Cosy crime fans, we've got exceptionally good news for you! The BBC’s smash-hit series, Death Valley, which has been dubbed "perfect for Ludwig fans" (trust us, it is) - is officially returning for a second adventurous series. When the Wales-set drama first aired in May this year, it achieved the largest UK overnight audience for a new scripted show in five years, so it's only right that Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth should reprise their roles as our new favourite odd-couple sleuthing team.
If you’re yet to dive into the drama, here’s the gist of it. Timothy plays John Chapel, a grumpy but lovable retired actor, while Gwyneth is DS Janie Mallowan, a bright, big-hearted detective with a knack for getting under his skin. Together, however, the pair solve crimes in rural South Wales - and it turns out, they're actually pretty good at it (if you excuse the bickering along the way).
While we wait for Death Valley series 2 to arrive on our screens, here’s everything you need to know about the series, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
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What is Death Valley about?
The series comes from Motherland director Simon Hynd and plunges viewers into a murder mystery, with two "unlikely" individuals teaming up to form a cosy crime-detecting duo. As we mentioned, the series is set in Wales and the crime-solving partnership is formed between national treasure John Chapel (Timothy Spall), a retired actor who was once the star of a hit detective TV show called Caesar, and Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth), a Welsh detective sergeant who just happens to be one of his biggest fans.
While John has never solved a crime before, he's only starred in crime dramas, fortunately, his "other half" Janie has. And while their partnership is unlikely, it seems they're actualy something of a match made in crime-solving heaven. In each episode, John and Janie have a new case to get their teeth into - and there are laughs and twists aplenty.
What will happen in Death Valley series 2?
While the BBC hasn't yet shared a synopsis for Death Valley series 2, the team behind it have shared that it's set to be an adventurous series indeed. “The trouble with recommissioning Death Valley is it means the crime rate in Wales is about to skyrocket again,” says Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy Commissioning. “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.”
Paul Doolan, Creator/Writer and Executive Producer, also shared a taster of what's in store: “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," he says. "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.”
Of the drama's return, Timothy Spall added: "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. 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."
Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales confirmed the show's return to Wales and that it won't lose the feel of series 1. “Death Valley has such a distinctive look, tone and feel about it - all of which audiences have completely fallen in love with," he says. "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.”
Who’s in the cast of Death Valley series 2?
The cast of Death Valley series 2 includes:
- Timothy Spall as John Chapel
- Gwyneth Keyworth as Janie Mallowan
- Alexandria Riley as Helen Baxter
- Steffan Rhodri as DCI Barry Clarke
- Melanie Walters as Yvonne Mallowan
- Rithvik Andugula as DC Evan Chaudhry
Is Death Valley any good?
Yes, it's a brilliant series that's well worth a watch if you're a fan of crime or mystery dramas. We love its warm, cosy feel and stunning South Wales setting - and the chemistry between the oddball pairing of John and Janie makes for hilarious TV. Series 1 was hugely well-received when it first aired and broke viewing records: it had the largest UK overnight audience for a new scripted show in five years, and was the biggest comedy of the year so far for BBC One Wales.
How can I watch Death Valley series 2?
While the BBC hasn't yet shared a release date for Death Valley series 2, we do know that it will arrive on BBC One and BBC iPayer in 2026. As soon as we have a date, we'll update you here. In the meantime, you can catch up on Death Valley series 1 on BBC iPlayer.
