Karen Pirie is a high-stakes British crime drama series based on the internationally bestselling “Inspector Karen Pirie” novels by Val McDermid, featuring Lauren Lyle as a young, tenacious detective sergeant in the Fife cold case unit. The television adaptation, which first premiered on ITV in September 2022, has become a standout in the “tartan noir” genre for its sharp writing by Emer Kenny and its atmospheric Scottish settings. As of early 2026, the series has completed its second season, titled “A Darker Domain,” which broadcast on ITV from July 20 to August 3, 2025. This latest installment followed the investigation into the 1984 kidnapping of an oil heiress, cementing Karen Pirie’s reputation as a detective who refuses to let the past stay buried, even when confronted by political corruption and long-hidden family secrets.
The 2025 Television Season: “A Darker Domain”
The second series of Karen Pirie adapted the second novel in Val McDermid’s series, A Darker Domain. This three-part special moved the action to the atmospheric backdrop of the 1984 miners’ strike and a high-profile kidnapping.
The story follows the dual mysteries of a missing miner and the abduction of Catriona Grant, the daughter of a wealthy oil magnate. In a series of 2025 broadcasts, viewers watched DI Karen Pirie (recently promoted) navigate a web of industrial-era grudges and modern-day forensic breakthroughs to finally bring closure to the Grant family.
Casting the Cold Case Team
The success of the series relies heavily on the chemistry of the core investigative team, known for their banter and relentless pursuit of the truth.
Lauren Lyle as DI Karen Pirie: Re-promoted to Inspector for Season 2, Lyle brings a defiant, modern energy to the role, famously characterized by her oversized knits and bum bags.
Chris Jenks as DC Jason “The Mint” Murray: The loyal and often underestimated junior officer whose growth as a detective is a central emotional arc of the series.
Zach Wyatt as DS Phil Parhatka: Karen’s ambitious colleague and former romantic interest, whose professional rivalry with Karen adds a layer of tension to the squad room.
Emer Kenny as River Wilde: The show’s writer also stars as Karen’s best friend and a professor of forensic anthropology, bridging the gap between academia and police work.
Filming Locations in St Andrews and Fife
The “East Neuk” of Fife serves as more than just a backdrop; it is a character in its own right. The production team utilized the historic architecture of St Andrews to contrast the beauty of the town with the grit of the crimes.
St Andrews Cathedral: The ruins of the cathedral are featured prominently in the iconic opening sequence of Season 1.
The Pends: This medieval gateway is frequently seen as Karen walks through the town.
St Andrews Harbour: Many of the “thinking” scenes where Karen stares out to sea were filmed along the pier and harbour walls.
Inverkeithing and Dysart: These locations provided the industrial aesthetic required for the 1980s flashback sequences in Season 2.
Practical Information for Viewers
If you are looking to catch up on the series or plan a trip to see the sites, here is the essential logistical information.
Where to Watch: In the UK, both seasons are available on ITVX. International audiences can find the show on BritBox.
Season 2 Release Date: The second series premiered on July 20, 2025.
Episode Length: Each “episode” is actually a feature-length film, typically running 120 minutes including commercials.
Visiting Fife: St Andrews is a 90-minute drive from Edinburgh. The Fife Coastal Path offers a great way to walk between several filming locations used in the series.
Cost: ITVX is free with ads; BritBox subscriptions vary by region but generally cost around $8.99/month.
Seasonal/Timely Update: February 2026
Following the massive success of “A Darker Domain” in mid-2025, ITV officially confirmed in January 2026 that Season 3 has entered pre-production. The third installment is expected to adapt The Skeleton Road, which takes the team into a mystery involving the Balkan Wars and international war crimes. Filming is slated to begin in Scotland in late summer 2026.
FAQs
When is Karen Pirie Season 2 out?
Season 2 was released on July 20, 2025, on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
How many episodes are in Karen Pirie Season 2?
There are three feature-length episodes, titled “A Darker Domain” Parts 1, 2, and 3.
Will there be a Karen Pirie Season 3?
Yes, ITV confirmed in January 2026 that a third season is currently in development.
Who plays Karen Pirie?
The titular character is played by Lauren Lyle, who is also well-known for her role as Marsali Fraser in Outlander.
Where is Karen Pirie filmed?
The show is primarily filmed in St Andrews, Fife, and various locations across Scotland, including Malta for certain Season 2 sequences.
Is Karen Pirie based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional series based on the novels by Val McDermid, although the stories often touch on real historical events like the UK miners’ strike.
Why is she called “The Mint”?
Actually, the nickname “The Mint” belongs to Jason Murray, Karen’s junior officer, because his surname is Murray (like Murray Mints).
What book is Karen Pirie Season 2 based on?
Season 2 is an adaptation of Val McDermid’s second Karen Pirie novel, “A Darker Domain.”
Is Karen Pirie still a Sergeant in Season 2?
No, she has been promoted to Detective Inspector (DI) at the beginning of the second series.
How many Karen Pirie books are there?
As of 2026, there are eight books in the series, with the most recent being Silent Bones (2025).
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