Beyond Paradise Season 4: Filming Updates and What to Expect

Introduction

The Death in Paradise universe, or the "Paraverse" as fans call it, keeps growing, and its first spinoff, Beyond Paradise, is back in action. Filming for Season 4 kicked off in the UK, specifically in the scenic Devon and Cornwall regions, as confirmed by the show’s official Instagram account on July 31, 2025. If you’re a fan of the quirky, sun-soaked mysteries of the original series, this spinoff brings that same charm to the fictional coastal town of Shipton Abbott. Why does this matter? Because Beyond Paradise has carved out its own space with DI Humphrey Goodman’s bumbling brilliance, and Season 4 promises more of the puzzling cases and heartfelt moments that hooked viewers. Think of it as Death in Paradise but with a British seaside twist—less Caribbean heat, more cozy West Country vibes. With production underway, let’s dive into what’s happening, who’s returning, and what fans can expect from this beloved series.

Filming Locations: Devon and Cornwall’s Coastal Charm

The Beyond Paradise team is back filming in Devon and Cornwall, with the Cornish town of Looe stealing the spotlight. The producers chose this area for its thriving fishing community and picturesque views, perfect for the fictional Shipton Abbott. Unlike Death in Paradise, set in the Caribbean’s Guadeloupe, this spinoff leans into the rugged beauty of the UK’s West Country. The University of Plymouth’s Portland Square and Nancy Astor buildings double as the South West Police Headquarters, while Pentillie Castle and Estate on the River Tamar provide the backdrop for Anne Lloyd’s house and the quay. Filming in these spots isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s strategic. The team wanted a setting that felt fresh yet familiar, avoiding overused TV locations like those in Doc Martin. One mistake to avoid? Assuming Devon and Cornwall are interchangeable—locals get prickly about that, and fans on X have called out the show’s “generic West Country accent” for feeling inauthentic. If the production leans too hard into stereotypes, it risks alienating viewers who know the region.

Cast Returning for Season 4

The core cast is back, which is a big deal for fans who love the chemistry in Shipton Abbott. Kris Marshall returns as DI Humphrey Goodman, the clumsy but sharp detective who’s been a Paraverse staple since Death in Paradise Season 3. Sally Bretton is back as Martha Lloyd, Humphrey’s fiancée, with their relationship likely picking up after Season 3’s romantic cliffhanger. Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd, Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, and Melina Sinadinou as Esther’s daughter Zoe are all expected to return. Jamie Bamber’s Archie Hughes, a recurring character tied to that cliffhanger, is also likely to show up. Fans on X are buzzing about Sally Bretton’s return, with posts calling her role “beloved” and essential to the show’s heart. One risk? If the show doesn’t give supporting characters like Kelby bigger storylines, as some fans hope, it could miss a chance to deepen the ensemble. Casting consistency matters—Death in Paradise faced criticism for frequent lead changes, so keeping this group intact is a smart move.

Plot Expectations: Mysteries and Romance

Season 4 of Beyond Paradise is set to deliver “puzzling twists and turns,” according to the show’s Instagram and Digital Spy. Expect Humphrey and his team to tackle new mysteries in Shipton Abbott, blending humor, heart, and clever whodunits. The show’s strength lies in its mix of quirky cases—less murder-heavy than Death in Paradise—and personal drama. Season 3 ended with a romantic cliffhanger involving Humphrey and Martha, so Season 4 will likely explore their relationship further, possibly with Archie Hughes stirring trouble. Fans on X have mixed feelings about the show’s soap opera-like elements, with some calling Season 1 too melodramatic but praising Season 2 for better balance. A common mistake would be leaning too hard into romance at the expense of the mysteries—viewers want the crime-solving core to shine. If the writers don’t keep the cases fresh, the show could feel repetitive, especially with Death in Paradise and Return to Paradise airing alongside it. The promise of a Christmas special, potentially in December 2025, adds extra excitement, following the show’s tradition from 2023 and 2024.

Release Schedule and Where to Watch

Filming started in July 2025, so Beyond Paradise Season 4 is on track for its usual release window. Based on past seasons, expect a premiere in the first half of 2026, likely April, following Death in Paradise Season 15’s finale. A Christmas special might drop in December 2025, though it’s unconfirmed. In the UK, the show airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer. For North American fans, BritBox is the go-to, though episodes often drop after the UK premiere. This staggered release can frustrate viewers—last season, BritBox aired episodes 4–6 a week early in the US, causing confusion. To avoid spoilers, fans should stick to official platforms and avoid X discussions until they’re caught up. The show’s global reach, like Death in Paradise’s 236 territories, means accessibility is a strength, but BritBox’s subscription cost ($8.99/month) can be a hurdle. If the release schedule slips, it could clash with Return to Paradise, splitting the Paraverse audience.

