New Sunday night BBc comedy drama Death Valley has proved to be a ratings success after the first episode went out.

The light-hearted crimebuster set in Wales and starring Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth and written/created by Paul Doolan achieved the largest overnights audience figures for a new BBC Scripted Comedy title in five years.

It had an audience of 2.9m individuals on BBC One when it aired at 8.15pm and was ranked #1 in its slot among terrestrial channels.

It outperformed Ludwig, the series it has frequently been compared to, which clocked up 2.8m. Though it is maybe worth noting that Ludwig went out midweek and not in a prime Sunday night slot.

Death Valley has generally received posiive reviews. Timothy Spall has been singled out for particular praise as John Chapel, the veteran actor-turned-sleuth. The word most used to describe the show is "cosy" 

Death Valley continues on Sunday nights on BBC One and is on iPlayer. 

Source: BBCS Global Insight BARB/TechEdge/AdvantEdge/ UK Live + VOSDAL. Date run on 27/05/25.Please note, LIVE+VOSDAL (Overnights) can change with consolidation.

Based on overnights, BARB CCIDS