Hit TV show Death Valley breaks records for the BBC
Murder mystery series Death Valley has received rave reviews and also record viewing figures.
The hit show which is filmed in Wales stars BAFTA-winner Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth as an unlikely crime-fighting duo.
It has proven to be such a ratings success for the BBC it has broken a five year record.
The six-part series debuted its first episode on BBC One on Sunday 25 May and drew in an audience of 2.9 million, making it the largest overnights audience for a new BBC scripted comedy in five years, beating a record set by David Mitchell’s Ludwig.
The first episode also ranked number one in its slot among terrestrial channels.
Described as a show with “hallmarks of a classic” it stars Spall as John Chapel, a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective series Caesar who teams with Gwyneth Keyworth’s DS Janie Mallowan to investigate a mysterious murder.
“Thrown together by the murder of John’s neighbour, John and Janie are an odd, yet hilarious duo with opposing instincts,” reads the show’s official synopsis.
“Every week, they get to the bottom of gripping murders, with various stunning Welsh locations providing a backdrop to their investigations.
“When John and Janie are not arguing about a case, they’re inevitably up in each other’s personal business.
“Despite their differences, they soon realise they are the closest thing each other has to a best friend, and unwittingly help one another move on from the past.”
Other cast members include Gavin & Stacey’s Steffan Rhodri, Baby Reindeer’s Alexandria Riley, One Day’s Remy Beasley, and Ghosts stars Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Jim Howick.
Death Valley has received rave reactions from viewers, with one describing it as “the best thing on TV” under the comments an official BBC Instagram post.
“Just binge watched it all, brilliant series, hoping to see more!!” commented another, while a third wrote: “Great comedy… you have to understand the Welsh people to know this is great!!!”
Death Valley airs on weekly on Sundays on BBC One. The whole boxset is also available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
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Excellent series, watched it all. Some great Welsh scenes throughout.
Binged it, loved it, more please!
Only seen two episodes so far – resisting the temptation to binge. Enjoyed both and expecting the rest to be equally good.
Also very pleasing to note that no negative national stereotypes presented and there’s room for some Cymraeg, in natural contexts, too. Hope this continues to promote the idea that our national language is not a ‘hobby’ nor that we just ‘turn it on’ when some foreign character goes into a pub.
Binge it then binge it again!
This program is a real tonic of laugh out loud seemingly nonsense but so gratifying. Stick with it till you get the rhythm and I promise you will love it. Series 2 please x
Anyone who says they don’t like thos programme is clearly devoid of any personality. This programme is a massive breath of fresh air. Lovely scenery, great guest stars and the chemistry between the 2 leads is magnificent. This programme has legs. I would want to see at least 5 series from this. I’m English and I really like the Welsh. All of them are charming.
Anything with Timothy Spall is superb and Gwyneth Keyworth, what a smashing new talent…. a brilliant new show – more please!
I just wish the detective wasn’t quite so stupid/thick/daft/gauche at the most ridiculous times……I realise it’s deliberately scripted but I find it difficult to understand how she would have even passed the police entrance exam let alone reach the rank of Detective Sergeant……..if you know what I mean !?
I bloody loved it though!!