Challenges and Fan Reactions

Beyond Paradise isn’t without its hurdles. Some fans on IMDb and X criticize its “yokel” stereotypes, like the “incredibly irritating” office worker Margo, and the generic West Country accents. Others love the cozy vibe, comparing it to Jonathan Creek for its quirky cases and Humphrey’s charm. The show’s 7.4/10 IMDb rating reflects this split—fans adore Humphrey but want smarter writing for supporting characters. Tony Jordan, a key producer, stepped back from Red Planet Pictures in 2025, which could impact the Paraverse’s direction. His exit, announced by Deadline, marks an “end of an era,” but the team’s experience should keep things steady. Fans on X are thrilled about filming, with posts like “Can’t wait for more Looe and Calstock!” showing excitement for the visuals. If the show ignores feedback about stereotypes or weak side characters, it risks losing its edge. Listening to fans while keeping the Paraverse formula intact is key.

Why Beyond Paradise Matters in the Paraverse

The Paraverse—Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise, and Return to Paradise—thrives because it offers escapism with a side of clever mysteries. Beyond Paradise stands out by grounding Humphrey in a new setting while keeping the fish-out-of-water detective trope. Its success (high viewership, renewed for multiple seasons) shows fans crave this blend of humor and heart. Unlike Death in Paradise, which cycles through leads, Beyond Paradise benefits from Kris Marshall’s consistency. But if it leans too far into soap opera drama or generic rural clichés, it could lose what makes it special. The show’s ability to balance local flavor with universal appeal is why it matters. For journalists covering entertainment, it’s a case study in spinoff success—take a beloved character, give them a fresh backdrop, and keep the stakes personal. Ignoring this formula could dilute the Paraverse’s charm.

FAQs

When will Beyond Paradise Season 4 premiere?

Filming began in July 2025, so expect a premiere in early 2026, likely April, on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, and BritBox in North America. A Christmas special might air in December 2025, based on previous years.

Who’s in the cast for Season 4?

Kris Marshall (Humphrey Goodman), Sally Bretton (Martha Lloyd), Zahra Ahmadi (DS Esther Williams), Dylan Llewellyn (PC Kelby Hartford), Barbara Flynn (Anne Lloyd), Felicity Montagu (Margo Martins), and Melina Sinadinou (Zoe) are expected to return. Jamie Bamber may reprise Archie Hughes.

Where is Beyond Paradise filmed?

The show films in Devon and Cornwall, with Looe, Launceston, and Pentillie Castle as key locations. The University of Plymouth’s buildings serve as the police headquarters. Fans love the scenery but criticize inauthentic accents.

What’s the plot of Season 4?

Expect new mysteries with “puzzling twists,” plus developments in Humphrey and Martha’s relationship after Season 3’s cliffhanger. The show will balance crime-solving with personal drama, possibly including a Christmas special.

Why do some fans dislike Beyond Paradise?

Some fans on X and IMDb call out stereotypical “yokel” characters and generic accents, feeling they undermine the show’s potential. Others love its cozy mysteries and Humphrey’s charm, giving it a 7.4/10 on IMDb.

How does Beyond Paradise compare to Death in Paradise?

Beyond Paradise keeps the Paraverse’s light-hearted mystery vibe but swaps Caribbean sun for UK coasts. It focuses less on murders and more on quirky cases, with Humphrey’s consistent presence as a strength.

Conclusion

Beyond Paradise Season 4 is shaping up to be another cozy, mystery-filled chapter in the Paraverse. With filming underway in Devon and Cornwall, fans can look forward to Kris Marshall’s Humphrey Goodman tackling new cases while navigating personal drama. The show’s success hinges on balancing its quirky charm with fresh stories and avoiding stereotypes that irked some viewers. As production rolls on, the promise of a 2026 premiere and a possible Christmas special keeps anticipation high. Whether you’re a Death in Paradise diehard or new to Shipton Abbott, this spinoff offers a familiar yet distinct escape. Share your thoughts on what you hope to see in Season 4, and check out BritBox or BBC iPlayer for updates