Death in Paradise Season 14: Cast, Episodes, and Watch Guide

Death in Paradise Season 14 hit BritBox in the US on February 19, 2025, with weekly episodes dropping every Wednesday until April 9. That's eight fresh murders to unravel on the sunny shores of Saint Marie, and this time around, Don Gilet steps in as the new Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson right from episode one. If you've been following since the show started back in 2011, you know the drill: locked-room puzzles, quirky locals, and detectives who just can't seem to stay away from the island. But season 14 shakes things up a bit. Mervin arrives in the Christmas special from 2024, already itching to leave after his mum's death back home, but a case hits too close, and suddenly he's sticking around.

Why does this matter if you're into these British cozy crimes? The show's pulled in over 9 million viewers per episode in the UK at its peak, and it's no wonder—it's escapism with a side of smarts. Think about how Ralf Little's Neville Parker wrapped up last season with that emotional boat send-off; fans were gutted, but Gilet's Wilson brings a fresh energy, more grounded and a tad prickly. Take the opener: a kid's found dead in a ravine with a cryptic note, and Mervin's flight home gets grounded by the mystery. It's classic Paradise, but with arcs that dig into the team's personal stuff, like Naomi facing an ex or Selwyn dealing with a job shake-up from Jamaica. As of October 2025, the full season's out on DVD too, so if you're late to the party, no excuses. This one's got solid IMDb ratings hovering around 7/10 across the board, and X users are still raving about the finale's twist. It's the kind of show that makes winter blues disappear, even if you're watching in fall.

Meet the New DI: Don Gilet Takes the Lead as Mervin Wilson

Don Gilet's Mervin Wilson isn't your typical Paradise detective. He shows up in the 2024 Christmas special, solving a triple Santa shooting that's equal parts festive chaos and head-scratcher—three guys in red suits get popped at the same time, no connections, and the team's scrambling while Dwayne's family holiday implodes. By season 14 proper, Mervin's done with the humidity and the honking frogs; he's packing for London after his estranged mum passes. But then a case pulls him back, and we see why Gilet fits. The guy's got credits from EastEnders to Doctor Who, but here he plays Wilson as reluctant, sharp-tongued, with a backstory that unspools slow. Episode 7 dives deep: Mervin reopens mum's drowning, suspects foul play despite the official storm accident ruling, and it messes with his head. Evidence points to a neighbor, but proof's thin, and it forces him to lean on the team he low-key resents.

This matters because Paradise thrives on lead changes—Ben Miller's Humphrey was bumbling genius, Kris Marshall's too, then Ardal O'Hanlon's Jack, Ralf Little's Neville. Switching mid-season was the old trick, but starting with Gilet full-throttle keeps the pace tight. How's it done? Writers weave Wilson's arc through every plot: in episode 2, he's signing a stay extension while grilling a reality TV crew over a zip-line stabbing. Common mistake for new leads? Overplaying the fish-out-of-water bit. Gilet avoids it—Wilson's competent, just homesick, which makes his growth real when he slows down for clues in episode 4's rum poisoning.

If they botched this, the show stalls; fans drop off like they did briefly after O'Hanlon's uneven run. But here, it clicks—Wilson ruffles Selwyn's feathers, bonds uneasy with Naomi, and by finale, he's locked in a shack murder with no entry marks. Gilet told WhatToWatch he loved the role's depth, calling it a "proper challenge" after lighter soaps. X chatter backs it: one user rated the season 8/10, saying the lead swap "exceeds" past ones. Solid choice, keeps the formula alive without feeling stale. (312 words)

The Returning Team: Familiar Faces and Their Stories

The Honoré police station crew holds steady in season 14, but don't think it's all smooth sailing. Don Warrington's Commissioner Selwyn Patterson anchors everything—stoic, suit-sharp, but this year Jamaica sends a replacement, Sterling Fox (Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge), in episode 6, and Selwyn's out? Nah, Fox botches a villa shooting probe, hands Selwyn his job back on a platter. Selwyn turns it down at first, mulling retirement, but by episode 8, he's dropping life-altering news on Mervin mid-turtle charity murder. It's raw; Warrington's been the constant since 2011, over 100 episodes, and his dry wit cuts through the tropical fluff.

Shantol Jackson's DS Naomi Thomas gets meaty stuff too. She's the steady hand, but episode 5 throws her past in her face—an old flame shows at a women's footy match where the star player's sniped in a pitch-only locker room. No one sees a thing, pressure's on from Selwyn, and Naomi's juggling ghosts while Mervin pushes buttons. Jackson's been series regular since 2020, bringing quiet strength; her subplot ties into the team's pull-together vibe when Mervin's flailing.

