The Loch on Netflix: Cast, Plot, and Why It’s a Must-Watch

The Loch hits Netflix on July 26, 2025, with Siobhan Finneran and Laura Fraser. Dive into the gripping Scottish crime drama. Read now!

Introduction

Get ready to binge The Loch, a 2017 ITV crime drama landing on Netflix on July 26, 2025. Set in the haunting Scottish Highlands, this six-part series follows DS Annie Redford (Laura Fraser) tackling her first murder case, joined by DCI Lauren Quigley (Siobhan Finneran) as they hunt a serial killer. Why should you care? It’s a tense, twisty thriller with a stellar cast, including Happy Valley’s Finneran and Death in Paradise’s Don Gilet. Fans on X in 2017 called it “gripping” and “totally brilliant,” praising its shocking finale. With a 6.9/10 IMDb score and 72% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a solid pick for crime drama fans. Here’s everything you need to know about The Loch’s plot, cast, reviews, and why it’s worth your weekend.

What Is The Loch About?

The Loch (also called Loch Ness in some regions) centers on DS Annie Redford, a small-town cop in Lochnafoy, Scotland, thrown into her first murder case when piano teacher Niall Swift is found dead at Carn Mohr Mountain, part of his brain removed. A human heart from another victim surfaces nearby, signaling a serial killer. DCI Lauren Quigley from Glasgow takes charge, with profiler Blake Albrighton (Don Gilet) assisting.

 Why’s this plot compelling? The eerie Highland setting and personal stakes—Annie’s family life unravels—make it more than a whodunit. The show’s six episodes, each 45 minutes, aired on ITV in June 2017. A common mistake in crime dramas is predictable twists, but The Loch’s finale shocked viewers, per X posts. If the pacing lags, you might miss clues, so stay focused.

The Cast: Who’s Who in The Loch

The cast is a big draw. Laura Fraser (Breaking Bad) leads as Annie Redford, a rookie detective balancing work and family. Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley) shines as the no-nonsense DCI Lauren Quigley, while Don Gilet (Death in Paradise) adds depth as profiler Blake Albrighton. Supporting players include John Sessions (Victoria) as DCI Frank Smilie, Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street) as Annie’s husband Alan, and William Ash (Emmerdale) as Leighton Thomas. 

Why does casting matter? Strong actors ground the intense plot—Finneran’s grit and Fraser’s vulnerability are perfect foils. A casting misstep, like choosing less experienced actors, could’ve weakened the drama. Miscasting risks flat characters, but The Loch nails it. Check IMDb for full cast details before diving in.

Why The Loch Stands Out in Crime Dramas

Crime dramas are everywhere, but The Loch carves its niche. The Scottish Highlands setting, with its misty lochs and rugged cliffs, feels like a character itself, adding tension, per TV Guide. The show blends police procedural with personal drama—Annie’s home life crumbles as the case deepens. It scored a 67/100 on Metacritic, showing solid reviews, though some critics noted uneven pacing. 

Why watch it? Unlike glossy thrillers, it’s raw and grounded, with twists fans on X in 2017 called “unpredictable.” A common mistake in the genre is over-relying on clichés, but The Loch avoids most. If you skim episodes, you’ll miss key plot turns, so watch closely. Its Netflix release on July 26, 2025, makes it a fresh binge option.

Viewer Reactions and Critical Reception

When The Loch aired on ITV in 2017, fans were hooked. An X post from @TVFanatic92 called it “absolutely brilliant,” praising its gripping pace. Another user, @CrimeBingeLad, said the finale’s twist “kept me guessing.” It holds a 6.9/10 on IMDb and 72% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, though critics gave it 64%, citing some slow moments. Why’s this feedback useful? It shows the show’s broad appeal but warns of pacing issues. A mistake viewers make is bailing early—stick with it for the payoff. Critics like The Oldham Times hailed Fin Fhinneran’s performance, but some felt the plot leaned too hard on shock value. If you love Happy Valley’s intensity, this is your vibe. Check Rotten Tomatoes for more reviews before streaming.

