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Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC's Death Valley draws record viewers despite mixed reviews
BBC's Death Valley draws record viewers despite mixed reviews The BBC has shared the viewing figures for new comedy-drama Death Valley following the launch of the show last weekend, after some viewers complained about the first episode. BBC's latest offering, Death Valley, which started on the weekend, has unveiled its viewership data amidst polarised opinions from audiences regarding its premiere episode. The series set against the Welsh backdrop introduces us to detective sergeant Janie Mallowan (portrayed by Gwyneth Keyworth) and has-been actor John Chapel (played by Timothy Spall), who join forces in an unexpected twist to crack down on crime. Created by Paul Doolan, known for his work on the Sky One series Trollied, Death Valley has drawn parallels with Ludwig and been likened to Death in Paradise. However, it recently made its debut on BBC One this Sunday past, with the show scheduled to continue on the channel the following weekend, while all episodes can be accessed via BBC iPlayer. BBC's Death Valley draws record viewers despite mixed reviews (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway ) ITV caller delivers brutal divorce swipe at Paddy McGuinness READ MORE: Mastermind winner details unique first date after finding love on BBC show READ MORE: BBC's revelation confirms that the show's first foray into living rooms garnered 2.9 million viewers during its prime time spot from 8.15pm until 9pm on BBC One—marking the highest debut audience for a new BBC Scripted Comedy in the last half-decade. This milestone slightly surpasses the viewer count of Ludwig when it premiered in September of the previous year, amassing 2.8 million. Featuring familiar faces such as Steffan Rhodri and Melanie Walters from Gavin and Stacey in its line-up, Death Valley centres on the "unlikely crime-solving partnership" between washed-up actor John, recognised for his role as a fictional sleuth, and police officer Janie, reports the Mirror. The show promises engaging dynamics with a descriptive tease: "They'd make the perfect crime-fighting duo - if only they could get along!" Death Valley aired its first episode on Sunday night (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway ) The premiere of Death Valley was met with a polarised response on X despite its reported success in the ratings. Several individuals indicated an early dislike for the show, with swift dismissals being shared online. One viewer expressed immediate displeasure, writing: "5 mins and switching off - this is AWEFUL soooooo baaad." Another viewer switched channels abruptly stating: "Had to turn over." Echoing the sentiment, someone else remarked: "I only lasted 10 mins." There was a consensus amongst others who found little to enjoy about the programme. Complaints kept coming as one critic mentioned: "Ten minutes unintelligible thanks." While another reeled: "Just sat and watched the biggest heap of s***e ever and it's called #DeathValley that's 45 minutes of life I ain't getting back." Death Valley got mixed reactions from people watching online (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway ) Comments continued to critique the show, with another sharing: "Shame #DeathValley had good potential. But it's so cringeworthy. Can't believe it was considered good Sunday night viewing. Can't wait for #Ludwig series 2!!!" Yet, not everyone felt let down by Death Valley. Some viewers did speak out in support of the show. An enthusiastic fan praised it, saying: "I really enjoyed that. Hilarious! Policing at its finest! #DeathValley. Well done all involved! :) I howled all the way through!" Another supporter took to the platform to commend the show: "Not everyone's cup of tea but I loved #DeathValley. Quirky but most enjoyable, acting was superb by both lead actors. Full marks to all involved in this series - looking forward to more. Well done #BBC." A third viewer shared high praise on social media, writing: "#DeathValley is absolutely excellent. Getting the blend of comedy and drama right is very difficult - but the team have done it here. It can build a following. The brilliant Brokenwood Mysteries from NZ is now in its 11th season. #DeathValley can follow a similar trajectory." Article continues below Another keen fan took to the internet to express their enjoyment, stating: "#deathvalley really enjoying the show. Easy going murder mystery. Think Death in Paradise but in Llandeilo. Nice to hear genuine Welsh accents on TV. Tidy." Death Valley is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.


Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC's new crime drama breaks record despite viewers 'switching off'
Death Valley - which stars Gwyneth Keyworth and Timothy Spall - launched on BBC One over the weekend with the first of six episodes of the new comedy-drama series The BBC has announced the viewing figures for its new comedy-drama Death Valley following the launch of the show on the weekend. It comes following a mixed reaction from some viewers over the recently-aired first episode. The six-part series set in Wales follows detective sergeant Janie Mallowan (played by Gwyneth Keyworth) and retired actor John Chapel (Timothy Spall), who team up to solve crimes. The show is written and created by Paul Doolan, whose previous work includes the Sky One sitcom Trollied. Death Valley - which has drawn comparisons Ludwig and Death in Paradise - launched just days ago, with its first episode having aired on BBC One on Sunday night. It's set to continue on the channel this weekend, though all six episodes are already available through BBC iPlayer. It has now been announced by the BBC that Death Valley's launch - which aired from 8.15pm to 9pm - drew an audience of 2.9 million on BBC One, with it achieving the largest Overnights audience for a new BBC Scripted Comedy title in five years. It adds that it outperformed Ludwig's premiere in September last year, which attracted 2.8 million viewers. The show - which includes Gavin and Stacey stars Steffan Rhodri and Melanie Walters among its cast - centres on the "unlikely crime-solving partnership" between retired actor John, who played a fictional detective, and police officer Janie. It's teased in a synopsis: "They'd make the perfect crime-fighting duo - if only they could get along!" There was a mixed reaction on X to the first episode, despite the news this week that the debut was a ratings success. Some people even shared that they were turning Death Valley off just minutes into the premiere. One person wrote: "5 mins & switching off - this is AWEFUL soooooo baaad." Another said: "Had to turn over." Someone else commented: "I only lasted 10 mins." Others similarly weren't impressed by the new TV show. Someone said: "Ten minutes unintelligible thanks." Another viewer wrote: "Just sat and watched the biggest heap of s***e ever and it's called #DeathValley that's 45 minutes of life I ain't getting back." And sharing their thoughts, one person wrote recently: "Shame #DeathValley had good potential. But it's so cringeworthy. Can't believe it was considered good Sunday night viewing. Can't wait for #Ludwig series 2!!!" Not everyone was unimpressed though. A number of viewers have shared that like Death Valley so far. One fan said: "I really enjoyed that. Hilarious! Policing at its finest! #DeathValley. Well done all involved!:) I howled all the way through!" Another said on the platform: "Not everyone's cup of tea but I loved #DeathValley. Quirky but most enjoyable, acting was superb by both lead actors. Full marks to all involved in this series - looking forward to more. Well done #BBC." A third wrote: "#DeathValley is absolutely excellent. Getting the blend of comedy & drama right is very difficult - but the team have done it here. It can build a following. The brilliant Brokenwood Mysteries from NZ is now in its 11th season. #DeathValley can follow a similar trajectory." Sharing their thoughts in a post recently, another viewer said: "#deathvalley really enjoying the show. Easy going murder mystery. Think Death in Paradise but in Llandeilo. Nice to hear genuine Welsh accents on TV. Tidy." Death Valley continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday night from 8.15pm. All episodes are available on the streaming platform now.

Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
BBC new show Death Valley: Full cast list and how to watch
The show, written by Paul Doolan, follows the young ambitious detective, DS Janie Mallowan who is desperate to solve big cases and to progress her career. While investigating the death by apparent suicide of local property developer, Carwyn Rees, she meets retired actor John Chapel, who played her TV detective idol, Inspector Charles Caesar. The reclusive and eccentric John believes Carwyn's death was actually murder, and when forensics prove his theory right, Janie quietly asks him to help with the case. But, the reclusive John is reluctant to help, but together the pair begin to work together to solve and an intriguing mystery involving an environmental activist, a grieving widow and a bitter business rival, according to the BBC. Together, John and Janie begin a crime-solving partnership and a friendship. Creator of Death Valley, Paul Doolan, is best known for his work on hit TV show Trollied which he created and wrote. Doolan has also worked on the likes of Cuckoo, Hospital People, Bloods, Mammoth, Top Coppers and Cardinal Burns. Award winning actor Timothy Spall has appeared in many popular shows and films including Wicked Little Letters, The Sixth Commandment, Harry Potter, The King's Speech, Mr Turner and Enchanted. Gwyneth Keyworth has appeared in shows including Defending The Guilty, Wasted, Craith, The Great Outdoors, Closer to the Moon and Black Mirror. Recommended Reading EastEnders fans 'gutted' as last remaining BBC soap family member to exit Colson Smith shares unseen final Corrie moments as fans 'broken' amid exit Coronation Street star is still mistaken for iconic co-star 17 years on Death Valley is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer starting on Sunday, May 25 at 8.15pm. The series is made up of six episodes which will be shown weekly at the same time of 8.15pm on Sunday evenings.


