Fans of BBC's Death in Paradise will love 'excellent' crime TV drama

 Discover why Darby and Joan, the Australian crime drama with Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi, is a must-watch for Death in Paradise fans. Stream it now on AcornTV!

Introduction

If you’re itching for a crime drama that mixes sun-drenched scenery, quirky mysteries, and two leads who spark off each other like nobody’s business, Darby and Joan is calling your name. This Australian series, which kicked off in 2022 and dropped its second season in 2024, has been winning over fans of shows like Death in Paradise with its laid-back vibe and clever whodunits.

 Starring Bryan Brown as a gruff ex-cop and Greta Scacchi as a widowed nurse, the show follows their unexpected partnership as they unravel mysteries across the Australian outback.

 Think dusty roads, small-town secrets, and a duo who bicker as much as they solve crimes. It’s not just the mysteries that hook you—it’s the chemistry between the leads and the way the show captures the heart of Australia. Fans on X have called it “excellent” and a “pleasure to watch,” with some even comparing it to Downton Abbey for its addictive quality.

What Makes Darby and Joan So Addictive?

Darby and Joan isn’t your typical crime drama. It’s got this cozy, almost afternoon-TV feel, but it’s packed with enough twists to keep you guessing. The show follows Jack Darby, a retired Australian detective played by Bryan Brown, who’s hitting the road to escape a murky past. 

He crosses paths—literally, in a car crash—with Joan Kirkhope, a British nurse (Greta Scacchi) searching for answers about her husband’s mysterious death. Together, they stumble into standalone mysteries each episode, from doped-up athletes to suspicious deaths in tiny outback towns.

Why it matters: The mix of episodic mysteries and an overarching personal quest gives the show a rhythm that’s easy to binge. You get the satisfaction of a solved case every episode, plus the slow burn of Jack and Joan’s evolving relationship.

How it’s done: Creators Phillip Gwynne and Glenys Rowe lean on Queensland’s stunning landscapes—think endless highways and coastal cliffs—to set the mood. Each episode introduces quirky locals, like a doping ironwoman or a shady small-town mayor, which keeps things fresh.

Mistakes to avoid: The show could easily fall into repetitive territory, but it sidesteps this by varying the mysteries and keeping the leads’ backstories in play. If it leaned too hard on romance, it might lose its charm—more on that later.

Consequences of errors: If the mysteries were too predictable, the show would feel flat. Fortunately, reviews praise the “well-constructed” cases that balance accessibility with clever twists.

The Chemistry Between Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi

Let’s talk about the heart of Darby and Joan: Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi. Brown, known for The Thorn Birds and Cocktail, brings a laconic, tough-guy charm to Jack Darby. He’s the kind of guy who’d rather grunt than talk feelings, but his sharp detective brain is always ticking. Scacchi, an Emmy winner for Rasputin, plays Joan as a mix of steely determination and vulnerability, chasing closure for her husband’s death. Their dynamic is less about romance and more about mutual respect, with a side of playful bickering.

Why it matters: The leads’ chemistry is what sells the show. Reviews call it “palpable” and “authentic,” grounding even the wilder mysteries.

How it’s done: Brown and Scacchi draw on their real-life rapport—they worked together on Palm Beach in 2019, directed by Brown’s wife, Rachel Ward. Scacchi herself said their “compatible personalities” make the collaboration click.

Mistakes to avoid: The writers initially tried sneaking in a romantic kiss or a shared bed scene, but both actors pushed back hard. Scacchi told Radio Times they told the writers, “No way!” to keep the relationship platonic. Forcing romance would’ve cheapened the dynamic.

Consequences of errors: A romantic subplot could alienate viewers who love the show’s focus on friendship and mystery-solving. Fans on X seem to agree, with one calling the duo “likeable characters” who don’t need mushy stuff to shine.

How Darby and Joan Stands Out in the Cozy Crime Genre

Cozy crime shows like Death in Paradise or Midsomer Murders thrive on likable characters and low-stakes mysteries, and Darby and Joan fits right in while carving its own niche. It’s got that sunny, escapist vibe, but the Australian outback setting gives it a rugged edge. The mysteries aren’t always murders—think doping scandals or missing persons—which keeps the tone light but engaging.

Why it matters: The cozy crime genre is a crowded space, but Darby and Joan stands out with its road-trip format and older leads. It’s refreshing to see characters in their 60s and 70s kicking butt and solving crimes.

How it’s done: Each episode introduces a new town or quirky community, from surf clubs to remote cattle stations. The show uses Queensland’s diverse locations to keep the visuals vibrant, as noted by Screen Queensland’s support for the production.

Mistakes to avoid: Cozy crime can feel formulaic if the stakes are too low. Darby and Joan avoids this by tying each episode to Jack and Joan’s personal quests—her husband’s death, his past mistakes.

Consequences of errors: If the show leaned too heavily on clichés, it’d lose its unique flavor. Reviews praise its “light-hearted” approach that still respects the audience’s intelligence.

