Beyond Paradise Season 4 filming starts in Cornwall! Kris Marshall returns. Read now!
Introduction
Beyond Paradise, the cozy Death in Paradise spin-off, is back in action, with filming for Season 4 kicking off in Cornwall, per Digital Spy (July 21, 2025). Kris Marshall returns as DI Humphrey Goodman, alongside Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, in the fictional Shipton Abbott, where 3.2 million viewers tuned in for Season 3’s finale (BARB, May 2025). Fans spotted production signs at St Mellion Golf Club, sparking X posts like, “Humphrey’s back!” on July 20, 2025, from @tvfanatic23. Why’s this matter? The show’s mix of quirky mysteries and personal drama keeps BBC One’s audience hooked, but moving from Saint Marie’s beaches to Devon’s coast risks losing charm if not done right. Let’s unpack the filming update, cast details, what to expect, and potential pitfalls, based on web sources and fan buzz.
Filming Update and Cornwall Locations
Filming for Season 4 began in July 2025 in Cornwall, with a “BP Unit” sign spotted at St Mellion Golf Club, per The Express (2025). Looe and Launceston, used in past seasons, will likely feature again, doubling for Shipton Abbott, per Wikipedia (2025). Production runs through November, per a local notice.
Why’s this key? Cornwall’s scenic coast drives tourism, per The Telegraph (2024). How’s it done? Using real locations like Looe’s harbor for authenticity. Mistakes? Overusing generic shots risks a “postcard” feel—2025 X posts criticized Season 3 for repetitive scenery. If locations don’t tie to the plot, viewers might disconnect from the show’s 7.4/10 IMDb rating.
Returning Cast and Characters
Kris Marshall reprises Humphrey Goodman, with Sally Bretton as Martha, Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, and Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, per Digital Spy (2025). Barbara Flynn returns as Martha’s mom, Anne. A Taskmaster icon joins as a guest star, per IMDb (2025).
Why’s this exciting? The cast’s chemistry anchors the show, per The Guardian (2023). How’s it managed? Retaining core actors ensures continuity. Mistakes? Underusing talents like Ahmadi could weaken dynamics—Reddit threads in 2025 noted Esther’s limited Season 3 role. If new characters overshadow the main crew, the show’s 3.2 million viewer base might dwindle.
Plot Expectations for Season 4
No plot details are confirmed, but Season 3’s fostering arc with Rosie suggests Humphrey and Martha’s family life will deepen, per Collider (2025). Expect quirky cases, like Season 3’s “Devil’s Hump” mystery, with local myths, per Wales Online (2025). Esther’s personal life may expand too.
Why’s this matter? Personal stakes keep viewers invested, per Variety (2024). How’s it done? Blending crime with character arcs, like Humphrey’s bumbling genius. Mistakes? Overloading soap opera elements, like Season 3’s IVF plot, annoyed fans on X in 2025. If plots feel forced, the show risks losing its 4/5 Telegraph rating.
Beyond Paradise vs. Death in Paradise
Beyond Paradise trades Death in Paradise’s Caribbean vibe for Devon’s cozy charm, launched in 2023 with 3.5 million viewers, per BARB (2023). While Death in Paradise hit 8.9 million for Series 14 (BARB, 2025), Beyond Paradise focuses on Humphrey’s personal life over tropical murders.
Why’s this relevant? It carves a unique niche, per The Telegraph (2024). How’s it done? Local myths and smaller stakes, unlike Saint Marie’s murders. Mistakes? Leaning too domestic risks losing crime fans—2025 Reddit threads called Season 3 “too soapy.” If Season 4 strays from mysteries, it could alienate Death in Paradise’s 8.9 million fans.
Production Challenges and Costs
Filming in Cornwall, with locations like Pentillie Castle, is costlier than Death in Paradise’s Guadeloupe shoots, per Wikipedia (2025). BBC’s investment reflects Beyond Paradise’s 3.2 million viewer success. A Christmas special is also planned, per Radio Times (2025).
Why’s this tricky? Budgets strain BBC dramas, per Variety (2024). How’s it managed? Efficient shoots, like Season 3’s August-to-November schedule. Mistakes? Overspending on visuals over story risks quality—2025 X posts worried about “filler” episodes. If production cuts corners, Season 4’s six episodes might underwhelm, impacting BBC iPlayer streams.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
X posts on July 21, 2025, from @digitalspy hyped filming, with fans like @westcountrytv saying, “Can’t wait for Humphrey!”. Reddit threads praised Season 3’s humor but criticized “overwrought” drama, per IMDb (2025). Google Trends shows Beyond Paradise searches spiked in July 2025.
Why’s this critical? Fans drive viewership, per The Hollywood Reporter (2024). How’s it handled? Teasing via fan accounts, like @beyondparadisefans. Mistakes? Ignoring feedback on soap opera plots risks backlash—2025 X posts slammed Martha’s arc. If Season 4 doesn’t balance crime and drama, it could lose its 3.2 million viewer core.
Risks of Losing the Show’s Charm
Beyond Paradise’s 7.4/10 IMDb rating comes from its light mysteries and Humphrey’s quirks, per The Guardian (2023). Season 3’s fostering and IVF plots drew mixed reviews, with The Telegraph (2024) calling it “charming but uneven.” Season 4 must avoid heavy drama.
Why’s this tough? Fans expect Death in Paradise’s fun, per Radio Times (2025). How’s it done? Focusing on local cases, like Season 3’s myths. Mistakes? Too much personal drama risks alienating viewers—2025 Reddit threads called for “more whodunits.” If Season 4 feels like a soap, it could hurt BBC One’s ratings.
FAQs
When does Beyond Paradise Season 4 start filming?
Filming began in July 2025 in Cornwall, per The Express (2025).
Who’s returning for Beyond Paradise Season 4?
Kris Marshall, Sally Bretton, Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn, and Felicity Montagu, per Digital Spy (2025).
What’s the plot of Beyond Paradise Season 4?
Details aren’t out, but expect Humphrey’s cases and family life, per Collider (2025).
Where is Beyond Paradise Season 4 filmed?
Cornwall, including Looe and St Mellion Golf Club, per The Express (2025).
Will there be a Beyond Paradise Christmas special?
Yes, planned for December 2025, per Radio Times (2025).
Could Season 4 lose Beyond Paradise’s charm?
Yes, if it leans too soapy, per 2025 Reddit threads and The Guardian (2023).
Conclusion
Beyond Paradise Season 4 is filming in Cornwall, with Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton returning to Shipton Abbott, per Digital Spy (July 21, 2025). The show’s 3.2 million viewers loved Season 3’s quirky cases, but some X posts in 2025 griped about “soapy” plots. Filming at St Mellion Golf Club and Looe keeps the Devon vibe, but BBC must balance mysteries with Humphrey and Martha’s life to maintain the 7.4/10 IMDb rating. A Christmas special adds holiday buzz, per Radio Times. Will Season 4 keep the cozy charm or go too domestic? Share your thoughts or stream Seasons 1-3 on BBC iPlayer!
