Imagine a Welsh-language drama that’s not only captivating local audiences but also making waves across the globe. This is exactly what the show Dal y Mellt aims to achieve as it builds on the momentum of its successful debut. Featuring acclaimed actor Mark Lewis Jones from the Star Wars franchise, the series follows a group of Welsh outcasts who find themselves immersed in a world of crime, providing viewers with a unique blend of drama and cultural depth.
The first season made history by becoming the first Welsh-language drama to be acquired by Netflix, marking a significant milestone for the representation of Welsh culture in global media.
Now, as the producers prepare to launch the second season, it has already garnered interest from television networks in countries like Australia and Spain, with discussions ongoing with several other nations. "We’re excited to see international success for the second series even before it airs on S4C," stated Llŷr Morus, co-producer of the show.
The inaugural season, which premiered on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer in 2022, draws inspiration from a novel penned by Iwan 'Iwcs' Roberts and was later released on Netflix under the title Rough Cut. Mr. Morus expressed his enthusiasm, saying, **"Securing a deal with Netflix was fantastic for us. We have so much rich content to share, and it’s gratifying to know that our original Welsh stories resonate with themes that are universally relevant."
He further emphasized the potential financial benefits of such global exposure, stating that it could foster future talent and storytellers eager to share their Welsh narratives. **"There are countless voices and stories waiting to be told."
According to recent data from the Welsh government, the TV and film industry in Wales generated a remarkable turnover of £460 million in 2023, highlighting the growing importance of this sector.
For Siwan Morris, who features prominently in both seasons of Dal y Mellt, the opportunity for her work to reach an international audience has been heartwarming. "It was wonderful to hear from friends in Ireland who reached out to say they had just seen me in Dal y Mellt. That was fantastic!" she shared.
Film and television critic Gary Slaymaker pointed out that the expanding international market for television presents a tremendous opportunity for Welsh-language programming. **"It’s essential to normalize the presence of the Welsh language in this space, and streaming platforms have democratized access, offering a real chance if the story is compelling enough."
Director Huw Chiswell expressed optimism about building on the success of the first series, adding, **"There’s definitely something special about this project. It’s surprising how many people remain unaware of the richness of the Welsh language."
The new series of Dal y Mellt is set to premiere in Welsh, accompanied by subtitles, airing on S4C, S4C Clic, and BBC iPlayer starting January 4, 2026. Will you tune in to discover this unique blend of Welsh storytelling?
