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

An Australia-set crime drama is the perfect watch for Death in Paradise fans, with two seasons now available to stream in the UK

If you're missing the sun-soaked crime-solving of Death in Paradise, you might find a new favourite show in Darby and Joan, a drama set in the Australian outback.The series, which premiered in 2022 and returned for a second season in 2024, stars Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi as an unlikely duo teaming up to solve mysteries.

The show follows retired detective Jack Darby and widowed nurse Joan Kirkhope as they search for answers about her husband's death, forming a partnership along the way.

Currently airing on UKTV's Drama channel, Darby and Joan is also available to stream on UKTV's on-demand service, called U.

The show's synopsis reads: "Widowed English nurse Joan Kirkhope is on a quest to find answers about her husband's mysterious death, while ex-detective Jack Darby has taken to the open road to escape his past.

"But when they collide in the Australian outback and become drawn into a series of mysteries, this unlikely investigative duo soon realises the most intriguing puzzle they face is each other."

The series also features Jolene Anderson, with guest stars in the first season including Heather Mitchell, Anna McGahan, and John Waters. Season two welcomes new guest stars, including Sigrid Thornton and John Jarratt, reports Wales Online.

Each series consists of eight episodes, created by Glenys Rowe and Phillip Gwynne, with filming taking place in Queensland. Viewers have taken to social media to commend the series Darby and Joan, with many calling it "excellent" and a "pleasure to watch".

One fan expressed their enjoyment on Twitter: "Just finished watching the excellent second season of #DarbyAndJoan on #AcornTV. Likeable characters, fun mysteries, and gorgeous scenery that makes us want to drive the open roads of Australia! Here's hoping there will be another season."

Another television enthusiast chimed in: "Where is #DarbyAndJoan S3? This little gem could be the #DowntonAbbey of #DownUnder; seriously, not kidding."

A third viewer compared the show to another popular series: "The ABC's #DarbyAndJoan has a very Death in Paradise vibe to it," while yet another simply stated: "Good acting, great story, just a pleasure to watch."

Darby and Joan is available to watch on Drama on Wednesdays at 8pm, and is available to stream on U.