Beyond Paradise Season 4: Filming, Cast, and Plot Details 2025

 Beyond Paradise Season 4 is officially happening, with filming kicking off in Cornwall in July 2025, as announced by Red Planet Pictures (Radio Times, July 29, 2025). 

The Death in Paradise spinoff, starring Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman, drew 8.7 million viewers for its Season 1 premiere (The Standard). Set in the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott, the show blends quirky mysteries with personal drama, like Humphrey and Martha’s fostering journey. 

Fans on X are hyped: “Can’t wait for more Shipton Abbott chaos!” Why’s this matter? The show’s mix of humor and heart keeps it a BBC hit, but balancing crime and soap-style plots is tricky. Let’s dig into the Season 4 details—filming locations, returning cast, expected plots, and more—using Radio Times, Soap Central, and The Express.

Filming Locations in Cornwall for Season 4

Filming for Season 4 began July 21, 2025, in Cornwall, standing in for Shipton Abbott (Soap Central). Key spots include Looe’s Fore Street (the market square), The Guildhall (police station), and Port Eliot House (Shipton Abbott Manor) (The Standard). Production notices confirm shoots at St Mellion Golf Club and Plymouth’s university campus through November 2025 (Soap Central). Director Fiona Walton leads Episode 1 (Watch in America).

Why’s this key? Cornwall’s coastal charm, like Charlestown’s harbor, defines the show’s vibe, unlike Death in Paradise’s tropical Saint Marie (The Standard). Skimping on locations, as some BBC shows do, could make it feel cheap (The Guardian). Fans on X love the “gorgeous Looe shots.” If production rushes, quality might dip, hurting the 7.4/10 IMDb rating (IMDb).

Returning Cast and New Faces

Kris Marshall reprises DI Humphrey Goodman, with Sally Bretton as fiancée Martha Lloyd. Zahra Ahmadi (DS Esther Williams), Dylan Llewellyn (PC Kelby Hartford), Felicity Montagu (Margo Martins), and Barbara Flynn (Anne Lloyd) return (Soap Central). Guest stars are unconfirmed, but Season 3 featured Hugh Dennis and Caroline Quentin, hinting at similar big names (BBC). Jamie Bamber’s Archie Hughes, Martha’s ex, might stir drama again (Radio Times).

Why’s this matter? The core cast’s chemistry drives the show, but over-relying on guests, like Midsomer Murders post-2010, risks diluting it (The Guardian). Miscasting newbies could alienate fans—X posts demand “more Esther and Kelby!” If Archie’s return feels forced, it could flop, as seen in Vera’s weaker arcs (The Sun). The cast’s consistency keeps viewers hooked.

Expected Plotlines and Character Arcs

Season 4 picks up after Season 3’s emotional fostering storyline, where Humphrey and Martha let go of foster daughter Rosie (Soap Central). Expect new cases—a river body, chocolate box poisoning, or a spiking at sea—mixed with personal hurdles (BBC). Martha’s ex, Archie, may complicate their relationship, while Esther faces a personal twist (Radio Times). The show’s Instagram promises “puzzling twists and turns” (Radio Times).

Why’s this important? Balancing crime and drama is tough. Season 3’s soap-like plots annoyed some fans on X: “Less Martha drama, more cases!” Overloading personal stories, like The Bay, could lose crime fans (The Guardian). If cases feel repetitive, the 5 million viewers from Season 1 might dip (Soap Central). Strong writing could push ratings higher, like Shetland’s peak.

The Beyond Paradise Formula and Challenges

Beyond Paradise mixes Death in Paradise’s case-of-the-week format with deeper character arcs, earning a 7.4/10 IMDb rating (IMDb). Season 3 tackled a farming feud and poisoning, but some fans, per IMDb reviews, found Martha’s scenes “soapy” (IMDb). Sally Bretton told Radio Times fans love Humphrey and Martha’s bond, not distress (Radio Times). A Christmas special is likely, per past seasons (Soap Central).

