Death in Paradise & Beyond Paradise Christmas Specials 2025: Confirmed Air Dates & Big Revealed

The BBC has confirmed premiere dates for the 2025 Christmas specials of "Death in Paradise" and its spin-off "Beyond Paradise," airing on BBC One in the United Kingdom on December 21 and December 28 respectively, to provide viewers with holiday-themed mysteries combining festive elements with intricate crime-solving plots.

Key Highlights

• "Beyond Paradise" will premiere on December 21 at 9 p.m., featuring DI Humphrey Goodman investigating a mysterious amnesiac man found holding his photo amid holiday chaos in Shipton Abbott.
• "Death in Paradise" follows on December 28 at 8:30 p.m., centering on a locked-room murder at a Christmas party in Saint Marie, where the weapon is inexplicably linked to a location in Swindon.
• Both 90-minute episodes include guest stars and are available for immediate streaming on BBC iPlayer for UK audiences.

The announcements come as the BBC ramps up its holiday programming slate, building on the popularity of both series. "Beyond Paradise," set in the picturesque village of Shipton Abbott, sees returning cast members including Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman, Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, and Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams. The episode reportedly involves the team handling unexpected visitors and solving seasonal crimes while Martha executes a secret plan with help from Anne and Zoe.

In "Death in Paradise," the tropical island of Saint Marie hosts a dramatic turn at an office Christmas party, where a stranger is found dead in a pool. Don Gilet stars as DI Mervin Wilson, supported by Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas and Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis. The investigation explores how the murder weapon, secured far away in another city, connects to the crime, complicating Mervin's personal and familial obligations during the festivities.

"The team gets to work to uncover who the mysterious man is while balancing a flurry of festive cases," the BBC stated in its official synopsis for "Beyond Paradise," emphasizing the blend of intrigue and heartwarming moments.

Returning Cast and Guest Stars

Familiar actors anchor both specials, with new faces adding fresh dynamics. For "Beyond Paradise," the lineup includes Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd, and Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, alongside guest appearances by Adrian Edmondson, James Lance, and Jonny Weldon.

"Death in Paradise" features Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose and Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey, with guest stars such as Josie Lawrence, Kate Ashfield, Pearl Mackie, James Baxter, Billy Harris, Oriana Charles, and Alix Serman enhancing the ensemble.

Viewing Options and Availability

Both episodes will broadcast on BBC One and stream simultaneously on BBC iPlayer, ensuring accessibility for UK viewers seeking holiday entertainment. The specials build on the franchises' track records of strong viewership, with previous seasons drawing millions through their mix of lighthearted drama and clever whodunits.

What This Means for Fans

These specials reinforce the enduring appeal of the "Death in Paradise" universe, offering escapism during the holiday season while potentially setting up plot threads for future seasons. For dedicated followers, the episodes could signal evolving character arcs—such as Humphrey's ongoing personal growth or Mervin's challenges—amid broader trends in British crime drama toward more character-driven narratives. This festive content may boost viewer retention for the BBC, especially as streaming competition intensifies, providing a comforting tradition in an era of fragmented media consumption.