How Death in Paradise & Beyond Paradise Are Connected, Explained
British comedy crime dramas are the best, and the Death in Paradise franchise is an iconic one. How are all the shows intertwined? Let's find out.
The original series, Death in Paradise, premiered in 2011 and quickly established itself as a staple in the crime drama genre. Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, the show follows a rotating cast of British detectives who work with the local police to solve murder cases.
Each detective brings a distinct personality and investigative style that often clashes hilariously with the island's laid-back lifestyle, far removed from their roots in London. What really makes this show a standout are the brilliantly written murder mysteries, which always have an unexpected ending, but tie together perfectly.
However, what fans love about the show is not necessarily the crime drama part of it, but the real charm of the show, which is based on the exploration of the island's culture. And with the main detective changing every several seasons, the series remains fresh and relevant, even 14 years later.
Is Beyond Paradise Related to Death in Paradise?
In 2023, Beyond Paradise premiered as a spin-off of Death in Paradise, following fan-favorite DI Humphrey Goodman, played by Kris Marshall, as he starts a new chapter in the tranquil, fictional town of Shipton Abbott in Devon, England.
While Death in Paradise is known for its Caribbean backdrop and classic whodunit structure, Beyond Paradise offers a more grounded, heartfelt take on detective work. It focuses on smaller, more personal cases that reflect the rhythms of everyday life in a charming English village.
Whereas Death in Paradise often treats the island of Saint Marie as a character in itself, Beyond Paradise is deeply rooted in the evolving relationship between Humphrey and Martha, making their journey the emotional heart of the series.
There’s More to the Story: Return to Paradise
In 2024, however, another series premiered, making the franchise even bigger. In Return to Paradise, the lead detective is played by a woman, making the dynamic a little different from the previous two shows.
The new series strikes the perfect balance between the crime-solving fun of the original series and the more introspective, relationship-focused storytelling of Beyond Paradise.
What Do Fans and Critics Think of Three Shows?
“Death is still the best of the three. I prefer Return over Beyond. I feel Beyond spends too much time on interpersonal drama. Return still has some of that, but the balance is a bit more toward the mystery side of things,” Redditor juv_3 said.
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Death in Paradise has 85% from viewers; Beyond Paradise is still not rated; Return to Paradise has 60% from critics.
- On IMDb, Death in Paradise has 7.8/10; Beyond Paradise has 7.4/10; Return to Paradise has 7/10.
Where to Stream All Three Shows?
Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise are available to stream on Prime, Return to Paradise is available to stream on Netflix.
