Death Valley on BBC One is not without its fans, but there are many haters, too, who have slammed the show for being “an embarrassment on every level”.

The detective drama, which is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer in its entirety, follows the rather bonkers crime-solving partnership between two rather eccentric characters. That is John Chapel, a retired actor, and Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan (portrayed by Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth respectively).

While some viewers have already binged the six-part show until the ending, others have already stopped watching for a myriad of reasons.

Here’s what some people are saying about Death Valley on BBC One, including the worst viewer reactions to the drama, set in beautiful Wales.

Gwyneth Keyworth as the brilliantly bonkers Janie [Credit: BBC]

Viewers slam ‘cringeworthy’ Death Valley on BBC One

While some have gleefully thrown themselves into the drama, which is obviously not trying to be at all serious, others have allowed the show to boil them from the inside out.

One Timothy Spall fan couldn’t get on board, despite the presence of the award-winning actor. Writing on X – formerly known as Twitter – they said: “Timothy Spall is a National Treasure. He’s one of our finest actors. A joy to watch, but am afraid that even he can’t save Death Valley.”

Others agreed, with one more saying: “Timothy Spall is a splendid actor, but even he can’t save #deathvalley.”

A third added: “I normally love everything Timothy Spall does, but the new BBC drama/comedy #deathvalley is absolute tosh! Won’t bother watching any more episodes.”

“The new BBC show Death Valley is an embarrassment on every level,” fumed another. “Like watching a rejected pilot for Death in Paradise. Whenever the DS Janie Mallowan character appears, the whole thing becomes cringe beyond belief.”

While many others joined the chorus of disgruntled TV viewers, one more spoke for many when they said: “Shame Death Valley had good potential. But it’s so cringeworthy. Can’t believe it was considered good Sunday night viewing.”

‘Death Valley is so dreadful on every level’

Some of those watching wouldn’t even give the whole series a chance to redeem itself, and switched off right away.

One remote control twitcher said: “Death Valley on BBC One is so dreadful on every level. The woman detective is beyond irritating and embarrassing.”

Another said: “Sorry, but I could only watch a quarter of an hour of this before turning off and cancelling all future recordings. The writing is completely schizophrenic and chaotic. #DeathValley.”

A third chimed in: “Death Valley is absolutely awful. How did this series get approved? The lead ‘detective’ acts like a child, however are we supposed to believe that she’d pass the police entrance exam let alone become a detective! Sad.”

“Aw… the failure of #DeathValley is overdoing the comedy so it’s just a cartoon caricature,” stated another. “Timothy Spall is excellent with what he has to work with. Not in the league of Ludwig.”

Some Death Valley viewers have switched off already [Credit: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway]

Detective drama is ‘deeply silly’ – and that’s a good thing!

Not all viewers were miffed though, some were huge fans.

One happy customer wrote: “It’s getting a right panning on Twitter but I love #DeathValley. It’s deeply silly in the best way with Timothy Spall holding everything together effortlessly and Gwyneth Keyworth showing that she can deliver a funny line with the best of them. Bonkers plots, great concept.”

Another agreed, saying: “Brilliant show. I couldn’t love it more. Perfect casting. #deathvalley.”

A third added: “To those who hated #DeathValley… It’s not about the murder. It’s about the characters. It’s about CHARACTER itself. I binged the whole lot and, when you truly embrace and enjoy Death Valley, you will get the most out of it!”

“Death Valley has a certain whimsy and a unique premise that sets it apart from similar shows. It’s a real gem,” said one more.

Others called it “witty”, “quirky”, and “funny”, and described Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth as “just brilliant”.

BBC series ‘achieved the largest overnight audience for a new BBC scripted comedy title in five years’

In fact, the audience numbers speak for themselves… A spokesperson for BBC One told us that the first episode “achieved the largest overnight audience for a new BBC scripted comedy title in five years”.

The first instalment, which aired on Sunday, May 25, on BBC One achieved an overnight audience of 2.9m individuals on BBC One. Episode 1 ranked number one in its slot among terrestrial channels.

Yep, it even outperformed the brilliant Ludwig, which gained 2.8m. Before that, the Martin Clunes comedy Warren got 3.9m in February 2019.

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Death Valley continues on Sunday, June 08, 2025 at 8.20pm on BBC One. All episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.