ITV’s latest offering, the psychological thriller Gone, has quickly become the talk of the town since its tense premiere on Sunday night, March 8, 2026. With viewers glued to their screens and social media abuzz, the six-part series has delivered a masterclass in suspense, intrigue, and atmospheric storytelling. But what exactly has everyone so captivated? Let’s dive into the details behind the show’s plot, cast, and the real-life locations that give Gone its distinctive edge.
Set against the leafy, seemingly peaceful outskirts of Bristol, Gone centers on the sudden disappearance of Sarah Polly, played by Hollie Bailey. Her vanishing sends shockwaves through the local community, not least because her husband, Michael Polly—portrayed by the always compelling David Morrissey—is a respected headmaster at a prestigious private school. As the days tick by and the mystery deepens, suspicion quickly falls on Michael, turning his once-orderly life upside down.
According to ITV, the drama’s tension is heightened by the relentless investigation led by Detective Sergeant Annie Cassidy, played by Eve Myles. Myles herself describes her character as “a fascinating character, intuitive, gutsy and doesn’t suffer fools, but she has met her match in Michael Polly, who is a formidable adversary played by David Morrissey.” It’s a battle of wits that keeps viewers guessing: is Michael hiding something, or is he being unfairly targeted?
The show’s slow-burn approach has been praised by critics and fans alike, with ITV promising that Gone is “a gripping slow-burn to watch this week.” The first episode wasted no time drawing audiences into its web of secrets, betrayals, and shifting allegiances. Family members, colleagues, and even Michael’s pupils are drawn into the investigation, with loyalties tested and trust eroded at every turn.
Of course, a thriller is only as strong as its cast, and Gone delivers on that front with a stellar ensemble. Alongside Morrissey and Myles, viewers will recognize Emma Appleton as Alana Polly, Jennifer Macbeth as DS Becky Hammond, Billy Barratt as Dylan Sedgwick, Nicholas Nunn as Paul Whitchurch, Rupert Evans as Rory Bowman, Claire Goose as Claire Sedgwick, Clare Higgins as Carol Bradley, Peter McDonald as DI Craig Stanhope, Elliot Cowan as Stephen Sedgwick, Jodie McNee as DC Nira Barker, Oscar Batterham as DS Duncan Carmoody, Arthur Hughes as DI Ivan Pemberley, and Hollie Bailey as the missing Sarah Polly. This impressive lineup brings depth and nuance to the show’s complex web of relationships.
But while the performances are drawing plenty of attention, many fans are equally curious about the real-world locations that provide the series’ moody backdrop. Although the story briefly references Ogmore in South Wales, the production was primarily set and filmed in Bristol. According to ITV, much of the filming took place at The Bottle Yard Studios, one of the largest film and television studios in the West of England. Here, the crew built custom interior sets for many of the show’s most pivotal scenes.
Yet, the production didn’t confine itself to the studio. The city of Bristol itself plays a starring role, with scenes shot across various neighborhoods. Cafés and restaurants in Queens Square and Clifton feature prominently, lending an authentic, lived-in feel to the drama. The DoubleTree Hotel in Bristol city centre was cleverly repurposed as the police station’s press room, while a property on Richmond Hill Avenue in Clifton served as the exterior for the police station, giving the show’s law enforcement scenes a distinctive local flavor.
One of the most significant locations in Gone is the school where Michael Polly works as headmaster. This isn’t a fictional creation but the real-life Downside School, a Catholic private school near Bath. Established in 1614, Downside School has a storied history—it was originally founded for English Catholic boys, but today welcomes mixed pupils aged 11 to 18. Filming at the school took place during the Easter holidays in 2026, allowing the cast and crew to shoot across the campus without disrupting students’ daily routines. The grand, historic setting adds gravitas and authenticity to the series, grounding the drama in a believable world.
As for the show’s release schedule, Gone has taken a classic approach. New episodes air at 9pm every Sunday and Monday night on ITV1, and are also available for streaming on ITVX. The series unfolds over three weeks, ensuring that the tension remains high and viewers are left eagerly anticipating each new installment. For those who missed the debut, there’s still plenty of time to catch up and join the conversation.
The show’s creators have clearly invested in more than just a compelling script and first-rate cast. The meticulous attention to location and atmosphere has helped Gone stand out in a crowded field of crime dramas. By weaving together the real and the fictional, the series creates a setting that feels both familiar and unsettling—a perfect match for the story’s psychological twists and turns.
It’s not just the visuals that set Gone apart. The interplay between the characters, especially the cat-and-mouse dynamic between DS Annie Cassidy and Michael Polly, keeps the audience guessing. Myles’ portrayal of Cassidy as a detective who “doesn’t suffer fools” brings a refreshing energy to the investigation, while Morrissey’s Michael is by turns sympathetic and suspicious. As the investigation progresses, viewers are left to wonder: is Michael an innocent man trapped by circumstance, or is there something darker lurking beneath his composed exterior?
With only six episodes, Gone promises a tightly plotted narrative with little room for filler. Each character, from family members to police officers, has a role to play in unraveling the central mystery. The series doesn’t shy away from exploring the impact of suspicion and loss on a close-knit community, making it as much a character study as a whodunit.
Given its strong start and the buzz surrounding its premiere, Gone seems poised to join the ranks of ITV’s most memorable crime dramas. Between its atmospheric locations, gripping performances, and a plot that refuses to let up, it’s no wonder viewers are already hooked. Whether you’re in it for the mystery, the performances, or the chance to spot familiar Bristol landmarks, Gone offers plenty to keep audiences coming back for more.
With the series now airing and streaming, and a mystery that grows deeper with each episode, Gone is shaping up to be the must-watch thriller of early 2026. Don’t blink—you might just miss the next big clue.