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Death Valley beats David Mitchell's Ludwig to break BBC comedy record for past 5 years

Move over, Ludwig. There's a new detective comedy drama on the block.

Week 52/01 Smart TV

BBC

Published: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at 12:52 pm

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There's a new detective comedy-drama in town, and it's giving Ludwig a run for its money.

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That's right, new kid on the block Death Valley's first episode managed to outperform David Mitchell's beloved series in the ratings department, the BBC has confirmed.

The new series began airing on BBC One on Sunday 25th May, drawing in an audience of 2.9 million and making it the largest Overnights audience for a new BBC Scripted Comedy title in 5 years.

In contrast, Ludwig's premiere, which landed back in September 2024, secured 2.8 million.

Timothy Spall as John Chapel and Gwyneth Keyworth as Janie Mallowan in Death Valley. He is sat at a desk, she is stood next to him, and they are both looking into the camera

Timothy Spall as John Chapel and Gwyneth Keyworth as Janie Mallowan in Death Valley. BBC

Both series feature plenty of similarities, including stellar casts and an unlikely crime-solving duo at their hearts.

In Death Valley's case, it comes in the shape of Timothy Spall's retired actor John Chapel and Gwyneth Keyworth's up-and-coming detective (and Chapel's one) Janie Mallowan.

Ludwig is helmed by Mitchell, who plays a puzzle-solver posing as a detective to find his missing twin, and Anna Maxwell Martin, his twin's wife.

Luckily, both series are also currently available to watch on iPlayer, for those keen to determine which does it best.

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Ludwig and Death Valley are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Lidia Molina Whyte wears a mustard-coloured top. She is smiling and looking upwards to her left

Lidia Molina-WhyteFreelance

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