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."
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
-
Balamory is back after two decades - why we can’t wait for the reboot of the iconic BBC seriesWhat's the story in Balamory? Now you can find out, as the BBC announces the return of the beloved children's series nearly 20 years after the final episode aired.
-
Is Francesca in Bridgerton gay? With more great representation in the show, this expert shares how to start the conversation around sexuality with your teen if they’re watchingIs Francesca in Bridgerton gay? It's a question many have asked, and you might need to have conversations around sexuality with your teen if they’re watching.
-
Is Eric a true story? Benedict Cumberbatch lives every parent’s worst nightmare in new Netflix showIs Eric a true story? Every parent’s worst nightmare plays out in Netflix's latest show, against a backdrop of 80s New York grappling with AIDS and racism.
-
Normal People season 2 rumours are circulating, and we have our own Marianne and Connell 'first love' stories to shareNormal People season 2 rumours are flying around, and we have our own Marianne and Connell moments to share - because everyone remembers their first heartbreak.
-
Channel 4 drama The Gathering explores 'toxic teenagers and their even more toxic parents' in an online world dominated by social mediaNew Channel 4 drama explores the challenges of impossible standards set by social media, and how parents themselves become toxic in their need to protect their kids.
-
Is Brandy pregnant? Bluey fans think the Heelers could be about to welcome a new cousin following the season 3 finaleEagle-eyed Bluey viewers are wondering if Aunt Brandy is pregnant, following a touching moment in the season three finale.
-
Is Bluey ending? What we know about the rumours around the kids' cartoon, as the Heelers put their house up for saleBluey's producer has shared an update on the show's future
-
CoComelon has been accused of being 'overstimulating' - the experts explain why it's ok to let your kid watch the popular cartoonCoComelon 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.
