Will There Be a Death in Paradise Season 15

 

Let’s dive right into whether there will be a Death in Paradise season 15. Fans of this sunny, murder-filled show are desperate to know if Saint Marie’s tropical mysteries will continue, and I’m here to lay out all the details based on sources like Radio Times, WhatToWatch, Collider, and posts found on X. We’ll cover the confirmation of season 15, when it’s coming, how it’s being made, why it matters to fans, and what could go wrong if the production doesn’t deliver. I’ll also tackle those specific questions about Florence’s replacement, Ralf Little’s successor, and watching season 12. This is a long one, so grab a coffee or something stronger, and let’s get into it like I’m explaining it to a friend who’s as hooked on the show as I am.

Is There a Season 15 of Death in Paradise?

Yes, Death in Paradise season 15 is happening. The BBC and Red Planet Pictures confirmed it on April 29, 2025, with filming already underway in Guadeloupe, the real-life stand-in for Saint Marie. A post from the official Death in Paradise X account on March 29, 2025, announced, “Series 14 is over... But we’ll be back for series 15 (and a Christmas special)!”. Sources like Radio Times, Collider, and Yahoo News UK all back this up, noting that the show’s renewal includes an eight-episode season and a Christmas special set for December 2025. Filming began in April 2025, with the BBC sharing a clapperboard image from Guadeloupe, captioned, “We’re back in paradise!”. Don Gilet, the current Detective Inspector, confirmed on Lorraine in February 2025 that the cast was heading to the island by late April, signaling production is on track.

The expected release is January or February 2026, following the show’s pattern. Season 14 premiered on January 31, 2025, after a Christmas special on December 22, 2024, per Radio Times. Season 15 should hit BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, ABC iview and ABC TV in Australia, and BritBox in the US, with a slight delay for the latter (likely February or March 2026). This consistency is key—fans rely on the show’s early-year slot to escape winter gloom, as noted by WhatToWatch.

Why Season 15 Matters

Death in Paradise is a global juggernaut, pulling in over 8 million viewers per episode in the UK for season 14, making it the top returning drama of 2024, per BBC reports. It’s licensed to over 230 territories, from France to New Zealand, showing its massive reach. The show’s mix of cozy mysteries, Caribbean vibes, and rotating detectives keeps fans hooked. Season 15 is a big deal because it continues the story of DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet), whose season 14 arc revealed a brother, Solomon Clarke, setting up personal drama. Fans are also anxious about Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington), who may not return after refusing his job back in the season 14 finale.

Missing season 15 would mean missing out on new mysteries, team banter, and the show’s signature sunshine. For UK fans, it’s a winter ritual; for Australians, it’s a summer treat on ABC. In the US, BritBox viewers join the global conversation a bit later. If the BBC didn’t renew it, fans would be gutted—X posts show the passion, with one user saying, “No Death in Paradise would ruin my January!” The show’s renewal also supports its spin-offs, Beyond Paradise (season 3, April 2025) and Return to Paradise, keeping the “Paraverse” alive.

Is Death in Paradise Coming Back in 2025?

Not quite—season 15 is slated for early 2026, not 2025. The Christmas special will air in December 2025, but the full season won’t hit until January or February 2026, per MSN and WhatToWatch. This follows the show’s pattern: season 14’s Christmas special aired December 22, 2024, with the season starting January 31, 2025. The confusion comes from filming starting in 2025 (April), but production and post-production push the release to 2026. Fans expecting a 2025 season might be disappointed, so mark your calendars for early 2026 to avoid missing out.

Who Is Replacing Florence in Death in Paradise?

Florence Cassell, played by Joséphine Jobert (born 1985), left in season 13 when she moved away with DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little). There’s no direct replacement for Florence in season 15, as Shantol Jackson (born 1992) has been the main DS since season 11, playing Naomi Thomas. Sources like WhatToWatch and Telly Visions confirm Naomi’s return for season 15, making her the de facto female lead alongside DI Mervin Wilson. Florence was a fan favorite, and her exit left big shoes to fill, but Naomi’s ambitious, grounded character has held her own. Jobert told Radio Times in 2024 she’s open to returning, but there’s no confirmation for season 15. If the writers tried to force a new Florence-like character, it could feel contrived—Naomi’s established role avoids that risk.

Who Is Replacing Ralf Little?

