial, also written by Cross (Luther, Hard Sun, Spooks, Mama).

Because the Night will be produced for ITV by Euston Films, part of Fremantle. Euston Films Managing Director Kate Harwood (Hard Sun, Cranford, Baghdad Central) will executive produce the drama alongside EP for Euston Films, Noemi Spanos (Dublin Murders). Niall MacCormick (The Victim, The Durrells, Doctor Thorne) will direct each of the four one-hour episodes. Fremantle will handle international distribution.

Cross commented: “I’m truly excited to be working with ITV to make Because the Night. It’s one of my favorite stories: a tale of psychological suspense, of guilt and ghosts and murder. Oh, and love. Always love. Our job is to make viewers want to sleep with the lights on. We’re looking forward to it.”

ITV’s head of drama, Polly Hill, said: “I’m delighted to be working with Neil Cross and Euston Films on Because the Night—a taught, gripping contemporary thriller, which is both chilling and compelling. Neil’s adaptation of his original novel promises to be unmissable TV drama and I’m thrilled he’s agreed to do this for ITV.”

Harwood and Spanos added: “Working with the brilliant Neil Cross on this bold and gripping four-parter is a real thrill for us. Because the Night sent shivers down our spine when we read it and we can’t wait to bring Neil’s fresh, contemporary take on his original story to the ITV audience.”