Death Valley: BBC One’s New Spin on Murder and Laughs

Let’s jump into Death Valley, the BBC’s latest stab at cozy crime drama, which hit screens on May 25, 2025. It’s a six-episode series that’s got people split—some are hooked, others are rolling their eyes. If you’re into Death in Paradise or Midsomer Murders, this might be your next obsession. If quirky crime shows aren’t your thing, you might still want to hear this out, because there’s more to it than meets the eye. I’m breaking down what Death Valley is, why it’s got a place in the cozy crime world, how it pulls off its mix of murder and comedy, and what happens when it misses the mark. No fluff, just the real stuff.

What Is Death Valley All About?

Death Valley is a comedy-drama set in a made-up Welsh village where people seem to drop dead at an alarming rate. It stars Timothy Spall as John Chapel, a retired actor who played a detective in a fictional TV show called Caesar. He’s grumpy, a bit full of himself, and just wants to enjoy his quiet life. Enter DS Janie Mallowan, played by Gwyneth Keyworth, a young detective who’s a massive fan of Chapel’s old show. When a neighbor gets murdered, Janie ropes Chapel into solving the case, and they become an unlikely crime-fighting duo. The show airs Sundays at 8:15 p.m. on BBC One, with all episodes available to binge on iPlayer.

Created by Paul Doolan, who’s behind comedies like Trollied, the show tries to mix laughs with whodunits. It’s not easy—Doolan mentioned in a Radio Times piece that comedy in murder mysteries can feel forced if you don’t get the balance right. Death Valley tackles this by weaving humor into its structure, such as referencing Chapel’s old TV scripts to solve real-life crimes. Think of it as Pushing Daisies without the surreal visuals or Death in Paradise with a Welsh twist. Filming took place in Penarth and Llantwit Major, giving it a gorgeous Welsh backdrop that’s both charming and eerie.

Why Should You Care?

If you’re craving comfort TV, Death Valley delivers. It’s not about intense police procedurals or psychological depth like The Bridge. It’s light, fun, and made for kicking back on a Sunday night. The Welsh setting sets it apart—those green hills and tight-knit village vibes make it feel fresh compared to the usual English countryside murders. It’s got a cozy crime formula: quirky characters, bizarre deaths (think poisonings or staged falls), and a focus on relationships over gore. For fans of Beyond Paradise or Rosemary and Thyme, it’s a familiar but distinct addition to the genre.

The heart of the show is the dynamic between Chapel and Janie. Spall’s performance is a standout—he brings a lived-in warmth to Chapel, making him more than just a cranky old actor. Keyworth’s Janie is eager and a bit awkward, which some love and others find grating. Their partnership, a mix of mentor-student and bickering friends, gives the show its emotional core. It’s not just about catching killers; it’s about two people connecting across generations.

But it’s divisive. X posts show a split—some viewers called it “joyous” and “brilliant,” binge-watching all six episodes, while others turned it off, labeling it “dreadful” or “trying too hard.” The Guardian gave it four stars, praising its wit, but the Independent called it “comatose crime,” suggesting it lacks spark. Why the divide? It’s all about expectations and taste, which I’ll get into.

How Does It Pull Off the Crime-Comedy Mix?

Each episode is a self-contained mystery. Someone dies weirdly—say, a suspicious “accident” or a poisoning at a village fete. Chapel, with his knack for spotting TV plot clichés, teams up with Janie, who’s got police skills but trips over her own enthusiasm. They investigate, trade barbs, and piece together clues while navigating village quirks. The show doesn’t shy away from its formula—it embraces it, poking fun at cozy crime tropes. For instance, one episode might mirror a murder from Chapel’s Caesar show, blending fiction and reality in a way that’s both funny and clever.

The comedy comes from the writing, penned by Doolan and comedian Sian Harries. It’s not just one-liners—though there are plenty—but structural gags, like using Chapel’s acting experience to solve crimes or Janie’s fangirling leading to awkward moments. The cast is a big plus: Steffan Rhodri (Gavin & Stacey) as the no-nonsense DCI Clarke, Alexandria Riley (Baby Reindeer) as a sharp pathologist, and guest stars like Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts) and Sian Gibson (Car Share) add flavor. Filming wrapped in June 2024, and the Vale of Glamorgan locations give it a cozy yet unsettling vibe.

What’s Got People Hooked?