Glasgow Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
BBC new show Death Valley: Full cast list and how to watch
The show, written by Paul Doolan, follows the young ambitious detective, DS Janie Mallowan who is desperate to solve big cases and to progress her career. While investigating the death by apparent suicide of local property developer, Carwyn Rees, she meets retired actor John Chapel, who played her TV detective idol, Inspector Charles Caesar. The reclusive and eccentric John believes Carwyn's death was actually murder, and when forensics prove his theory right, Janie quietly asks him to help with the case. But, the reclusive John is reluctant to help, but together the pair begin to work together to solve and an intriguing mystery involving an environmental activist, a grieving widow and a bitter business rival, according to the BBC. Together, John and Janie begin a crime-solving partnership and a friendship. Creator of Death Valley, Paul Doolan, is best known for his work on hit TV show Trollied which he created and wrote. Doolan has also worked on the likes of Cuckoo, Hospital People, Bloods, Mammoth, Top Coppers and Cardinal Burns. Award winning actor Timothy Spall has appeared in many popular shows and films including Wicked Little Letters, The Sixth Commandment, Harry Potter, The King's Speech, Mr Turner and Enchanted. Gwyneth Keyworth has appeared in shows including Defending The Guilty, Wasted, Craith, The Great Outdoors, Closer to the Moon and Black Mirror. Death Valley full cast list: John Chapel: Timothy Spall DS Janie Mallowan: Gwyneth Keyworth DCI Barry Clarke: Steffan Rhodri Helen Baxter: Alexandria Riley DC Evan Chaudhry: Rithvik Andugula Danielle Rees: Amy Griffiths Ceri Richardson: Oliver Ryan Joyce Pugh: Marilyn Cutts Alys Evans: Bettrys Jones Mel Davies: Zadeiah Campbell-Davies Ava: Eryn Kelleher Recommended Reading How to watch Death Valley Death Valley is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer starting on Sunday, May 25 at 8.15pm. The series is made up of six episodes which will be shown weekly at the same time of 8.15pm on Sunday evenings.


South Wales Guardian
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
BBC new show Death Valley: Full cast list and how to watch
The show, written by Paul Doolan, follows the young ambitious detective, DS Janie Mallowan who is desperate to solve big cases and to progress her career. While investigating the death by apparent suicide of local property developer, Carwyn Rees, she meets retired actor John Chapel, who played her TV detective idol, Inspector Charles Caesar. The reclusive and eccentric John believes Carwyn's death was actually murder, and when forensics prove his theory right, Janie quietly asks him to help with the case. But, the reclusive John is reluctant to help, but together the pair begin to work together to solve and an intriguing mystery involving an environmental activist, a grieving widow and a bitter business rival, according to the BBC. Together, John and Janie begin a crime-solving partnership and a friendship. Creator of Death Valley, Paul Doolan, is best known for his work on hit TV show Trollied which he created and wrote. Doolan has also worked on the likes of Cuckoo, Hospital People, Bloods, Mammoth, Top Coppers and Cardinal Burns. Award winning actor Timothy Spall has appeared in many popular shows and films including Wicked Little Letters, The Sixth Commandment, Harry Potter, The King's Speech, Mr Turner and Enchanted. Gwyneth Keyworth has appeared in shows including Defending The Guilty, Wasted, Craith, The Great Outdoors, Closer to the Moon and Black Mirror. Recommended Reading EastEnders fans 'gutted' as last remaining BBC soap family member to exit Colson Smith shares unseen final Corrie moments as fans 'broken' amid exit Coronation Street star is still mistaken for iconic co-star 17 years on Death Valley is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer starting on Sunday, May 25 at 8.15pm. The series is made up of six episodes which will be shown weekly at the same time of 8.15pm on Sunday evenings.