Ralf Little (born 1980) played DI Neville Parker from seasons 9 to 13, leaving in the 2024 season 14 finale to travel with Florence. Don Gilet (born 1967) replaced him as DI Mervin Wilson, debuting in the 2024 Christmas special. Radio Times and Yahoo News UK announced Gilet’s casting on May 2, 2024, noting his EastEnders and Shetland background. Gilet’s Mervin is a grumpier, more skeptical detective than Neville’s nerdy optimist, and X posts show fans warming to him, with one saying, “Don Gilet’s Mervin is intense but brilliant.” Casting Gilet was a bold move—if he hadn’t clicked, season 14 could’ve flopped, but his chemistry with the team has kept the show fresh.

Can I Watch Death in Paradise Season 12?

Yes, season 12 is widely available. In the UK, it’s on BBC iPlayer, free with a TV license, alongside all 14 previous seasons. In Australia, ABC iview and BritBox Australia have it, with iview requiring free registration. In the US, BritBox streams season 12, included with a subscription ($8.99/month in 2025), and some PBS stations air it—check local listings. Other regions can check JustWatch for local options like France 2 or Prime NZ. Avoid unofficial streams, as a 2024 X post warned about malware from “dodgy Death in Paradise sites.” Use legit platforms to ensure quality and avoid spoilers.

How Season 15 Is Being Made

Producing Death in Paradise is a big operation. Filming takes place in Guadeloupe, with sets like the police station and Catherine’s bar in Deshaies. The DI’s beach shack is rebuilt each season, per IMDb. The show is a co-production between Red Planet Pictures, BBC Studios, and France Télévisions, with executive producers Tim Key and Amy Rodriguez, and series producer Sue Howells. Filming started in April 2025 and typically wraps by late summer, followed by editing and scoring (Magnus Fiennes composes, with each DI getting a unique theme). The ska theme song, “You’re Wondering Now,” sets the tone.

Mistakes could derail things. Weather disruptions in Guadeloupe, like hurricanes, could delay filming, pushing the release past February 2026. Casting errors—like a lead who doesn’t gel—could hurt chemistry. Season 14’s uncertain Selwyn Patterson arc (Don Warrington) needs careful handling; if he’s written out poorly, fans could revolt, as seen in X posts worrying about his exit. The writers must balance Mervin’s brother storyline with standalone mysteries to keep the episodic vibe. If production rushes or cuts corners, the show’s polish—key to its 7.8/10 IMDb rating—could suffer.

What Happens If It’s Not Done Right?

If season 15 flops, the consequences are real. A weak season could dent viewership—season 14’s 8 million UK viewers show what’s at stake. Losing Don Warrington without a strong replacement risks alienating fans, as his Commissioner is a fan favorite. Poor writing, like overfocusing on Mervin’s family drama, could make episodes feel heavy, straying from the show’s lighthearted core. Production delays could push the release into spring, clashing with other shows and hurting ratings. Globally, a quality dip could jeopardize those 230-territory deals, a big revenue driver for BBC Studios. Critics have also flagged the show’s racial dynamics (a 2021 Guardian piece noted the “white savior” trope), so Mervin’s arc as a Black British DI needs to avoid stereotypes.

Why Fans Care

The show’s appeal lies in its reliable formula: a murder, a quirky investigation, and a big reveal, all set against Saint Marie’s beaches. The rotating DIs—Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon, Ralf Little, and now Don Gilet—keep it fresh, while the ensemble (Élizabeth Bourgine, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder) grounds it. Season 15’s renewal matters because it continues this legacy, delivering comfort viewing for millions. Fans on X are vocal, with one posting, “Season 15 better keep the vibes—Saint Marie is my happy place.” The show’s global reach and spin-offs show its staying power, but it needs to nail season 15 to keep the momentum.

How to Prepare

To catch season 15:

• UK: Get a TV license for BBC iPlayer. Episodes will be on BBC One and iPlayer from January/February 2026.
• Australia: Register for ABC iview for free. Expect episodes in February 2026.
• US: Subscribe to BritBox ($8.99/month) for a February/March 2026 release.
• Other Regions: Check JustWatch for local broadcasters. Use a VPN for iPlayer/iview if needed, but follow platform terms.

Don’t assume it’s on Netflix or Amazon Prime—it’s not, per JustWatch. Test VPNs early if traveling, and avoid unofficial streams to dodge malware.

Looking Ahead

Season 15 is confirmed, with filming underway and a December 2025 Christmas special leading into a January/February 2026 premiere. Don Gilet’s Mervin Wilson, Shantol Jackson’s Naomi Thomas, and the team will keep Saint Marie buzzing, though Don Warrington’s return is uncertain. Catch it on BBC iPlayer, ABC iview, or BritBox, depending on your region. For more, Beyond Paradise season 3 hits April 2025, and Return to Paradise is on iPlayer and iview. Get ready for more murders, sunshine, and island charm.