Death in Paradise: BBC’s Caribbean Crime Drama Continues Its Winning Streak in 2025
A New Era for Saint Marie’s Police Force
Series 14 marks the first full season with new lead Don Gilet, who plays DI Mervin Wilson. Don Gilet has taken over as the fish-out-of-water British detective dispatched to the Caribbean. He made his debut in the 2024 Christmas special and is now in his first full season. The series, which wrapped on March 28, 2025, represents a fresh chapter for the long-running detective drama that has captivated audiences for over a decade.
Why Death in Paradise Matters
Death in Paradise has become a British television institution, offering viewers a unique blend of murder mysteries and tropical escapism. Death in Paradise is broadcast in 236 territories, demonstrating its global appeal. The show’s formula—combining classic detective work with Caribbean sunshine and light humour—has proven remarkably durable, making it one of the UK’s most beloved crime dramas.
Christmas Special and Series 14 Details
The BBC has confirmed that the 2025 Christmas Special will air on BBC One on Sunday, 28 December 2025, which places it nicely between Christmas and New Year, when many of us are still winding down. This year’s special sees DI Mervin Wilson and the team investigating after four co-workers wake up from the office Christmas party of a lifetime to find a stranger dead in the pool of their luxury Caribbean villa.
Don Gilet will be the fifth DI when he lands on the Caribbean island with 8 new episodes in season 14 in 2025. The series has introduced new cast members alongside familiar faces, ensuring continuity while refreshing the show’s dynamic.
The Future Looks Bright
The series is currently renewed for at least one more series, airing until 2026. This renewal demonstrates the BBC’s confidence in the format and its continued popularity with audiences. Ahead of its annual Christmas special, Death in Paradise star Don Warrington has teased that fans are “right to worry” about the future of his character Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, following the events of season 14, suggesting intriguing developments ahead.
Significance for Viewers
Death in Paradise continues to provide comfort viewing for millions of fans who appreciate its reliable formula of sun-soaked settings, clever mysteries, and heartwarming character moments. As the series evolves with new cast members whilst maintaining its core appeal, it demonstrates the enduring popularity of traditional detective storytelling with a tropical twist. For viewers seeking escapism combined with engaging whodunits, Death in Paradise remains essential viewing in 2025.