Fans love the show’s charm. On X, one viewer called it “the best thing on telly,” praising Spall’s “national treasure” status. Another binge-watched the series and begged for a second season. The Guardian’s four-star review called it “a cut above” other cozy crime shows, likening it to a funnier Midsomer Murders. The humor lands for those who get it—think self-aware jabs at the genre, like Chapel rolling his eyes at how unrealistic TV murders are. The Welsh setting is a hit too, offering a change from overdone English villages.

Spall is the biggest draw. He’s clearly enjoying himself, bringing depth to a character who could’ve been a stereotype. Keyworth’s Janie, though divisive, adds energy—her clumsiness feels human to some, even if others find it forced. Digital Spy pointed out the show’s strength: the comedy is woven into its DNA, not just tacked on. Moments like Chapel using his acting tricks to crack a case or the duo’s growing friendship hit the sweet spot for fans.

Where Does It Stumble?

Not everyone’s sold. Some X users called it “cringe” or “a waste of Spall’s talent,” with one switching off after 10 minutes. The Daily Mail noted viewers bailing early, saying it felt like “BBC1 daytime filler.” The Independent was brutal, arguing it lacks the spark to stand out. Janie’s character is a common complaint—her over-the-top enthusiasm and hero-worship of Chapel can feel cartoonish, especially in early episodes. Some found the mysteries too convoluted or the humor too silly, leaning into slapstick when subtlety might’ve worked better.

Pacing is another issue. The first episode starts slow, which turned off viewers expecting instant hooks. Compared to Ludwig, another BBC cozy crime hit, some feel Death Valley tries too hard to be quirky. The Irish Times praised Spall but said the Chapel-Janie pairing doesn’t always gel, making the show feel uneven. If you hate exaggerated characters or prefer darker crime dramas, this one might not click.

Mistakes to Avoid When Watching

Don’t go in expecting Happy Valley. Death Valley is cozy crime—think absurd murders, not gritty realism. A big mistake is judging it as a serious detective show. It’s more about fun than forensics, so if you want CSI-level detail, you’ll be disappointed. Another misstep is giving up too soon. Fans say the show hits its stride by episode two, when the humor and chemistry kick in. If Janie’s awkwardness bugs you at first, give her a chance—her arc grows.

Comparing it too closely to Death in Paradise or Midsomer Murders is another trap. Yes, it’s similar, but it’s more self-aware, playing with genre tropes. If you dismiss it as a knockoff, you’ll miss the clever bits, like how it uses Chapel’s TV past. And don’t just watch a few minutes—the best gags and twists come later.

What Happens If It Misses the Mark?

A poorly done cozy crime show is painful. If Death Valley leaned too hard into comedy without heart, it’d feel like a bad sitcom with no stakes. If the mysteries were too simple or the characters flat, you’d zone out. Some viewers already think Janie’s overdone enthusiasm tips it toward caricature. If the show lost its emotional grounding—like the moments where Chapel and Janie bond—it’d be all gags, no depth.

Conversely, if it got too serious, it’d lose its charm. The show works because it knows its premise—a tiny Welsh village with weekly murders—is absurd. It embraces that with a wink while keeping you invested in the characters. Without that balance, it’d either be a forgettable comedy or a dull drama.

Why Give It a Go?

Death Valley isn’t flawless, but it’s got a lot going for it. Spall’s performance is worth watching alone—he’s magnetic, bringing warmth and wit to Chapel. The Welsh setting adds a unique vibe, and the show’s playful take on cozy crime makes it stand out. If you’re after something light to unwind with, it’s perfect. Even if the first episode feels shaky, fans swear it gets better, especially if you love Death in Paradise or Beyond Paradise.

With all episodes on iPlayer, you can binge and decide for yourself. It’s not The Wire, and it doesn’t want to be. It’s Sunday-night comfort TV with a killer cast and enough laughs to keep you guessing. Catch it on BBC One at 8:15 p.m. Sundays or stream it now.

Wrapping Up

Death Valley is a polarizing gem. It’s got a 4/5 from The Guardian, fans who call it “brilliant,” and critics who couldn’t stand it past the opening credits. It’s cozy crime done with a wink, leaning into its quirks while delivering solid mysteries. Spall’s a star, the setting’s gorgeous, and the humor’s clever if you’re on its wavelength. Check it out on iPlayer or BBC One and see if it’s your thing. It might just be the cozy escape you need.