Return of DI Humphrey Goodman in the Death in Paradise Spin-Off
Kris Marshall returns as DI Humphrey Goodman in the Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise. Discover why his comeback matters in 2025. Read now!
Introduction
In a twist that delighted longtime fans, Kris Marshall has returned as DI Humphrey Goodman, the beloved detective from Death in Paradise. The spin-off show, Beyond Paradise, brings Humphrey back—but this time, he’s not in the Caribbean. Instead, he’s relocated to rural England, where he faces entirely new mysteries. This comeback matters: it revives a fan-favourite character, expands the Paradise universe, and shows how a quirky detective can still grow. In 2025, his return is more than nostalgic—it’s a signal that the Death in Paradise legacy is very much alive.
Historical Background: Humphrey’s Journey
Humphrey Goodman first appeared in Death in Paradise in season 3, played by Kris Marshall. He quickly became a fan favourite, known for his awkward charm, bumbling but brilliant detective work, and kind-hearted nature. Wikipedia+2GoodtoKnow+2
In 2017, Marshall left the show after four seasons to focus on family life. GoodtoKnow He left Saint Marie to follow his fiancée, Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton), back to the U.K., closing that Caribbean chapter of his life. virginradio.co.uk+1
Key Events & Timeline
Here’s how Humphrey’s story unfolds, in order:
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2014–2017: Humphrey stars in Death in Paradise, solving mysteries on the Caribbean island Saint Marie. Wikipedia+1
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2017: He departs the show, moving with Martha to the U.K. to start a new life. GoodtoKnow
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2022: BBC officially announces Beyond Paradise, a spin-off that brings Humphrey back as DI in Martha’s hometown. rts.org.uk
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2023: Beyond Paradise premieres. In this series, Humphrey joins the local police force in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott and tackles new, sometimes very strange cases. HELLO!+1
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2025: Production continues. According to the RTS, Beyond Paradise is still running and a second Return to Paradise spin-off is also being developed. rts.org.uk+1
Expert Opinions & Analysis
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Kris Marshall has described returning to Humphrey’s character as emotional. He says he even wore one of his old Death in Paradise jackets, and found his old character notes still in the pockets. HELLO!
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From a production standpoint, the BBC saw real value in bringing Humphrey back. The Royal Television Society noted that his “knack for cracking the trickiest crimes” is “as much needed in rural England as it was on the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean.” rts.org.uk
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Showrunner and writers shifted the tone: Beyond Paradise is less focused exclusively on murder, and explores a broader variety of crime — disappearances, arson, bizarre claims — giving Humphrey a wider canvas. bbcamerica.com+2HELLO!+2
Public Reaction & Social Media Buzz
Fans welcomed Humphrey’s return with enthusiasm. When Beyond Paradise was announced, many saw it as a rare case of a spin-off that actually brings an old favourite back—not just a side-character. Digital Spy+2Digital Spy+2
On Reddit, users have debated which detective is best, but many put Humphrey at the top:
“My personal DI ranking is Humphrey, Richard, Jack, Neville.” Reddit
Others noted that Beyond Paradise feels notably different from Death in Paradise:
“It’s much more of a soap-opera type of show … but Humphrey is my fave.” Reddit
New Discoveries & 2025 Update
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As of 2025, Beyond Paradise is still going strong. The RTS reports that its third season has aired, and it continues to explore Humphrey’s life in Devon. rts.org.uk
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Marshall has hinted that future Christmas specials are already in the works. The Scottish Sun
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Meanwhile, the Death in Paradise universe is expanding: Return to Paradise, another spin-off set in Australia, is in its second season development. Wikipedia+1
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There’s talk among cast and fans about a cross-over between Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise, and Return to Paradise. Anna Samson (lead of Return to Paradise) has pitched the idea, and fans are excited by the possibilities. TechRadar
Long-Term Impact: Why Humphrey’s Return Matters
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Legacy Continuation: Humphrey’s comeback shows that Death in Paradise isn’t just ending when characters leave. The spin-off model keeps the universe alive.
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Character Growth: Seeing Humphrey in a very different setting (rural England) lets us explore new sides of him: maturity, domestic life, professional growth.
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Fan Engagement: Bringing back a beloved character strengthens loyalty. Fans who loved him in Saint Marie stay engaged, and new viewers can discover him in a fresh context.
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Franchise Expansion: With Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise, the Paradise-verse is building — more spin-offs, more stories, more detectives.
Behind the Scenes: Making the Spin-Off Happen
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Kris Marshall was deeply emotionally invested. For his return, he revisited props from the original series, including his old coat, and re-read notes from his original run. HELLO!
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The BBC’s decision to set Beyond Paradise in a coastal English town (Shipton Abbott) was strategic: it maintains the cozy crime feel but allows for new types of crimes and dynamics. HELLO!+1
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The show’s production has earned support from producers, who see value in keeping the Paradise brand fresh but familiar. rts.org.uk
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Fans themselves are contributing to the momentum: cross-over ideas, social media buzz, and nostalgic support all help keep Humphrey’s story alive. Reddit
FAQs
Q: When did Kris Marshall return as Humphrey Goodman?
A: He returned in Beyond Paradise, the Death in Paradise spin-off, which first aired in February 2023. HELLO!+1
Q: Why did Humphrey leave Death in Paradise originally?
A: In 2017, he left Saint Marie to move back to the UK with his fiancée, Martha Lloyd — prioritizing his family. GoodtoKnow
Q: What is the setting of Beyond Paradise?
A: The show is set in Shipton Abbott, a fictional English town on the Devonshire coast, where Humphrey works for the local police. HELLO!+1
Q: What kinds of cases does he solve now?
A: Unlike classic Caribbean murders, he now deals with a range of cases: family disappearances, arson, crop-circle mysteries, and more. bbcamerica.com+1
Q: Is there another spin-off of Death in Paradise?
A: Yes — Return to Paradise, set in Australia and led by Anna Samson as DI Mackenzie Clarke, is part of the same Paradise-verse. Wikipedia
Conclusion
Kris Marshall’s return as DI Humphrey Goodman is more than a nostalgic callback — it’s a meaningful revival. Beyond Paradise lets us see Humphrey in a whole new light: settled (but still awkward), challenged (but still clever), and deeply human. In 2025, his comeback strengthens the Death in Paradise franchise, expands the Paradise universe, and reminds fans why they fell in love with him in the first place. Whether you were with him on Saint Marie or joining him for the first time on the Devon coast — his story is still worth following.
Do you think Humphrey’s detective journey has just begun? Comment below, and don’t forget to share this on Fb!
