If you're into unlikely crime-solving partnerships, BBC's upcoming Wales-set murder mystery Death Valley will be just up your street.
Heading to BBC One, your next favourite crime drama stars Timothy Spall as John Chapel, a retired actor and star of hit fictional detective series Caesar.
In an Only Murders in the Building opening twist, John's neighbour gets murdered, leading to him teaming up with DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) to find the culprit.
It wouldn't be an oddball crime drama if the protagonists wouldn't rely on opposing instincts to solve the case, ending up being in each other's personal affairs while working together.
"Despite their differences, they soon realise they are the closest thing each other has to a best friend, and unwittingly help one another move on from the past," the logline reads.
Related: Best streaming services
What to Read Next
"I'm really looking forward to teaming up with the brilliant Gwyneth Keyworth and the fantastically talented team of creatives and technicians on this new and unique comedy drama," Spall celebrated the series announcement in a statement last year.
"I'm relishing the prospect of getting stuck in as we embark on creating this truly oddball detective duo who develop their unusual combined eccentric skills to hilarious and surprisingly successful effect in beautiful rural Wales and its gorgeous towns and villages."
"Murder. Mystery. Comedy. AND TIMOTHY SPALL! I'm absolutely buzzing," Keyworth said.
"I'm grateful to be working on a show that truly celebrates Wales - not just its landscapes and culture, but also its unique quirks and the humour that defines its people."
Comprised of six episodes, the series is set to begin filming in Wales next month and comes from BAFTA-nominated writer Paul Doolan.
"I'm such a huge fan of the crime genre and I love writing comedy," Doolan said, "so it's been a delight to see the show come to life with such a brilliant array of actors and guest stars for our murder suspects."
Spall and Keyworth are joined by several supporting stars and guests in the six-episode run, namely House of the Dragon star Steffan Rhodri as Janie's boss and mentor DCI Clarke, as well as Alexandria Riley (Baby Reindeer) as pathologist and Janie's friend Baxter, Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey) as Janie's meddling mum Yvonne, and Remy Beasley (One Day) as Janie's nemesis Rhiannon.
Mammoth's Mike Bubbins stars as overly friendly desk sergeant Tony, and Extraordinary star Rithvik Andugula plays DC Evan Chaudhry, an eager-to-please and naïve junior police officer.
Guest stars include two Ghosts actors in Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Jim Howick, as well as Sian Gibson, Patricia Hodge, Karl Johnson, Colin McFarlane, Vicki Pepperdine, Steve Speirs, and Amy Trigg.
Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025
"This series has all the hallmarks of a BBC Comedy classic," said Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC.
"It's the perfect comedy drama caper which never forgets the funny. We feel thoroughly spoiled to have such a wonderful cast on board."
Head of Comedy at BBC Studios Comedy Productions Josh Cole billed Death Valley as a "brilliantly witty and idiosyncratic take on the murder mystery", while Head of Commissioning for BBC Wales Nick Andrews shared his hopes the audience will "fall in love" with characters.
"Comedy in Wales is in terrific shape! The very best comedians, the very best writers are playing their part in establishing Wales as a very funny place," Andrews said.
"We always knew this to be true and now the rest of the UK do too. I know audiences will fall in love with these two brilliant characters as they strike up an unlikely but incredibly endearing friendship."
Death Valley doesn't have a release date just yet, but watch this space for more info as to when the series will be available.
Death Valley will air on BBC One and BBC One Wales and stream on BBC iPlayer.
Digital Spy's first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online now, priced at £7.99.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