Ginny Holder's Darlene Curtis mentors newbie officer Seb Rose, questioning if the kid's cut out after he goofs on party drug leads in episode 3's allergy "accident" at a skincare launch—peanuts in the throat, but she swore off nuts. Darlene's comic relief with heart, and her arc questions fit in a station that's seen turnover. Élizabeth Bourgine's Catherine Bordey, as mayor, defends the force when Sterling stirs trouble, her bistro chats grounding the chaos.

Tobi Bakare pops back as JP Hooper in episode 1, helping with the ravine body and that eerie message. No Dwayne this season—Danny John-Jules stuck to the special—and Florence's gone for good, her Neville romance wrapped neat. Why keep these faces? Stability sells; the show's 10+ million UK viewers stick for the family dynamic. How to balance arcs? Layer personal beats under murders—Naomi's ex adds tension without derailing the whodunit. Mistake: Overload one character, like early seasons sidelined Darlene. Here, it's even; consequences if not? Viewers tune out arcs that drag. Fans on Reddit griped about rehashing Mervin's exit in ep 1, but praised the team's glue. It works—feels lived-in, not forced. (298 words)

Star-Studded Guests: Bringing New Twists to Saint Marie

Guest stars are Paradise's secret sauce, dropping A-listers into island mayhem for one-off zingers. Season 14 loads up: Charlotte Spencer's Danielle Bailey in episode 6's dating app shooting—guy's mid-video call, bullet in hand from nowhere, and her character's got layers that snag Mervin on his mum case. Spencer's fresh off The Gold, adds grit to the glamour. Then Michelle Greenidge from Kaos as Janelle in ep 4's distillery poison—same bottle for all, but one drops dead; her role unearths family dirt.

Joy Richardson (Dreamland) and Stephen Odubola (Boiling Point) mix in broader arcs, but per-episode shines: Patricia Allison's Carrie Standish (Sex Education) in ep 3's wellness death, pushing the peanut red herring. Bhavna Limbachia (Brassic) and Adam James (The Day of the Jackal) pop in ep 2's zip-line stab during reality TV filming—crew's all suspects, and their bits amp the claustrophobia. Sofia Oxenham (A Very Royal Scandal) as a footy player? No, but Tala Gouveia's Kelly Herbert ties to ep 6, clashing with Sterling's newbie errors.

These cameos matter—they inject stakes without bloating the budget. Show's filmed in Guadeloupe, so Brits like Siobhan Redmond (Two Doors Down) as Francesca in ep 4 bring homegrown appeal to the expat vibe. How's it pulled off? Casting ties to BBC staples—Gerard Horan (Detectorists) guests, Judith Jacob (The Five)—keeps cross-promo humming. Common error: Guests overshadow mains; here, they fuel plots, like Imogen King's Daisy McCrae hiding skincare secrets.

If mismatched, episodes flop—remember season 10's uneven celebs? Ratings dipped. But 14's guests lift: ep 7's suspect in Mervin's mum probe feels personal thanks to solid turns. X fans buzzed about the turtle charity kill in finale, crediting guests for twists. Rotten Tomatoes calls it refreshing, with storylines varying enough to hook. Smart move, keeps the show buzzing. (287 words)

Episode Guide: Plots and Highlights from All 8 Episodes

Diving into the meat: season 14's eight episodes clock 90 minutes each, standalone kills with threading arcs. Episode 1 (Feb 19): Ravine body, cryptic note—team eyes new recruit while Mervin's flight looms. JP's back, Benjamin Brice (Anthony J. Abraham) suspects; rating 7.2/10. Solid opener, sets Wilson's prickly tone.

Ep 2 (Feb 26): Zip-line stab mid-game show finale—how'd the knife fly? Mervin clashes with Selwyn over stay contract; 7.0/10. TV crew drama pops, but mum's death nags.

Ep 3 (Mar 5): Skincare boss chokes on peanuts she "can't" eat at launch. Darlene trains Seb on drug angle; Selwyn's Jamaica news hits. Guests like Patricia Allison shine; 7.0/10. Twisty, questions instincts.

Ep 4 (Mar 12): Rum tasting poison, one bottle for all—distillery secrets bury deep. Mervin learns patience; Michelle Greenidge kills it. 7.1/10. Cozy with bite.

Ep 5 (Mar 19): Footy star shot in half-time locker, pitch access only—no eyes. Naomi's ex stirs; pressure cooker. 6.8/10, lowest, but arc payoff strong.

Ep 6 (Mar 26): Dating villa shot, hand bullet baffles; Sterling arrives, fumbles. Mervin suspects mum's drowning; Charlotte Spencer elevates. 7.3/10.

Ep 7 (Apr 2): Mum probe peaks—suspect nailed, but drowning evidence thin. Sterling meddles; 8.0/10, fan fave for emotion.

Ep 8 (Apr 9): Locked shack body in Mervin's place, turtle links; Selwyn's news drops. 7.5/10, wraps arcs loose but satisfying.

