Channel 5’s New Drama Slate for 2025: Death in Benidorm and More
Explore Channel 5’s 2025 drama lineup, including Death in Benidorm, a Death in Paradise-style mystery. Learn about the new shows, casts, and why they matter. Read now!
Introduction
Channel 5 is shaking things up for 2025 with a bold slate of six new dramas, headlined by Death in Benidorm, a sun-soaked detective series that’s drawing comparisons to BBC’s Death in Paradise. Announced on July 21, 2025, by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer at Paramount UK, this lineup aims to keep viewers hooked with a mix of thrillers, mysteries, and family dramas.
Death in Benidorm follows a retired detective solving murders in Spain, but it’s just one piece of Channel 5’s push to redefine itself as a drama powerhouse. This matters for fans of shows like Father Brown or Unforgotten because it signals more accessible, character-driven stories. With the TV landscape shifting—think ITV’s recent cuts and cancellations like McDonald & Dodds—Channel 5’s focus on fresh content is a big deal. Let’s break down what’s coming, why it’s worth watching, and the challenges behind it.
Death in Benidorm: A New Take on Cozy Crime
Death in Benidorm is the crown jewel of Channel 5’s 2025 lineup, a six-part series greenlit by commissioning editor Greg Barnett and directed by Simon Delaney, a Death in Paradise veteran. The show follows Dennis Crown, a former UK detective running a bar in Benidorm, Spain, who’s pulled back into solving murders when tourists start dying. His partner-in-crime is Rosa, a barmaid and crime drama superfan whose TV knowledge complements his real-world skills. Each episode tackles a new murder while navigating tensions with local Spanish police, per the Express.
Why it matters: The show taps into the cozy crime trend, blending sunny settings with clever mysteries, much like Death in Paradise. It’s a safe bet for fans craving lighthearted yet gripping stories. How it’s done: The production leans on Benidorm’s vibrant backdrop, previously featured in ITV’s sitcom Benidorm (2007-2018), to create an inviting yet dangerous world. Common mistakes include leaning too heavily on clichés—like over-the-top villains—which could make it feel like a Death in Paradise knockoff, as some X users have snarked. If it fails to balance humor and stakes, it risks losing viewers to more established shows.
Channel 5’s Ambitious Drama Push: The Full Slate
Channel 5’s 2025 slate includes five other dramas alongside Death in Benidorm, showcasing variety. Missed Call is a five-part thriller about a mother searching for her missing daughter in France. The Family Secret is a four-part psychological drama about an inheritance that unravels a woman’s past. Imposter, set in Australia, stars Kym Marsh and Jackie Woodburne in a family drama about a disputed hotel and a mysterious adopted daughter.
Cooper & Fry features Robert James-Collier and Mandip Gill in a mystery series, while The Teacher returns for a third season with Victoria Hamilton as a drama teacher facing blackmail. Sebastian Cardwell emphasized the slate’s diversity, aiming to “deliver compelling, accessible British drama,” per Wales Online.
Why it matters: This mix caters to varied tastes, from thrillers to family sagas. How it’s done: Channel 5 collaborates with producers like Clapperboard and Gaumont, using international distributors like ZDF Studios to reach global audiences. Mistakes happen when shows stretch budgets too thin, leading to rushed scripts or weak casting. If the production quality dips, viewers might skip these for Netflix or BBC offerings.
The Role of Sebastian Cardwell in Shaping Channel 5
Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted at Paramount UK, is the driving force behind Channel 5’s drama surge. Since joining in 2011, he’s shifted the channel from American reruns to original dramas like The Drowning (5.1 million viewers for its 2021 premiere) and All Creatures Great and Small. Cardwell’s strategy focuses on affordable, high-quality dramas, often under £1.5 million per hour, compared to competitors’ higher budgets, per Broadcast. He’s also pushing for lower UK tax credit thresholds to keep productions local, avoiding cheaper shoots in Ireland or Hungary.
Why it matters: Cardwell’s vision makes Channel 5 a hub for emerging talent and accessible stories. How it’s done: He works with commissioning editors like Greg Barnett and Paul Testar to greenlight diverse projects. Mistakes include underfunding, which can lead to uneven production values. If budgets aren’t balanced, shows like Death in Benidorm could suffer from rushed pacing or weak visuals, alienating viewers.
