Since its debut in 2011, Death in Paradise has become one of the BBC's most-watched and beloved shows, captivating audiences with its unique blend of clever whodunnits, tropical Caribbean setting, and warm humour. As fans await the 16th season next year, here are seven other murder mystery series that offer a similar mix of intrigue and light-hearted storytelling.
Ludwig
Hailed as one of the "best series of all time," Ludwig centres on John 'Ludwig' Taylor (David Mitchell), a reclusive puzzle-setter whose life is turned upside down when his identical twin brother, James, mysteriously disappears. Ludwig assumes James's identity to uncover the truth, with Anna Maxwell Martin co-starring as his sister-in-law. The series earned a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after its 2024 release, and season two is scheduled for August.
New Tricks
This classic comedy crime drama follows the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad (UCOS), a fictional London Metropolitan Police unit that reopens cold cases. Three retired detectives work under a forceful female detective superintendent. The series aired from 2003 to 2015, featuring an ensemble cast including Alun Armstrong, James Bolam, and Amanda Redman. It holds an IMDb score of 8/10 and is available on U.
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Set in 1920s Melbourne, this period drama follows Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis), a wealthy and glamorous private detective who solves cases that stump the police. The series originally aired on ABC from 2012 to 2015, with an IMDb rating of 8.2/10. It can be streamed on U.
Father Brown
Based on the stories by G.K. Chesterton, this BBC series features Mark Williams as a Roman Catholic priest solving crimes in a 1950s Cotswolds village. Since its 2013 premiere, Father Brown has run for 13 seasons, with a 14th season confirmed for next year on BBC One. All episodes are available on BBC iPlayer.
Agatha Raisin
Starring Ashley Jensen as the titular public relations expert turned amateur sleuth, this light-hearted series is set in the Cotswolds. Agatha Raisin combines quirky characters and village intrigue, offering a cosy mystery feel similar to Death in Paradise. The series airs on Sky and is available on streaming platforms.
Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators
This BBC comedy drama follows private detectives Frank Hathaway (Mark Benton) and Luella Shakespeare (Jo Joyner) as they solve crimes in Stratford-upon-Avon. With a mix of wit, charm, and clever cases, it appeals to fans of lighter crime dramas. The series ran for four seasons and is available on BBC iPlayer.
Brokenwood Mysteries
Set in a small New Zealand town, this series follows Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea) and his team as they solve murders with a touch of humour and local colour. The show has been praised for its engaging storylines and character dynamics, making it a perfect pick for Death in Paradise enthusiasts. It is available on Acorn TV and other streaming services.
These seven series offer a range of settings and styles, but all share the blend of mystery and charm that makes Death in Paradise so popular. Whether you prefer period dramas, modern cold cases, or quirky detectives, there is something here to fill the gap until the next season.