Why’s this tricky? The show’s humor and heart draw viewers, but heavy drama risks alienating fans, as Midsomer Murders learned (The Guardian). Weak cases could make it feel light, like Death in Paradise’s weaker seasons (The Sun). X posts want “more quirky crimes.” If Season 4 nails the balance, it could hit 9 million viewers, like its parent show (The Independent).

Production Details and Release Timeline

Filming runs through November 2025, with a likely early 2026 release, following the show’s spring slot (Soap Central). Red Planet Pictures handles production, known for tight schedules (Production List). The BBC hasn’t set a date, but a Christmas special may precede the season, as in 2023 and 2024 (Soap Central). Episodes are 58 minutes, rated TV-PG (IMDb).

Why’s this relevant? Long production ensures quality, but delays could frustrate fans, as seen with Line of Duty gaps (The Guardian). X posts are impatient: “Hurry up, 2026 is too far!” Rushing post-production, like some BBC shows, risks sloppy edits (The Sun). A timely release could boost viewership, especially on BBC iPlayer and BritBox (Soap Central).

Fan Reactions and Expectations

Season 1’s 8.7 million viewers set a high bar (The Standard). X posts buzz with excitement: “Humphrey’s back, let’s go!” But some fans, per IMDb reviews, want less “soap opera” and more mysteries (IMDb). Sally Bretton said fans enjoy the “comforting” Humphrey-Martha bond (Radio Times). The show’s Instagram clapperboard post got 10,000+ likes (Radio Times).

Why’s this big? Fan feedback shapes shows—ignoring it, like Broadchurch’s later seasons, risks losing viewers (The Guardian). Overloading drama could alienate the 5 million core audience (Soap Central). If Season 4 listens to X fans’ call for “more crime,” it could grow. Neglecting humor might make it feel heavy, unlike Death in Paradise’s charm.

How Beyond Paradise Stays Fresh

The show builds on Death in Paradise’s formula but swaps tropics for Cornwall’s coasts, adding local superstitions and quirky cases (Wikipedia). Kris Marshall told Radio Times Humphrey’s “chaotic genius” keeps it unique (Radio Times). Season 3’s 7.4/10 IMDb rating shows steady appeal, but fans on X want “new twists” (IMDb). The Aussie spinoff Return to Paradise proves the “Paraverse” thrives (Radio Times).

Why’s this crucial? Fresh settings and cases prevent staleness, unlike CSI’s later years (The Guardian). If Season 4 rehashes plots, it risks losing fans, as Vera did with repetitive stories (The Sun). Strong guest stars and Cornwall’s vibe could push ratings higher. X posts demand “more Selwyn the Duck!” for humor.

FAQs

When does Beyond Paradise Season 4 air?

Likely early 2026 on BBC One and iPlayer, following filming through November 2025 (Soap Central).

Who’s in the Season 4 cast?

Kris Marshall, Sally Bretton, Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn, Felicity Montagu, and Barbara Flynn return (Soap Central).

Where is Season 4 filmed?

Cornwall, including Looe, The Guildhall, Port Eliot House, and St Mellion Golf Club (The Standard).

What are Season 4’s main plots?

New cases like poisonings and personal drama, including Martha’s ex, Archie (Radio Times).

Will there be a Christmas special?

Likely, based on past seasons’ specials in 2023 and 2024 (Soap Central).

Why do fans love Beyond Paradise?

Its 8.7 million viewers enjoy Humphrey’s humor and Cornwall’s charm (The Standard).

Conclusion

Beyond Paradise Season 4, filming now in Cornwall, brings Kris Marshall’s DI Humphrey Goodman back for more quirky crimes in Shipton Abbott, likely airing in early 2026 (Radio Times). With 8.7 million viewers and a 7.4/10 IMDb rating, the show balances humor and drama, but fans on X want more mysteries over soap-like plots (IMDb). The returning cast—Sally Bretton, Zahra Ahmadi, and others—plus Cornwall’s stunning locations, keeps it fresh (Soap Central). Will Season 4 avoid overdoing Martha’s drama? Catch up on BBC iPlayer or share your hopes for Humphrey’s next case!