Death in Paradise star Kris Marshall speaks out after a rare show cancellation and revival, explaining why it was a first in his career.
Introduction
Kris Marshall has seen many TV successes, but one moment still stands out in his career. The Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise star recently spoke about experiencing a show cancellation for the first time — and how it later came back because of fans.
The show was Sanditon, an ITV period drama based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel. After its first season, the series was cancelled. At the time, it looked final. No second chances. No revival plans.
But something unusual happened.
Fans stepped in. Viewers in the United States and the UK began pushing hard for the show’s return. They organized campaigns, shared messages online, and kept talking about the story long after it disappeared from screens.
By 2022, Sanditon was back. And for Kris Marshall, that reversal became a career moment he had never experienced before.
In 2025, as he continues leading roles in Beyond Paradise, his comments give rare insight into how audience power can still shape television today.
Historical Background: Kris Marshall’s TV Journey
Kris Marshall became a household name through My Family, then reached global audiences as DI Humphrey Goodman in Death in Paradise. His move into Beyond Paradise helped extend that legacy.
Before Sanditon, most of the shows he worked on followed predictable TV paths. They either ran their course or ended as planned. Cancellation followed by revival was not part of his experience.
That changed in 2019.
Sanditon struggled with early ratings and was cancelled after its first season. For many period dramas, that would have been the end.
It wasn’t.
Key Events and Timeline
Chronological Breakdown
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2019 – Sanditon Season 1 airs on ITV
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Late 2019 – ITV cancels the show
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2020–2021 – Fan campaigns gain traction, especially in the US
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July 2022 – Sanditon returns with Season 2
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Later confirmed – Two additional seasons approved
Turning Point
The moment US audiences embraced the show changed everything. Fan demand crossed borders and caught the attention of broadcasters.
Add 1–2 verified ratings figures here if expanding.
Expert Opinions and Industry Analysis
TV analysts often say fan campaigns rarely work. Sanditon proved otherwise.
Experts note three key factors:
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Strong overseas streaming numbers
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Organized fan messaging
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Clear demand for character-driven drama
Kris Marshall himself told RadioTimes this was the first show he worked on that was cancelled and then reinstated. That alone highlights how rare the situation was.
Industry voices now cite Sanditon as an example of audience influence in modern television.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Fan reaction didn’t stop after the revival.
Supporters:
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Created sand art near filming locations
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Flooded social media with renewal demands
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Continued engagement across seasons
Marshall described the support as “relentless.” Not negative. Not aggressive. Just persistent.
By 2025 standards, this level of fan organization is still uncommon for scripted drama.
2025 Update: Beyond Paradise and Christmas Return
In 2025, Kris Marshall appears in the Beyond Paradise Christmas special, returning as DI Humphrey Goodman.
The festive episode features:
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A mysterious man with no memory
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A photo linking him to Humphrey
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Multiple holiday cases unfolding at once
The episode airs Sunday at 9pm on BBC One, reinforcing Marshall’s continued role in the Death in Paradise universe.
Why This Story Still Matters
This story matters because it shows how television has changed.
Shows are no longer decided by overnight ratings alone. Global audiences, streaming success, and fan engagement now shape decisions.
For actors like Kris Marshall, it also proves careers can take unexpected turns — sometimes guided by viewers, not networks.
FAQs
What show was cancelled and revived?
The ITV drama Sanditon was cancelled after Season 1 and later revived.
Why was Sanditon brought back?
Strong fan campaigns, especially in the US, pushed networks to reconsider.
What did Kris Marshall say about it?
He said it was the first show in his career to be cancelled and then reinstated.
Is Kris Marshall still in Death in Paradise?
He now leads Beyond Paradise and returns for special episodes.
When does Beyond Paradise air in 2025?
The Christmas episode airs Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
Conclusion
Kris Marshall’s experience with Sanditon highlights a shift in modern television. Cancellation no longer always means the end.
Fan voices, international audiences, and long-term engagement now matter more than ever. For Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise viewers, Marshall’s story adds deeper context to his continued success.
In 2025, as he returns in festive specials and reflects on rare career moments, one thing is clear. Viewers still have power.
Do you think fan campaigns should decide a show’s future? Comment and share your thoughts.
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