BBC Death Valley viewers 'switch off' in droves with one major complaint

BBC Death Valley was the BBC's most viewed launch show for a scripted comedy in five years.

Death Valley viewers were not happy with the third episode of the BBC show as many took to social media to claim they were going to “switch off”.

The police drama, set in Wales, stars an unlikely duo - Timothy Spall as retired actor John Chapel and Gwyneth Keyworth as DS Janie Mallowan - as the force are tasked with looking into a series of deaths, including one of a best man at a wedding. The series explores the tension between John's past fame following his starring role as a fictional TV detective and Janie's ambition, as they navigate the challenges of their partnership while investigating the seemingly unrelated cases.

Viewers found a lot of talking points about the latest instalment, but not all of them good as they took to X, formerly Twitter, in their droves to have their say.

One fan, as writes the Express, had a simple statement to make, saying: “What on earth is this s***? #DeathValley No wonder everyone is talking about it... It's utter drivel and woke toboot. Refund the BBC if this is the best they can s**t out."(sic)

Another joined in, adding: "Heard it was bad, but jeezo it's horrendously bad. The lead lady is soooo irritating and the script is chronically unfunny. A new low for BBC Sunday night viewing, absolutely horrendous."

One said: "Frustration peaked for some, prompting them to turn off their TVs, as one viewer confessed: "Caught up with #DeathValley on BBC1. I love stuff staring Timothy Spall but just had to turn off after a few minutes due to the awful co-star detective played by Gwyneth Keyworth shouting all the time. She must be one of the most annoying TV characters ever."

As the pile on continued, one said: ""I'm on the third episode of "Death Valley" - I really gave it a try, but it really doesn't get on me. I can't stand the main characters, they are cringe... in general I really like those shows, but this I'll skip and that Ludwig will return soon." And one added: "#DeathValley on BBC1 is one of the worst programmes I've ever sat through!".

However, not all viewers were so passionate with their criticism. One said: ""I know a lot of people seem to enjoy slagging off #DeathValley, and I admit that when I saw the initial trailer, I thought it looked poor.

"However, having binged the series the other day, I can quash my original reticence & say that I loved it. Daft, funny, cosy & Welsh." While another backed the show, adding: "Enjoying #DeathValley too. It's Sunday night viewing and I remember 'By the Sword Divided' and 'The Pallisers' so this is quite fun."

Despite some fans appearing disgruntled, the show has proved a hit for the BBC's Sunday night schedule and the first episode got 2.9million viewers on May 25, making it the most viewed launch for a new BBC scripted comedy in the past five years.

You can catch up on Death Valley on BBC iPlayer