Death in Paradise Season 15: Filming Update and What to Expect
Death in Paradise Season 15: Filming Kicks Off and What’s Coming
Death in Paradise is back in the game, and the news is fresh: filming for Season 15 started in late April 2025 in Guadeloupe. If you’re a fan of this sunny, murder-filled Caribbean drama, you’re probably itching to know what’s next. If you’ve never seen it, stick around—I’m breaking down why this show’s a big deal, what’s happening with the new season, how it all comes together, and what can go wrong if the formula doesn’t stick the landing. This isn’t your typical crime show, and Season 15 is shaping up to keep the tradition alive with its mix of cozy mysteries and tropical vibes. Let’s dive in.
What’s Going On with Season 15?
Filming for Death in Paradise Season 15 kicked off in Guadeloupe, as announced by the show’s official Instagram on April 29, 2025. The post, shared with Red Planet Pictures, BBC Studios, and BBC Press Office, featured a clapperboard marked “Death in Paradise 15,” with Jennie Paddon listed as director. “We’re back in paradise!” the caption read, confirming the show’s return to its usual filming location in the French Caribbean archipelago. The series, which wrapped its 14th season on March 28, 2025, is set to deliver eight episodes and a Christmas special, likely airing in January 2026, following its typical schedule.
Don Gilet is back as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, who debuted in the 2024 Christmas special and led Season 14. Gilet’s character, a Londoner adjusting to the slower pace of the fictional Saint Marie, brings a fresh dynamic after Ralf Little’s Neville Parker exited. The show’s known for swapping out its lead detective every few years—Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Little all had their runs—and Gilet’s Wilson is the fifth, shaking things up with a Black lead who’s less “fish out of water” than his predecessors but still grumbling about the heat.
The cast is a mix of old and new. Expect returns from Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas, Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose, and Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey, the island’s mayor and bar owner. Don Warrington’s Commissioner Selwyn Patterson is a question mark—his Season 14 storyline hinted at retirement after being replaced, but he might return in a freelance role or change his mind. Guest stars are a staple, and while names haven’t been announced, expect familiar faces like Tobi Bakare, who popped up as JP Hooper in Season 14.
Why Does Death in Paradise Matter?
This show’s a juggernaut. Since 2011, it’s been a cozy crime staple, pulling in massive audiences—Season 4 averaged 9.03 million viewers, and Season 14 hit around 6 million per episode. It’s broadcast in 236 territories, from the UK’s BBC One to France 2, PBS in the US, and BritBox globally. Why the hype? It’s comfort TV at its finest: sunny beaches, quirky characters, and murders that are more puzzling than gruesome. Airing in January or February, it’s a perfect escape from winter gloom, especially in the UK, where it’s cold and dreary.
The show’s appeal lies in its formula. Each episode delivers a standalone murder mystery solved by a British detective and the Saint Marie police team, wrapped in humor and heart. The Caribbean setting—filmed in Deshaies, Guadeloupe, doubling as the fictional Honoré—adds a vibrant backdrop. Think colorful markets, sandy beaches, and a ramshackle police station (actually a priest’s office in real life). It’s not CSI; it’s light, fun, and leans into its absurdity—weekly murders on a tiny island? Sure, why not?
For fans, it’s about the characters. From the rotating DIs to stalwarts like Catherine and Selwyn, the show builds relationships that keep viewers coming back. The “fish out of water” trope—usually a British cop baffled by island life—is a draw, though Gilet’s Wilson tweaks it by being more grounded. Plus, there’s Harry, the CGI lizard who’s basically the DI’s therapist, popping up in nearly every episode. It’s weirdly charming.
How Is Season 15 Made?
Filming Death in Paradise is no small feat. The crew descends on Guadeloupe’s Basse-Terre island, mainly Deshaies, for about six months, from April to October. The police station, Catherine’s Bar (really Le Madras restaurant), and the DI’s beachside shack (rebuilt each season at Anse de la Perle) are iconic spots. Filming wraps around October, with post-production aiming for a December Christmas special and a January premiere. The schedule’s tight—Season 14 filmed from May to October 2024, and Season 15’s late April start aligns with that pattern.
