Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth are expected to reprise their roles in a second series of Death Valley, according to a new report from TV Zone. The BBC has not yet confirmed the recommission, but filming is reportedly scheduled to begin in Wales this September.
Created by Paul Doolan and produced by BBC Studios Comedy, Death Valley launched earlier this year on BBC One as a murder mystery comedy pairing a washed-up actor with a no-nonsense detective. The show’s quirky tone and odd-couple dynamic quickly found an audience. Its debut episode drew 2.9 million overnight viewers—the biggest opening for a new scripted BBC comedy in over six years—and is currently trailing only Kate & Koji as the most-watched UK comedy launch across any channel in that time.
Spall and Keyworth’s on-screen chemistry as John Chapel and DS Janie Mallowan help the series stand out in a crowded Sunday night lineup. All six episodes from the first series are now on BBC iPlayer, while linear audiences are still midway through the run—Episode 4 airs this Sunday.
If confirmed, the renewal would reflect the BBC’s wider strategy of investing in high-concept comedy dramas that can perform on both broadcast and on-demand platforms. Recent recommissions like The Outlaws and Ludwig suggest the broadcaster is leaning into character-led crime formats with a comedic twist—especially those with room to grow across multiple platforms.
For now, viewers eager for more from the unconventional Welsh crime-fighting duo will have to wait for official word. Until then, Death Valley remains available on iPlayer, with the current series continuing on BBC One.