The Role of Queensland’s Scenery in the Show

Queensland is practically a character in Darby and Joan. The show’s filmed in places like Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, with sweeping shots of beaches, dusty roads, and lush hinterlands. It’s not just eye candy—it sets the tone for Jack and Joan’s nomadic vibe.

Why it matters: The setting makes the show feel alive. It’s not just a backdrop; it shapes the stories, from coastal doping scandals to outback disappearances.

How it’s done: Filming in real Queensland locations, backed by Screen Queensland’s funding, gives the show authenticity. Scacchi herself said the scenery was a big draw for her, despite initially joking about not wanting to work with Brown again.

Mistakes to avoid: Overusing the scenery could make it feel like a travel ad. The show balances it by keeping the focus on the characters and mysteries.

Consequences of errors: If the visuals overshadowed the story, the show might feel hollow. Fans on X rave about the “gorgeous scenery” but always tie it back to the “fun mysteries.”

Guest Stars and Supporting Cast

The show’s supporting cast is a who’s-who of Australian talent. Season one had Heather Mitchell, Anna McGahan, and John Waters, while season two brought in heavyweights like Sigrid Thornton and John Jarratt. These guest stars add depth to each episode’s standalone mystery.

Why it matters: A strong supporting cast keeps the episodic format fresh. It’s like a new flavor every week, but Brown and Scacchi remain the anchor.

How it’s done: The writers beef up roles for big names, as one producer noted: “Everyone wants to do scenes with Bryan and Greta.” This draws in talent and elevates the stories.

Mistakes to avoid: Overloading episodes with guest stars could overshadow the leads. The show keeps the focus on Jack and Joan while giving guests room to shine.

Consequences of errors: If the guest stars dominated, the show might lose its core dynamic. Reviews note the “incredible support cast” complements, not competes with, the leads.

Why Fans Compare It to Death in Paradise

Fans of Death in Paradise are flocking to Darby and Joan for good reason. Both shows share that sunny, cozy crime vibe, with mysteries that wrap up neatly but leave you wanting more. The Australian outback swaps out for the Caribbean, but the formula—likable leads, picturesque settings, and clever whodunits—is similar.

Why it matters: The comparison taps into a ready-made audience. If you love Death in Paradise’s mix of humor and heart, Darby and Joan delivers a similar hit.

How it’s done: The show leans into its leads’ banter, much like the detective duos in Death in Paradise. It also keeps mysteries accessible but not dumbed-down, as reviews note.

Mistakes to avoid: Copying Death in Paradise too closely would make it feel derivative. Darby and Joan avoids this with its road-trip format and older protagonists.

Consequences of errors: If it felt too similar, it’d lose its identity. Fans on X call it a “little gem” for standing on its own.

FAQs

What is Darby and Joan about?

Darby and Joan is an Australian crime drama following retired detective Jack Darby (Bryan Brown) and widowed nurse Joan Kirkhope (Greta Scacchi). They meet by chance in the outback and team up to solve mysteries, from doping scandals to missing persons, while digging into Joan’s husband’s death and Jack’s past. It’s a cozy crime show with a road-trip twist, set in Queensland’s stunning landscapes. Season one premiered on AcornTV in August 2022, with season two dropping in December 2024.

Where can I watch Darby and Joan in the UK?

You can catch Darby and Joan on UKTV’s Drama channel or stream it on their on-demand service, U. It’s also available on AcornTV, where both seasons are ready to binge. Season one also aired on ABC TV in Australia in January 2024, and it’s been picked up by BBC Studios in Benelux and other regions. Check AcornTV for the latest episodes!

Is there a season 3 of Darby and Joan?

As of July 2025, no official word on season three, but Greta Scacchi told Radio Times that writers are already working on it. Season two wrapped in January 2025 on AcornTV, and fans on X are clamoring for more, with one calling it the “Downton Abbey of Down Under.” Expect news by late 2025 or early 2026.

Why do fans compare it to Death in Paradise?

Fans love Darby and Joan for its sunny, cozy crime vibe, much like Death in Paradise. Both feature likable leads solving episodic mysteries in gorgeous settings—Queensland’s outback versus the Caribbean. The banter between Brown and Scacchi mirrors the detective duos in Death in Paradise, but the road-trip format and older protagonists give it a unique spin.

Is Darby and Joan romantic?

Nope, and that’s intentional. Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi fought against romantic subplots, even nixing a kiss scene in season one. Scacchi told Radio Times they want the focus on friendship and mystery-solving. This keeps the show fresh and avoids clichés, though their chemistry still sparks.

Conclusion

Darby and Joan is the kind of show that sneaks up on you. It’s got the cozy crime formula down pat—clever mysteries, likable leads, and a setting that makes you want to book a flight to Queensland. Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi are the glue, their banter and chemistry carrying the show through dusty outback roads and twisty whodunits. Whether you’re a Death in Paradise fan or just love a good mystery, this Australian gem is worth your time. Both seasons are streaming on AcornTV, with DVDs out July 28, 2025. Binge it, share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s hope for a third season!