About “Home Before Dark” in a few words:

Home Before Dark is a drama series that premiered on Apple TV+ in 2020. The show follows the story of a young girl named Hilde Lisko, who moves with her family to her father’s hometown in upstate New York. She is a budding journalist and starts investigating a cold case that her father once worked on, uncovering secrets that the town has been hiding for decades. With a talented cast and a compelling plot, Home Before Dark is a thrilling and emotional ride that explores the complexities of family, secrets, and the power of journalism.

Meet the characters from Home Before Dark

Mayor Jack Fife

Oh man, Mayor Jack Fife is that small-town politician who wears a blazer even to the hardware store and believes deeply in ceremonial ribbon-cuttings — like, that’s his vibe. He’s outwardly polished and a little theatrical, but also weirdly earnest, like he genuinely thinks a town picnic can solve most problems (and maybe it can?). Sometimes he’s pompous and full of hot air, and other times he’s the only one who remembers to call people back, which is baffling but true. He loves tradition and hates change — except when he secretly pushes for things late at night, which he’ll deny later. Also, fun detail: he insists on using a paper calendar even though he has a town-issued tablet, so pick your mental image.

Deputy Mackenzie ‘Trip’ Johnson

Trip is exactly the kind of deputy who’s talented, a little cocky, and way more empathetic than he lets on — the soft undercover tough-guy trope, but real. He makes quick decisions, sometimes rash, sometimes brilliant, and will absolutely crack a joke at the worst possible moment (and then apologize with actual regret). He cares about doing the right thing, but also likes a bit of spotlight, which makes him both charming and maddening. He’s practical, hands-on, and sometimes forgets paperwork because he was up all night chasing leads or saving a puppy, hard to tell. Little weirdness: loves classical music but hums pop songs in his sleep — total contradiction, I know.

Principal Kim Collins

Kim Collins runs the school like a general and a mom rolled into one — strict policies, but then she’ll sneak students snacks if the cafeteria messes up, classic soft-core authoritarian. She balances endless amounts of bureaucracy and drama and somehow keeps the place from imploding, which is a frankly heroic skill. She can be stern and unflappable one minute and then vulnerable and unexpectedly protective the next, which makes her unpredictable in the best way. She likes rules but adores the kids, and sometimes loses patience in a way that’s very human, not villainous. Oh, and she keeps a mug with an inspiring quote that she never uses because it’s too hot to wash, or maybe she does, I can’t remember.

Lt. Frank Briggs, Jr.

Lieutenant Briggs Jr. is the career-cop type who’s precise, a little weary, and definitely carries the weight of the job on his shoulders — very by-the-book but with a soft spot for messy truths. He’s investigative and stubborn, the kind who goes down rabbit holes and then refuses to come out until he’s found the answer, which is exhausting but admirable. He argues with authority sometimes, but also defers in weird ways, like a son trying to be his own man while still taking advice, you know? He’s blunt, practical, and occasionally makes terrible coffee for the team, which everyone pretends not to notice. Sometimes he’s cold, sometimes he’s ridiculously sentimental, and both are equally real.

Izzy Lisko

Izzy is a spark — sharp-witted, fierce, and so loyal it hurts; you can tell she’s the person people turn to when things go sideways. She’s got quick comebacks, a complicated past, and this adorable stubborn streak where she refuses help even when she totally needs it (and then accepts it two minutes later). She’s brave in a not-showy way, protective of family, and terrible at letting people sulk — she’ll drag you out whether you like it or not. Also she has an odd hobby? Maybe painting or collecting weird rocks, I’ve seen both mentioned, so pick your favorite because she’d have both in some timeline.

Bridget Jensen

Bridget is the kind of character who starts out quiet and then you realize she’s quietly iconic — thoughtful, moral, and quietly fierce when pushed. She’s driven by curiosity and truth, which gets her into trouble but also makes her genuinely heroic; she asks the questions no one else will. She’s empathetic to a fault and keeps secrets like they’re heavy bricks she can’t always carry, poor thing. She’s awkward in social moments but has depth that spills out in private revelations, which is the best kind of character arc. Tiny weird thing: she’s terrible at directions but never admits it, insists she’s “exploring.”

Hilde Lisko

Hilde is mother-energy personified but with a wild streak — protective, practical, and a little mysterious if you dig under the comfy sweaters. She’s incredibly resourceful, like the person who can fix a leaky pipe and soothe a crying kid in the same breath, which is basically superhero-level domestic skills. She loves family fiercely and holds secrets close, sometimes to her own detriment, and you can feel the weight she carries in small gestures. She’s warm and blunt at once, tells people off lovingly, and then makes you soup like nothing happened. Also sometimes she forgets names and sometimes she remembers birthdays down to the minute — I have no consistency, only love.

Matt Lisko

Matt is the introspective, burned-just-enough sibling who’s quietly brave; he’s the “steady in the storm” but also full of unspoken guilt and unresolved anger, which is a lot, honestly. He’s loyal and practical, not flashy, the kind of person who shows up with a toolbox and a scowl and then fixes everything, including relationships sometimes. He’s observant and slow to trust, but when he does it’s for keeps — that loyalty is like his default setting. He’s messy in love and careful in work, which contradicts nothing and everything, and he drinks terrible instant coffee like it’s a personality trait.

Sheriff Frank Briggs, Sr.

Sheriff Briggs Sr. is old-school law enforcement: weary, principled, and carrying the town’s history in his shoulders — he’s seen things, said things, and silently protected way too long. He’s gruff but fair, and you can tell he rules more by example than by barking orders; also he has this soft spot that pops up at random and breaks your heart (in a good way). He’s political in a practical sense, suspicious of grandstanding, and suspicious of everyone else’s motives, and yes that includes the mayor’s ribbon-cutting obsession. He’s stubborn in a grandfatherly way, and sometimes he’s infuriatingly smug about being right, which only makes him more human. Oh, and he probably whistles old tunes when he’s thinking, maybe off-key.