How to Watch The Loch on Netflix

The Loch hits Netflix on July 26, 2025, under the title Loch Ness in some regions, like the U.S. All six episodes will drop at once, perfect for a weekend binge. It’s also on ITVX with ads or ad-free with a premium subscription, per JustWatch. Why’s Netflix a big deal? Its global reach introduces the show to new audiences. A common mistake is assuming it’s free everywhere—check your region’s streaming options. If you don’t have Netflix, ITVX or Apple TV offer rentals or purchases. Missing the release date could mean spoilers from X, so mark your calendar. JustWatch reported The Loch climbed 611 spots on streaming charts by July 16, 2025, showing buzz is building.

Filming Locations and Production Details

Set in Lochnafoy, a fictional village near Loch Fyne, The Loch was filmed in Inveraray, Scotland. The real Carn Mohr Mountain and loch shores create a haunting backdrop. Why’s the location key? It amplifies the story’s eerie tone, per TV Guide. Filming in 2016 involved tight schedules—six episodes in under three months, per Wikipedia. A mistake productions make is underusing settings, but The Loch leans into its Highland visuals. Weather delays were a risk, potentially hiking costs if shoots ran long. Fans can visit Inveraray, but don’t expect to find Lochnafoy—it’s fake. Check Visit Scotland for trip ideas to see the loch yourself. The Netflix release on July 26, 2025, will likely spark tourism interest.

Challenges of Crime Drama Storytelling

Making a show like The Loch isn’t easy. Writers must balance twists with believable characters. Stephen Brady’s script keeps viewers guessing, but some critics noted pacing dips, per Metacritic. Why’s this tricky? Too many twists feel forced; too few bore audiences. The Loch mostly nails it, with a finale X fans in 2017 called “shocking.” A common mistake is rushing the ending—The Loch takes its time, but slow episodes can lose viewers. If writers lean too hard on shock, the story feels cheap. Finneran and Fraser’s performances anchor the show, ensuring emotional depth. For Netflix’s 2025 release, expect new fans to debate the ending on X, so avoid spoilers if you’re late to the party.

FAQs

When does The Loch release on Netflix?

The Loch drops on Netflix on July 26, 2025, as Loch Ness in some regions. All six episodes will be available for streaming. It’s also on ITVX with ads or ad-free with a premium plan. Check JustWatch for other platforms like Apple TV for rentals.

Who stars in The Loch?

Laura Fraser plays DS Annie Redford, Siobhan Finneran is DCI Lauren Quigley, and Don Gilet is profiler Blake Albrighton. Supporting cast includes John Sessions, Gray O’Brien, and William Ash. Their performances, especially Finneran’s, drive the drama, per The Oldham Times.

Is The Loch worth watching?

With a 6.9/10 IMDb score and 72% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Loch is a solid crime drama. Fans on X in 2017 called it “gripping” for its twists and Highland setting. Some found it slow, so stick with it for the finale’s payoff.

Where was The Loch filmed?

Filmed in Inveraray, Scotland, near Loch Fyne, the show uses Carn Mohr Mountain and loch shores for its eerie vibe. The fictional Lochnafoy feels real thanks to these locations. Visit Inveraray for a taste of the setting, per Visit Scotland.

Why did The Loch get mixed reviews?

Critics gave The Loch a 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, citing uneven pacing, but fans loved its twists, per X posts. The 67/100 Metacritic score shows solid reception. Slow episodes can frustrate, but the cast and finale make it worth it.

Will there be a season 2 of The Loch?

No season 2 is confirmed. Fans on X in 2017 begged for more, but ITV hasn’t announced plans. The six-episode arc wraps up tightly, so a follow-up isn’t essential. Check Netflix or ITVX for the full series on July 26, 2025.

Conclusion

The Loch hits Netflix on July 26, 2025, bringing its tense Scottish crime drama to a global audience. With Laura Fraser, Siobhan Finneran, and Don Gilet leading a stellar cast, the show’s mix of murder, Highland scenery, and personal stakes hooked fans in 2017, earning a 6.9/10 on IMDb. From Inveraray’s haunting lochs to a twisty finale, it’s a binge-worthy pick. Filming challenges and pacing hiccups didn’t stop viewers from calling it “gripping” on X. Whether you’re new to The Loch or revisiting, mark your calendar and share your thoughts in the comments. Dive into this Scottish thriller!