Challenges in the TV Drama Landscape
The TV industry is a tough place in 2025. ITV’s cancellation of McDonald & Dodds and Vera shows even popular dramas aren’t safe, driven by declining live ratings and budget cuts. Channel 5 faces similar pressures, operating on lower tariffs (£800,000–£1.5 million per hour) than BBC or ITV, per Broadcast. Cardwell noted the loss of continuing dramas like Doctors limits opportunities for new talent, a gap his Drama of the Week strand aims to fill with low-budget, standalone stories.
Why it matters: Smaller budgets force creative storytelling but risk quality. How it’s done: Channel 5 counterschedules against bigger shows, as Cardwell explained to the Royal Television Society, avoiding clashes with hits like BBC’s Death in Paradise. Mistakes include poor scheduling—airing against a juggernaut like Strictly Come Dancing could tank viewership. If Channel 5 misjudges slots, new dramas might flop despite strong premises.
Why Cozy Crime Like Death in Benidorm Resonates
Cozy crime dramas like Death in Benidorm are having a moment because they offer escapism with a side of suspense. Death in Paradise averages 8 million viewers per season in the UK, per BBC data, showing the genre’s pull. Death in Benidorm’s setting in a familiar holiday spot like Benidorm, where ITV’s sitcom drew 7.41 million for its 2010 Christmas special, adds relatability. Fans on X are buzzing, though some call it a “cheapo ripoff,” per @ScouseLakes.
Why it matters: These shows comfort viewers in uncertain times. How it’s done: Pairing a seasoned detective with a quirky sidekick, like Dennis and Rosa, creates dynamic chemistry. Mistakes include over-relying on formulaic plots, which could bore fans of Father Brown. If the show doesn’t innovate, it risks fading against competitors like Beyond Paradise.
The Global Appeal and Distribution Strategy
Channel 5’s dramas are designed for international markets, with Death in Benidorm distributed by ZDF Studios. Past hits like The Madame Blanc Mysteries thrive on Acorn TV in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, per Telly Visions. The channel’s focus on universal themes—family, mystery, betrayal—makes shows like Imposter and The Family Secret appealing globally. Cardwell’s partnerships with producers like Clapperboard ensure cost-effective production without sacrificing quality.
Why it matters: Global reach boosts revenue and longevity. How it’s done: International distributors like Banijay Rights and ZDF Studios pitch shows to platforms like PBS or BritBox. Mistakes include casting unknowns who don’t draw overseas audiences—Death in Benidorm’s success hinges on landing recognizable talent. If it fails to attract A-listers, it might “languish unwatched” on smaller streamers, as Telly Visions warned.
FAQs
When will Death in Benidorm air on Channel 5?
No exact date is confirmed, but it’s part of Channel 5’s 2025 slate, likely airing mid-to-late 2025. Check Channel 5’s website or My5 for updates. The show’s six 60-minute episodes will also stream on My5.
Who stars in Death in Benidorm?
The cast is unannounced, but Simon Delaney, a Death in Paradise alum, directs. Fans speculate a big name could play Dennis Crown, as casting will make or break its PBS potential, per Telly Visions.
What other dramas are in Channel 5’s 2025 lineup?
The slate includes Missed Call (thriller), The Family Secret (psychological drama), Imposter (family drama with Kym Marsh), Cooper & Fry (mystery), and The Teacher Season 3 with Victoria Hamilton.
Why is Channel 5 investing in dramas like Death in Benidorm?
Channel 5 aims to rival BBC and ITV with affordable, diverse dramas. Sebastian Cardwell’s strategy targets accessible stories, with past successes like The Drowning (5.1 million viewers) proving demand.
How does Death in Benidorm compare to Death in Paradise?
Both feature sunny settings and episodic murders, but Death in Benidorm swaps a Caribbean island for a Spanish resort. Its detective-barmaid duo adds a fresh twist, though some X users call it derivative.
Can fans help get more Channel 5 dramas?
Streaming on My5, engaging on X with hashtags like #DeathInBenidorm, and supporting shows boost viewership data, encouraging renewals. Fan campaigns saved shows like Lucifer, per TheWrap.
Channel 5’s 2025 drama slate, led by Death in Benidorm, signals a bold push into cozy crime, thrillers, and family dramas. With Sebastian Cardwell steering the ship, the channel is carving a niche with accessible, diverse stories despite budget constraints. /
Death in Benidorm’s mix of sun, murder, and quirky characters could be a hit if it avoids formulaic pitfalls. Fans of Death in Paradise or Father Brown should keep an eye out, streaming on My5 or checking Channel 5 for updates. Share your thoughts below—will Death in Benidorm live up to the hype?
