Set in Wales, the first series of Death Valley charmed audiences, with its launch achieving the largest UK overnight audience for a new scripted show in five years.
The series averaged a strong 4.6 million across 28-days.
On BBC One Wales, it was the biggest comedy so far this year, averaging 400,000 viewers.
Described as a ‘quirky whodunit’ by fans online, Gwyneth Keyworth and Timothy Spall star in the comedic murder-mystery series, playing the unlikely partnership of detective Janie Mallowan and actor John Chapel, respectively.
Chapel was once her idol as a TV detective named Caesar.
The series was a runaway hit on BBC One and iPlayer last year, besting David Mitchell’s Ludwig in overnight ratings to become the broadcaster’s biggest comedy launch in five years.
When is Death Valley returning to our screens?
Death Valley season 2 now confirmed to premiere on Sunday 17 May at 8:15pm on BBC One.
Viewers will also be able to binge the box set on iPlayer from that same date.
‘The crime rate in Wales is about to skyrocket again’
At the time of recommissioning for a second season, Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy Commissioning, said: “The trouble with recommissioning Death Valley is it means the crime rate in Wales is about to skyrocket again.
Just watching this in the United States, what a fantastic show! Timothy Spall is wonderful in everything he does but Gwynth Keyworth is a revelation! Hope they are many more to come.
— Noddy (@keishti) October 11, 2025
“But if that’s the price we pay for more brilliant performances from Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth, and more scripts from Paul Doolan, then so be it.
“Delighted to bring the team back for more murder and mischief.”
Timothy Spall said: “I’m delighted that the show has been received so well, and audiences have embraced the warm and eccentric nature of John and Janie’s partnership.
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“I’m really looking forward to revisiting this unlikely duo with the brilliant Gwyneth Keyworth as they take on more crime-solving escapades in Wales.”
Gwyneth Keyworth says: “I’m so chuffed Janie and John get to bicker their way through some more deadly crime scenes.
“Thank you so much to everyone who watched and supported the show! I can’t wait to be back ‘corpsing’ with Timothy and the gang for series two!”
Are you looking forward to its return? Let us know in the comments