Red Planet Pictures handles production, with BBC Studios distributing globally. The show’s a logistical beast: shooting in a tropical climate means dealing with heat, humidity, and occasional hurricanes. Gilet joked about the challenge on Lorraine, saying he loves Guadeloupe but misses London’s pace. The crew builds temporary sets, like the DI’s shack, which gets dismantled post-season. Local support from the Bureau d’accueil des tournages de la Région Guadeloupe keeps things running.
The writing, led by creator Robert Thorogood, balances standalone mysteries with character arcs. Season 15 will likely follow suit, with Mervin Wilson’s storyline digging into his newly discovered brother, Solomon Clark, introduced in the Season 14 finale. Expect eight episodes, each with a murder—think poisonings, staged accidents, or locked-room puzzles—plus the Christmas special’s bigger stakes. Guest stars add flair, often playing victims or suspects, and the show’s knack for weaving humor into serious cases keeps it fresh.
What Are Fans Saying?
The fanbase is buzzing. On X, one user called Season 14 “possibly my fave series so far,” praising Gilet’s Wilson. Another begged for more episodes, saying, “Christmas is too far away.” The show’s Instagram post about Season 15 filming got fans hyped, with comments like “Can’t wait for more Mervin!” The Guardian and Radio Times note the show’s consistent popularity, even with frequent cast changes. But not everyone’s thrilled—some X posts lament the loss of earlier leads like Ben Miller or Sara Martins, saying the writing’s gotten “weaker” since the early seasons.
Common Mistakes Viewers Make
If you’re new to Death in Paradise, don’t expect Broadchurch. It’s not gritty or realistic—it’s cozy, with implausible murders and a light touch. A big mistake is bailing early because of the formulaic setup. Each episode follows a pattern: murder, investigation, quirky clues, resolution. If you’re not into that, you might switch off, but fans say the charm’s in the details—like Wilson’s banter or Harry the lizard’s cameos. Give it a few episodes; the humor and heart grow on you.
Another misstep is obsessing over cast changes. The show’s swapped DIs five times since 2011, and some fans on X still pine for Miller’s Richard Poole or Marshall’s Humphrey Goodman. Gilet’s Wilson is different—less bumbling, more grounded—but judging him against past leads misses the point. Each DI brings a new flavor, and Season 15’s focus on Wilson’s family ties could deepen his arc. Also, don’t expect deep forensics; the show’s about clever twists, not lab reports.
What Happens If It Goes Wrong?
A bad Death in Paradise season is a letdown. If the mysteries are too predictable—say, obvious culprits or recycled plots—viewers tune out. Season 14 got flak on X for “weaker” stories compared to classics like 2019’s Beyond the Shining Sea. If the comedy leans too slapstick or the drama too heavy, it loses its cozy balance. For example, if Wilson’s brother's storyline feels forced or overshadows the cases, fans might disengage.
Why You Should Be Excited
Death in Paradise Season 15 is shaping up to keep the good times rolling. Gilet’s Wilson is a fresh lead, bringing a new perspective while keeping the show’s core intact. The Guadeloupe setting—those beaches, that police shack—remains a star. With filming underway, expect more murders, mojitos, and maybe some answers about Wilson’s brother. The Christmas special, likely in December 2025, will set the stage, with the full season hitting BBC One and iPlayer in January 2026. In the US, BritBox will probably drop it in February, based on Season 14’s schedule.
Final Thoughts
Death in Paradise Season 15 is off to a strong start with filming in Guadeloupe, Gilet leading the charge, and a Christmas special on the horizon. It’s a cozy crime juggernaut that knows its strengths: sunny vibes, clever mysteries, and characters you root for. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newbie, it’s worth checking out. Stream past seasons on iPlayer or BritBox, and keep an eye out for updates as January 2026 nears. This island’s got more murders to solve, and I’m betting it’ll be a blast.
