Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2025: UK Air Date & Global Watch Guide Revealed

As fans of sun-soaked mysteries gear up for the holidays, the Death in Paradise Christmas special returns with fresh intrigue on the fictional island of Saint Marie. This BBC drama favorite blends cozy crime-solving with festive cheer, keeping viewers hooked on its clever plots and charming characters. Whether you're a longtime watcher or new to the police procedural, this 2025 edition promises locked-room puzzles and heartfelt moments.

Quick Summary The Death in Paradise 2025 Christmas special airs on Sunday, December 28, at 8:30 p.m. on BBC One in the UK and BBC iPlayer. US fans can stream it on BritBox in December (exact date TBA). In Australia, it's coming to BritBox AU shortly after. German viewers should check Das Erste or Joyn for local broadcasts, typically weeks later. It's a 90-minute festive whodunit with guest stars like Josie Lawrence.

When Does the Death in Paradise Christmas Special Air in the UK?

The special hits UK screens on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. on BBC One. You can stream it anytime on BBC iPlayer right after. This timing slots perfectly into holiday viewing, following the Beyond Paradise special the week before on December 21 at 9 p.m. Both episodes keep the festive spirit alive with island vibes and clever clues.

What Happens in the Death in Paradise 2025 Christmas Episode?

The plot kicks off at a lively office Christmas party in Saint Marie. Four co-workers wake up hungover to find a stranger dead in their villa's pool. The twist? The murder weapon—a locked drawer item from Swindon, thousands of miles away—baffles DI Mervin Wilson and his team. They rope in a familiar face for help while Mervin juggles news from his long-lost brother. Expect holiday chaos, island warmth, and a resolution that ties family ties tighter than a Caribbean knot.

This setup echoes classic Death in Paradise tropes: impossible crimes amid paradise settings. Fans love how it mixes tension with laughs, like Officer Darlene's quips or Catherine's rum punches.

Who Stars in the Death in Paradise Christmas Special?

Don Gilet leads as the sharp DI Mervin Wilson, bringing fresh energy since joining in season 13. His team includes Shantol Jackson as the no-nonsense DS Naomi Thomas, Ginny Holder as cheerful Officer Darlene Curtis, and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as tech-savvy Officer Sebastian Rose. Élisabeth Bourgine shines as the wise Catherine Bordey, offering local insight and holiday hospitality.

Guest stars steal scenes too. Josie Lawrence (from Outside Edge) plays a partygoer with secrets. Kate Ashfield (Shaun of the Dead) adds edge as a co-worker. Pearl Mackie (Doctor Who) brings star power, alongside James Baxter (Waterloo Road), Billy Harris (Ted Lasso), and newcomers Oriana Charles and Alix Serman. It's a lineup that nods to British TV royalty, boosting crossover appeal.

Where Can US Fans Watch the Death in Paradise Special?

In the US, the episode drops exclusively on BritBox in December 2025, with the exact date still under wraps—likely days after the UK premiere. BritBox holds North American rights, streaming all prior seasons too. If you're not subscribed, it's $8.99/month. PBS sometimes airs reruns, but specials stick to BritBox for timely access. Pro tip: Pair it with eggnog for that authentic feel.

How About Australia—When and Where to Stream It Down Under?

Australian viewers get the special on BritBox AU, with a release date TBC but expected soon after the UK airing. Past episodes hit ABC iview for free streaming, so check there for updates. If you're in the Outback craving Saint Marie sun, BritBox ensures no spoilers from mates across the pond. BBC First channel may broadcast it too—stay tuned to Foxtel guides.

What's the Deal for Germany and Other European Countries?

For Germany, Death in Paradise airs on Das Erste (ARD) with German dubs, but Christmas specials often lag by weeks or months. Streaming on Joyn or ARD Mediathek is your best bet—watch for announcements post-UK. In France, it's a staple on France 2, sometimes with quicker festive drops. Europe-wide, VPNs to BBC iPlayer work for expats, but respect geo-blocks. This global reach cements the show's status as a BBC export gem.

Bonus: Don't Miss the Beyond Paradise Christmas Tie-In

Can't get enough? The Beyond Paradise 2025 special airs first on December 21 at 9 p.m. on BBC One. Set in snowy Shipton Abbott, it follows Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) tackling a amnesiac mystery man and holiday heists. Guests like Adrian Edmondson (Ted Lasso's James Lance) add flair. Stream on iPlayer in the UK, BritBox elsewhere. It's the perfect prequel feast for Death in Paradise lovers.

What This Means for the Future of Death in Paradise

These back-to-back specials signal strong momentum for the franchise. With season 14 confirmed for early 2026 on BBC and BritBox, expect more DI Mervin arcs exploring his family roots—hinting at deeper emotional layers beyond puzzles. Guest star caliber, like Pearl Mackie, draws younger viewers via TikTok clips and Who crossovers. For Beyond Paradise, the Humphrey-Martha romance could spin off fully, creating a shared universe.

Globally, streaming deals with BritBox expand reach, potentially hiking viewership 20% in the US per past metrics. But challenges loom: Casting rumors swirl around Darlene's future, and climate shoots in Guadeloupe face hurricane risks. Overall, this cements Death in Paradise as a holiday staple, blending escapism with relatability. It proves light procedurals thrive in tough times, offering 90 minutes of joy amid winter woes. Fans, mark calendars—the island calls.

The series has evolved since 2011, from Ben Miller's quirky Richard Poole to Don Gilet's grounded Mervin. Each shift keeps it fresh, with 7-8 million UK viewers per episode. Internationally, it's a top-performer on Prime in New Zealand and PBS in the US. These specials boost AdSense-friendly engagement through fan theories and watch parties.

FAQ

Is There a Death in Paradise Christmas Special in 2025?

Yes, the 2025 special airs December 28 on BBC One in the UK. It features a poolside murder and guest stars like Josie Lawrence. Stream on iPlayer right after for instant replays.

Who Is the New Detective in Death in Paradise?

Don Gilet plays DI Mervin Wilson, introduced in season 13. He brings a cool, calculated style to Saint Marie's cases, balancing brains with growing island heart.

Can I Watch Death in Paradise Christmas Specials Outside the UK?

Absolutely. US and Australia via BritBox (December TBA). Germany on Das Erste later. Use VPNs cautiously for BBC iPlayer, but local platforms ensure legal access.

What Makes Death in Paradise a Holiday Must-Watch?

Its mix of brain-teasing mysteries and feel-good vibes fits festive downtime. Locked-room plots distract from family drama, while rum and sunshine evoke escape. Over 13 seasons, it's built loyal fans.

Will There Be More Beyond Paradise After the Special?

Yes, season 3 is slated for 2026. The Christmas episode teases Humphrey's future, blending romance and riddles. It's expanding the Paradise universe for more spin-off potential.