How many episodes of The Light in the Hall are there and is there a season 2?
January's must-watch series is here.
Viewers watching the tense Welsh thriller want to know how many episodes of The Light in the Hall there are and whether a season 2 is on the cards.
Murder, grief and a curious individual with a connection to the crime - alongside the return of Happy Valley season 3 - Channel 4's latest drama The Light in the Hall has been billed as this month's top television. Starring BAFTA-winning actress Joanna Scanlan and Game of Thrones' Iwan Rheon, the show was interestingly filmed in both English and Welsh - with the Welsh series debuting first in May of last year. Fast forward to January 2023 and the English version is getting it's network premiere and it's certainly garnering a lot of intrigue and attention - a lot of viewers are curious to know if the show is based on a true story.
Following the broadcast of the first episode, many want to know how many episodes of The Light in the Hall they have to commit to. We've shared details on this and how you can watch the full boxset now - plus what's been said of a season 2.
How many episodes of The Light in the Hall are there?
New Channel 4 thriller The Light in the Hall is made up of six episodes - each one lasting for approximately 60 minutes each. The series is being broadcast on Channel 4, but is also available on their streaming service All4.
The synopsis for the six-parter reads: "Sharon Roberts (Joanna Scanlan) is still grieving her daughter Ela who disappeared 18 years earlier. Shortly after Ela's disappearance, Joe Thomas (Iwan Rheon), a humble, quite gardener, was arrested and charged with her murder after Ela's DNA was discovered in his caravan."
"Joe confessed to the murder but refused, or could not explain why, or what he did with the body. Now Joe is being considered for parole and if he is released then Sharon's greatest fear may be realized; she will never get Ela's body back and the past will torment her the rest of her life.
"Cat Donato, a journalist (Alexandra Roach) originally from the same town has always been interested in the murder of Ela Roberts. It's a very personal story for Cat, for whom Ela was a part. She has kept an eye on the story and the news that Joe is due for parole and is likely to be released prompted her to offer her editor an in-depth article about the murder."
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
When is The Light in the Hall next on?
The Light in the Hall is next on screens on Channel 4 at 9pm on Wednesday 11 January. Two episodes will be broadcast each week in January on Wednesdays and Thursdays - with the grand finale taking place on Thursday 19 January.
The first episode premiered on Wednesday 4 January to good reviews - and if you really can't wait to see more, the good news it that the full boxset is now available to watch on All4.
The Light in the Hall originally premiered on Channel 4 Wales late last spring - known as Y Golau - with the first episode dropping on May 14, 2022. Seven months later the show is finally being shared with audiences in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Unmissable new drama, starring Alexandra Roach, Iwan Rheon, and Joanna Scanlan. The Light In The Hall, starts Wednesday 4th January. Stream Free on All 4. pic.twitter.com/cJvBvZGcaXJanuary 1, 2023
Is there a season 2 of The Light in the Hall?
As it currently stands, there's been no official confirmation from Channel 4 on the future of The Light in the Hall and whether there is a season 2. However, no news is good news and maybe the show's rave reviews could sway producers to return for another series.
Lucy Mangan of The Guardian gave The Light in the Hall a 4 star review, noting that "Joanna Scanlan shines in a wintry thriller to curl up with".
The Telegraph's Arts and Entertainment Editor Anita Singh gave it 3 stars in her review calling it a "solid crime drama soaked in Welsh rain and cliché". She adds: "Joanna Scanlan is impressive as a grieving mother in West Wales, but this crime thriller is watchable rather than riveting."
I saw #TheLightInTheHall (Y Golau) earlier in the year in Welsh with English subtitles on BBC IPlayer and it was a great drama! Joanna Scanlon as good as ever and the rest of the cast is amazing tooJanuary 4, 2023
As for audience response, so far some have claimed that the first episode is a bit slow-going. However, those who have watched the Welsh drama earlier this year have promised it's worth the watch:
"I saw #TheLightInTheHall (Y Golau) earlier in the year in Welsh with English subtitles on BBC IPlayer and it was a great drama!" wrote one fan on Twitter. "Joanna Scanlon as good as ever and the rest of the cast is amazing too."
Related Channel 4 features:
- I Am Ruth: Kate Winslet and real-life daughter Mia Threapleton put mental health front and centre in Channel 4 drama
- Vardy v Rooney: A courtroom drama: Channel 4 air date and cast confirmed
- Is Somewhere Boy based on a true story? Real inspiration behind the dark Channel 4 drama
Video of the Week
Emily Stedman is the former Features Editor for GoodTo covering all things TV, entertainment, royal, lifestyle, health and wellbeing. Boasting an encyclopaedic knowledge on all things TV, celebrity and royals, career highlights include working at HELLO! Magazine and as a royal researcher to Diana biographer Andrew Morton on his book Meghan: A Hollywood Princess. In her spare time, Emily can be found eating her way around London, swimming at her local Lido or curled up on the sofa binging the next best Netflix show.
-
15 baby names parents love but 'don't feel cool enough' to use - would you choose one?
These baby names are a 'guilty pleasure' for parents
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
Half of Gen Z say their parents 'don't take my mental health concerns seriously', research shows - here are 3 ways to help support older children
With research showing that half of teens and young adults feel their parents don't take their mental health concerns seriously, we share how you can show your support.
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
CoComelon has been accused of being 'overstimulating' - the experts explain why it's ok to let your kid watch the popular cartoon
CoComelon is adored by kids around the world, but some experts have shared reasons they don't think children should be watching - we look at both sides of the argument.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
The Boy and the Heron age rating: Is the Oscar winning anime movie for kids?
The Boy and the Heron age rating: As the Oscar winning anime picks up major accolades, parents are wondering whether it's suitable for young kids.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Got a kid who loves anime? Here are the 10 shows they’re probably watching, plus everything to know about the popular genre
Does your child love anime? From old favourites to brand new finds, you'll find some great suggestions for shows they can watch from our top ten list.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
When is Bridgerton season 3 coming out? Everything we know about the next instalment
When is Bridgerton season 3 coming out? Here's everything we know about the third instalment, as the countdown to its arrival is on!
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Wicked Little Letters a true story and what happened to Rose Gooding and her family?
Is Wicked Little Letters a true story and what happened to Rose Gooding? When Rose was suspected of sending obscene letters, an unbelievable tale unfolded.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Which MAFS couples have babies? Contestants from the UK and Australia series' who've welcomed children
Which MAFS couples have babies? We take a look at contestants from the UK and Australia series' who went on to hear the pitter patter of tiny feet.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Why I love watching the Gladiators reboot with my kids - from reminiscing about my own childhood to finding a connection with my family, it's about more than the nostalgia
Sharing the joy of Gladiators with my kids, has been one of the best moments of the year so far. Here's everything I love about watching the show with them.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Avatar: The Last Airbender for kids? What you need to know about the Netflix live action's age rating
Is Avatar: The Last Airbender for kids? Here's what you need to know about the live action version of the Nickelodeon animation, as it lands on Netflix.
By Lucy Wigley Published