Surprisingly, the BBC’s biggest detective franchise isn’t based on a book. The BBC has produced hundreds of great crime dramas over the years, many based on pre-existing works by renowned authors. Sherlock, of course, was based on the legacy of Arthur Conan Doyle. Ann Cleeves’ novel series inspired Shetland. Father Brown is based on G.K. Chesterton’s short stories. And yet, one long-running detective franchise, one that feels like it was made for a good cozy crime novel, was inspired by something else entirely.
In 2007, Pakistan’s national cricket coach Bob Woolmer died under suspicious circumstances at the World Cup in St. Lucia. A British detective was dispatched to the scene because the victim had a British passport. “I thought there could be a show in that,” creator Robert Thorogood told the BBC, and he was right. The result was the sun-drenched, 15-season detective hit Death in Paradise. Premiering in 2011, the first season introduces Ben Miller’s awkward DI Richard Poole as he arrives on the sunny fictional French-Caribbean island of Saint Marie, the original in a long line of lovable, fish-out-of-water British detectives.
Death in Paradise is currently led by its fifth detective, Don Gilet’s Mervin Wilson, but the show certainly hasn’t stopped there. Death in Paradise‘s second DI, Kris Marshall’s Humphrey Goodman, stars in his own four-season spinoff, Beyond Paradise, set in a small coastal English town. The series is so internationally successful — it’s broadcast in over 240 countries worldwide — it even spawned a two-season Australian-set spinoff, Return to Paradise, featuring a brand-new brilliant female sleuth (with a recognizable mentor), Anna Samson’s DI Mackenzie Clarke.
Robert Thorogood is also the author behind cozy crime drama The Marlow Murder Club, available to stream via PBS Masterpiece.
Between the franchise’s three hit shows, board games, multiple Christmas specials, and Thorogood’s four self-penned Death in Paradise tie-in novels (all centered around DI Poole), Death in Paradise‘s success as a franchise is undeniable, an impressive feat for a series that wasn’t based on an already existing IP. It’s on a similar level to Doctor Who, the British equivalent of American network TV procedurals like Law & Order or NCIS.
Death In Paradise Is The Ultimate Cozy Mystery TV Series
Death in Paradise has absolutely nailed the “cozy crime” genre. It’s a comfort watch, a sunny dose of joy (despite the murder) during the cold winter months. It never feels overly simple, however. The cases are often Agatha Christie-like “unsolvable” mysteries, with locked doors, stranded boats, and CCTV footage galore, forcing the detectives and their crack team of local police officers to think outside the box. Though the show has a rotating cast of sleuths, they always play off each other with great chemistry and a lovable sense of humor, anchored by fan-favorite, enduring characters like Elizabeth Bourgine’s Catherine Bourday and Don Warrington’s Commissioner Selwyn Patterson.
It never feels repetitive, despite its well-established formula. That’s because the show isn’t afraid to take risks. One twist that undoubtedly helped establish Death in Paradise arrives in the first episode of season 3, as Kris Marshall takes over as the show’s second leading DI (no spoilers here, but it was a genuinely brave move). The characters’ emotional journeys are a core part of the show, too. Ralf Little’s fourth DI, Neville Parker, underwent an incredible developmental arc, leaving behind his sheltered, fearful personality to become a better detective and friend.
Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise follow in Death in Paradise‘s footsteps but have established their own unique identities. Beyond Paradise is one of the best cozy crime shows on TV, combining small-town hijinks with interesting, folkloric, non-murder cases, and Humphrey and his partner Martha’s (Sally Bretton) emotional journey as they try to grow their family. Return to Paradise, meanwhile, features the franchise’s first leading female DI, forced to return to her hometown of Dolphin Cove after fleeing to London. Her previously established history with friends, foes, and even exes gives the show a different kind of character dynamic to play with.
Death In Paradise’s “Paraverse” Isn’t Slowing Down Any Time Soon
The so-called “Paraverse” is showing no signs of slowing down. The BBC has renewed Death in Paradise for two additional seasons, 16 and 17, and two Christmas specials. The first new Christmas special arrives this December, with the next season expected to air in early 2027, as usual. Don Gilet will return as DI Mervin Wilson as he takes on a new challenge: caring for his rebellious niece.
Beyond Paradise has likewise been renewed for a fifth season, which will premiere following Death in Paradise‘s upcoming episodes, as Humphrey and Martha settle into their new house. ABC and the BBC have also renewed Return to Paradise for a third outing, which will pick up from season 2’s disastrous wedding celebrations. Given the show’s previous release schedule, it’s expected to arrive before the end of this year.
Thankfully, audiences won’t have to say goodbye to Saint Marie, Shipton Abbott, or Dolphin Cove any time soon.
All episodes of Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise, and Return to Paradise are streaming on BritBox in North America and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
- Cast
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Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon, Ralf Little, Don Gilet, Élisabeth Bourgine, Danny John-Jules, Sara Martins, Joséphine Jobert, Tobi Bakare, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Tahj Miles, Anna Samson
- Created by
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Robert Thorogood
- Latest TV Show
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Return to Paradise
- First Episode Air Date
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October 25, 2011
