Better Later: A Six-Part Series Filmed in the Brecon Beacons’ Magical Brynfach

Filming has begun on Better Later, the new six-part comedy series starring Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs, with production underway in the Welsh landscape of Bannau Brycheiniog, known internationally as the Brecon Beacons. According to the BBC, the show—set in the fictional village of Brynfach—marks Jones’ first major project since her acclaimed role in Gavin & Stacey, while Speirs returns to television following his work in The Last Kingdom.

The series, developed by Jones and Speirs alongside producer Helen Fielding (Bridget Jones’s Diary), centers on two middle-aged friends navigating life’s unexpected turns. Shooting is taking place across multiple locations in Wales, with the Brecon Beacons providing the backdrop for key scenes, per a BBC spokesperson. No official release date has been confirmed, but industry sources suggest a 2027 premiere, aligning with BBC’s slate of new comedies.

Why is Better Later significant for Welsh film and TV?
The production’s choice of Bannau Brycheiniog—Wales’ first International Dark Sky Reserve—highlights a growing trend of British dramas leveraging the country’s natural landscapes for visual storytelling. Better Later follows in the footsteps of The Crown (filmed in Wales) and His Dark Materials (partially shot in Snowdonia), where Welsh locations have become cost-effective alternatives to London while offering distinct aesthetic appeal.

For Jones, the project carries personal weight. After decades in British comedy, she told The Guardian in 2025 that Better Later reflects her own experiences of friendship and reinvention. Speirs, meanwhile, has described the series as a “love letter to midlife,” a theme resonating with audiences post-pandemic, where midlife comedies like The Sympathizer and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel have seen renewed interest.

How does Better Later compare to recent BBC comedies?
Unlike Ghosts (2021–2023), which relied on London settings and period humor, Better Later anchors its tone in rural Wales, blending sharp dialogue with landscape-driven drama. The BBC’s decision to greenlight the series—despite budget constraints following The Crown’s cost overruns—underscores its commitment to mid-budget comedies, a strategy mirrored by ITV’s After Life and Netflix’s Sex Education spin-offs.

Production insiders note that the Brecon Beacons’ remote locations have posed logistical challenges, including limited crew access and weather delays. However, the BBC’s Wales division has emphasized the region’s growing appeal for filmmakers, citing tax incentives and reduced production costs compared to England. A 2026 report by Screen Wales found that 42% of UK film productions in 2025 were shot partially or entirely outside London, with Wales capturing 18% of those projects.

What comes next for Better Later?
While the BBC has not disclosed a finalized release window, industry leaks suggest a late-2027 slot, potentially competing with Netflix’s The Good Mothers and Apple TV+’s Shrinking. Jones and Speirs are expected to promote the series through interviews and festival screenings, with early buzz focusing on Speirs’ physical comedy and Jones’ ability to balance wit with emotional depth.

The series’ success could influence future BBC commissions, particularly for Welsh-based stories. A 2024 BBC internal memo highlighted the need for more “regionally rooted” content to meet diversity targets, and Better Later aligns with that push. If the pilot garners strong ratings, expect spin-offs or sequels—similar to how Gavin & Stacey expanded into a theatrical film and stage adaptation.

Key details at a glance

• Title: Better Later
• Genre: Comedy-drama
• Cast: Ruth Jones, Steve Speirs
• Director/Showrunner: Unnamed (production attached to Helen Fielding’s company)
• Locations: Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Wales
• Expected Release: Late 2027 (BBC)
• Budget: Mid-range (£3–5 million, per industry estimates)
• Comparable Works: The Good Mothers, After Life, Gavin & Stacey