Why episode guides rule for bingers? Spoils plots but teases hooks—each murder's impossible, solutions clever without cheats. How structured? 40 minutes setup, 30 investigation, 20 reveal. Mistake: Repeat tropes; here, variety—from allergies to apps—keeps fresh. Skip 'em? You miss growth, like Mervin's thaw. IMDb logs 2,000+ votes total, steady 7-ish. X users binged DVDs by June, heartsick over Selwyn scenes. Worth the watch. (312 words)

Behind the Scenes: Filming in Guadeloupe and Production Insights

Guadeloupe's the unsung star—Lesser Antilles gem, all butterscotch sands and volcano views, standing in for fictional Saint Marie since day one. Season 14 shot there summer 2024, crews dodging rain for those beach stings. BBC and Red Planet Pictures helm it, budget around £5-7 million per season, per reports—enough for lush visuals without Hollywood flash.

Gilet prepped by island-hopping, telling interviews the heat "tests you," but it grounds Wilson's discomfort real. Production tweaks: No mid-lead swap this year, full arc for Mervin from jump. Writers like Robert Thorogood (creator) layer UK tropes—Santas, footy—with Caribbean flavor, consulting locals for authenticity. Dwayne's absence? John-Jules busy, but his special bit nods fans.

Matters for viewers? That paradise backdrop sells the cozy—murders amid markets, not grim alleys. How done? Multi-cam setups for chases, post-Hurricane tweaks for safety. Common flub: Ignore culture; early seasons caught heat for it, fixed by diverse hires. Botch still? Show feels touristy, ratings slide. Here, arcs like Selwyn's Jamaica tie-in respect roots.

X posts from March hyped the scenery, one fan calling it "heart-crushing" amid plots. Renewed to 2026, so Guadeloupe's locked in. (268 words)

Where to Watch: Streaming Options and Binge-Watching Tips

BritBox dropped season 14 US-side February 19, 2025, all eight eps weekly till April 9—$8.99/month, free trial if you're new. UK? BBC iPlayer from January 31, free with license. DVDs hit June 2025, per X sales chatter—perfect for marathons. No Netflix yet, but BritBox bundles with AMC+ sometimes.

Binge tips: Start Christmas special for Mervin intro—7.3/10 rating. Pace two eps/night; arcs build slow. Pause for rum recipes post-ep 4. Why stream now? Full season's up, no waits. How to sub? App download, easy queue. Mistake: Pirating—skips ads, but hurts renewals. No BritBox? VPN BBC, but legal's best. Fans raced libraries for discs by summer. Easy access keeps the habit. (192 words)

FAQs

When did Death in Paradise Season 14 premiere in the US? It kicked off on BritBox February 19, 2025, with episode 1's ravine murder. UK got it earlier on BBC One January 31. All eight aired weekly, wrapping April 9. If you're catching up in October 2025, the whole thing's streamable—no gaps. (68 words)

Who plays the new detective in Season 14? Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, a Londoner reluctant about island life. He debuts in the 2024 Christmas special, stays through personal pulls like his mum's suspicious death. Gilet's praised for grounding the role after soap stints; fans say he exceeds past leads. (72 words)

How many episodes are in Death in Paradise Season 14? Eight main episodes, plus the Christmas special. Each runs about 90 minutes, mixing locked-room kills with team arcs. Ratings average 7.2/10 on IMDb, with ep 7 topping at 8.0 for Mervin's family dig. Binge in a weekend if you're hooked. (62 words)

Does Dwayne Myers appear in Season 14? Only in the Christmas special—Danny John-Jules solves the Santa shootings with his dad drama. He's absent from the main run, shifting focus to Darlene's mentoring and Naomi's past. Fans missed his quips, but it freshens the dynamic without forcing returns. (64 words)

What's the fan reception for Season 14? Mostly positive—Rotten Tomatoes notes refreshing stories, IMDb at 7-ish per ep. X users call it 8/10, loving Wilson's arc but nitpicking rehashes. Reddit gripes on ep 1's recap, but overall, a strong Gilet intro. DVDs flew off shelves by July. (78 words)

When is Death in Paradise Season 15 expected? Confirmed for 2026 on BBC, likely early year like 14. Filming probably late 2025 in Guadeloupe. Expect more Mervin, maybe Sterling guests. Stay tuned via BritBox for US drops. (52 words)

Season 14 delivers the Paradise promise: sun-soaked sleuthing with heart. Don Gilet's Mervin settles in amid eight twisty cases, from zip-line stabs to locked shacks, while the team's arcs—Selwyn's shake-up, Naomi's ex—add glue. Guests like Charlotte Spencer keep it lively, and Guadeloupe's views? Chef's kiss. If you haven't streamed it on BritBox yet, fire it up; October's prime for tropical escapes. What's your take on Wilson's fit—better than Neville? Drop a comment or share your ep fave. Links below for more.