Death Valley creator Paul Doolan on crime shows with warmth and comedy
Paul Doolan, the creator of the BBC's mystery series Death Valley, thinks crime dramas can have more to them than just being grim. As the show gears up for its second season, it mixes warmth, humor, and suspense. It stars Timothy Spall as the retired actor John Chapel and Gwyneth Keyworth as detective Janie Mallowan. The first season kicked off on BBC One in May 2025, pulling in 2.9 million viewers for its debut, the biggest overnight audience for a new scripted BBC comedy in five years. Doolan appreciates the show’s distinctive blend of humor within its procedural setup, and the use of Welsh adds to its genuine feel. The next season will explore Janie's estranged father, played by Owen Teale, revealing more about her character.
Key facts
- Death Valley is a BBC whodunnit created by Paul Doolan.
- The show stars Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth.
- First series launched in May 2025 with 2.9 million overnight viewers.
- It had the biggest overnight audience for a new BBC scripted comedy in five years.
- The series is set and filmed in Wales, incorporating the Welsh language.
- Filming locations include Raglan Castle, Little Haven, and a mansion in Port Talbot.
- Series two features Janie's estranged father played by Owen Teale.
- Doolan aims to offer warmth, comedy, and mystery instead of bleakness.
Entities
Artists
- Timothy Spall
- Gwyneth Keyworth
- Paul Doolan
- Madeline Addy
- Owen Teale
Institutions
- BBC
- BBC One
Locations
- Wales
- Raglan Castle
- Monmouthshire
- Little Haven
- Pembrokeshire
- Port Talbot