26-05-2025
BBC viewers ‘switch off new crime drama after five minutes' - complaining ‘this is absolute rubbish' and slamming ‘screaming, unintelligible' actors
BBC viewers switched off the broadcaster's new crime drama 'after five minutes' and complained 'this is absolute rubbish'.
The new show, titled Death Valley, premiered on Sunday (May 25) evening and saw DS Janine Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) join up with TV detective John Chapel (Timothy Spall), who proves he's good at solving real life cases.
Filmed in Wales, the instalment followed the unlikely pair as they end up investigating a murder together.
Death Valley also stars Rithvik Andugula as DC Evan Chaudhry, as well as Steffan Rhodri as DCI Clarke, amongst others.
The six-part series is set to air on BBC One every Sunday from 8.15pm to 9pm.
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The new show, titled Death Valley, premiered on Sunday (May 25) evening and saw DS Janine Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth), right join up with TV detective John Chapel (Timothy Spall, left) who proves he's good at solving real life cases
However, some viewers of the first episode were not impressed and took to social media to share their thoughts on the new drama.
One posted on X: '#deathvalley #BBC is so dreadful on every level. The woman detective is beyond irritating and embarrassing.'
'The problems with comedy police programs like this is how they suddenly come up with such a long winded explanation of the murder without actually showing us during the program how they would come to it. #deathvalley,' another penned.
Someone else commented: 'Oh that was terrible #DeathValley.'
While one viewer said: 'Well that was pretty cringe. Almost gave up after the first five minutes. Timothy Spall was good. The detective was terrible. Bad script.
'Is it meant to be slapstick? Don't know if it will improve as it settles in but not a great start. #DeathValley.'
According to the Express, another penned: 'Five mins & switching off - this is AWFUL. So bad.'
One watcher added: 'Ten minutes screaming unintelligible actors ...no thanks #deathvalley.'
However, some viewers of the first episode were not impressed and took to social media to share their thoughts on the new drama, while others praised it
The Guardian rated Death Valley four out of five stars, but not everyone agreed with the review and someone posted: 'Just what I thought! It's too silly. The Guardian says 'people who love Ludwig will love Death Valley'. NO!! I LOVE Ludwig - this is absolute rubbish!'
However, some were quickly fans of the show and one penned: 'Totally binged #deathvalley what a lovely, fun and joyus British drama. #TimothySpall & #gwynethKeyworth are funny and beautiful together.'
Another added: 'Finally a return to Sunday night family viewing…we loved #deathvalley.'
Death Valley airs on Sundays at 8.15pm on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
