Death Valley to Return for Second Season on BritBox
Filming begins this week in Wales on the second season of Death Valley, starring Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth, which will be available on BritBox. Written and created by BAFTA-nominated Paul Doolan, the series is made by BBC Studios Comedy.
The unlikely crime-solving duo make a welcome return as retired actor John Chapel and disarming Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan, alongside regular cast Alexandria Riley (Helen Baxter), Steffan Rhodri (DCI Barry Clarke), Melanie Walters (Yvonne Mallowan), and Rithvik Andugula (DC Evan Chaudhry).
Set in Wales, the first season 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 BritBox North America, it was the second most-watched show of the year so far, within the first 30 days of its service debut. On BBC One Wales, it was the biggest comedy so far this year, averaging 400,000 viewers.
“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,” said Timothy Spall. “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 added, “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!”
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. 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.”
Creator/writer and executive producer Paul Doolen commented: “I’ve been delighted with the reaction to Death Valley and can’t wait to bring more John, Janie, and Alan the cat to screens. I’m very excited for viewers to see where the next series takes them as we pit them against an array of cunning murderers and, more often than not, against each other.”
Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales, said: “Death Valley has such a distinctive look, tone and feel about it – all of which audiences have completely fallen in love with. The numbers in Wales have been huge! It’s lovely to see our neck of the woods providing both the bucolic backdrop and a cast of amazing characters who have the UK sitting on the edge of their seats week in, week out. Amazing work from the very brightest and best.”
Josh Cole, Head of Comedy, BBC Studios Comedy, said: “While we would never usually encourage murder, in the case of Death Valley, we’re honoured to make an exception. The first series was a record-breaking hit with audiences, and Paul’s scripts for series two are even better. We can’t wait to get going.”
Death Valley is a BBC Studios Comedy in association with BritBox for BBC One and iPlayer. Written and created by BAFTA-nominated Paul Doolan, with additional material by Sian Harries, the series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy, and Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning at BBC Wales.
Commissioning Editors are Seb Barwell for BBC Comedy and Paul Forde for BBC Wales. Simon Hynd and Claire Winyard will direct series two. The Producer is Nikki Wilson, Executive Producers are Madeline Addy, Josh Cole, Paul Doolan, and Timothy Spall.
The Welsh Government has provided additional funding support via Creative Wales, and BBC Studios is handling global sales. The second season is scheduled to air in 2026. Guest stars and premiere details will be announced at a later date. Season one is available now on BritBox.
