| Death Valley | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mystery |
| Created by | Paul Doolan |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Production company | BBC Studios |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC One |
| Release | 25 May 2025 – present |
Death Valley is a 2025 crime mystery television series starring Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth, which premiered on 25 May 2025 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. In August 2025, it was renewed for a second series, set to air in 2026. [1]
Set in South Wales, the six-episode murder mystery series follows the unlikely crime-solving partnership between eccentric national treasure John Chapel (Timothy Spall), a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective television show Caesar, and socially obtuse Detective Sergeant Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth).
The six-part series is written and created by Paul Doolan. Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth were cast in the lead roles in May 2024. [2] Also in the cast are Steffan Rhodri, Alexandria Riley and Melanie Walters. Guest stars include Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Sian Gibson, Patricia Hodge and Jim Howick. [3]
According to Doolan, detective Janie Mallowan takes her name from Agatha Christie's married name, Mallowan, and from Christie's character Jane Marple. [4]
Filming took place in June 2024 in Penarth, particularly Penarth Conservative Club and Penarth Pier, and in Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan, including St Illtyd's Church there. [5] [6]
The series was shown from 25 May 2025 [7] on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. [8]
The Guardian declared it a quality cosy mystery series, calling it "witty and fun". [9] In The Daily Telegraph Benji Wilson gave the opener four stars out of five; "Timothy Spall’s witty sleuth proves a rival for Ludwig". [10]