Death In Paradise Returns With New Detective And Twists

Fans of the sun-soaked crime drama Death in Paradise have reason to celebrate as the beloved BBC series returns for its fifteenth season, premiering on January 30, 2026. The new season promises not only the familiar blend of mystery, comedy, and drama set against the idyllic backdrop of Saint Marie, but also a fresh face at the police station and plenty of intriguing developments for longtime viewers and newcomers alike. According to BBC One, the first episode airs at 9pm, with new episodes released weekly on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

This season, Don Gilet reprises his role as the eccentric British detective, DI Mervin Wilson. Gilet’s character, who arrived last year and gave the show a jolt of reinvention, now faces a host of new challenges—both professional and personal. As the official preview teases, the season opens with a suspicious death at Government House, where a man falls from the roof under mysterious circumstances. While it initially appears to be a suicide, DI Wilson suspects foul play. The twist? No one was seen on the roof with the victim, and the roof door was locked from the inside. Away from the investigation, Wilson is preoccupied with meeting his half-brother Solomon, the other son of the mother he never knew, adding a layer of familial tension to the unfolding drama.

But the biggest shake-up this year is the arrival of Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, played by Catherine Garton. Garton describes her character as "really fun to play. She's sassy, but she's like your big sister who will tell you what's what, but you can also come to her if you need to. You can have a laugh with her. She's very passionate about things, about her work and about the people that she grows to love, especially in the team. She’s also very determined, almost too determined sometimes…" Garton adds, "She has something to prove to herself and to others and sometimes she can do that to her detriment, but it comes from a place of passion. They will see ups, downs and lots of sass!"

Don Gilet, reflecting on the addition of Mattie Fletcher, notes, "There's definitely something of a rebel in Mattie. We haven't had that rebellious element, really. She's a bit younger, probably a similar age, give or take, to Officer Seb Rose, but she's seen a lot more. She’s a sergeant and she’s more experienced and is always on the front foot, whereas Seb is going through his rookie stripes. It’s great seeing how the two of them connect – there’s a nurturing side as well as a rebellious side. She’s a great addition to the team."

The regular cast returns in full force, with Don Warrington reprising his role as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, Elizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey, Shantol Jackson as Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose, and Daniel Ward as Solomon. The characters face their own arcs this season: Commissioner Patterson must win back the trust of the island after a recent absence, seeking guidance from old friend Catherine Bordey. Meanwhile, Sergeant Naomi Thomas and Officer Sebastian Rose help Mattie Fletcher settle in, though her past threatens to complicate her integration into the team.

For UK viewers, watching Death in Paradise Season 15 is as simple as tuning in to BBC One or streaming on BBC iPlayer, both of which are free to use with a valid TV licence. However, BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted, meaning international fans face a wait—or need to get creative. As Cybernews reports, viewers outside the UK can access the new season as it airs by using a VPN to connect through a UK server, effectively unlocking iPlayer from anywhere in the world. NordVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish are among the top recommended services, with NordVPN praised for its speed and reliability, Surfshark for multi-device streaming, and IPVanish as a budget-friendly option.

International release dates follow the pattern of previous years. In the United States, Canada, and Australia, Death in Paradise typically lands on BritBox one to three weeks after the UK premiere, with episodes released weekly rather than all at once. While no official dates have been confirmed for Season 15’s arrival on BritBox, fans in the US can expect access by mid-February 2026, with subscriptions priced at $7.99 per month. Canadian viewers should see similar timing, with BritBox Canada costing CA$8.99 per month, and Australians can anticipate a February 2026 release on BritBox Australia, which starts at AU$8.99 per month.

For those determined to watch the show as it airs in the UK, using a VPN is a popular workaround. The process is straightforward: download and launch your chosen VPN, connect to a UK server, log into BBC iPlayer, and start streaming. The added benefit? VPNs not only bypass geo-restrictions but also encrypt your internet traffic, protecting your personal data from potential cyber threats. Many VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so viewers can test the waters risk-free.

Streaming on various devices is also well supported. Whether you’re on a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or even a streaming stick like Roku or Fire Stick, most premium VPNs have apps for all major platforms. In cases where VPN apps aren’t supported directly, installing the VPN on your router can extend the protection and access to every device connected to your home network.

The legacy of Death in Paradise is impressive. Since its debut in October 2011, the show has delivered over 151 episodes across 15 seasons, captivating audiences with its unique mix of tropical escapism and classic whodunit storytelling. The franchise has even spawned successful spin-offs, including Beyond Paradise—with three seasons available on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and internationally on BritBox—and Return to Paradise, which has aired on ABC in Australia and BBC One in the UK, with streaming rights varying by region.

This season, the show’s writers seem determined to keep things fresh. DI Mervin Wilson’s struggle to connect with his half-brother Solomon adds a layer of emotional depth, while Sergeant Mattie Fletcher’s arrival injects new energy—and a bit of rebellion—into the Saint Marie police force. The opening case, involving a suspicious death at Government House, sets the tone for a season filled with twists, turns, and the kind of clever plotting fans have come to expect.

As always, Death in Paradise balances its light-hearted charm with real stakes. The interplay between seasoned veterans like Commissioner Patterson and newcomers like Mattie Fletcher keeps the dynamic lively, ensuring that even after 15 seasons, the show remains must-see TV. For those seeking a break from winter’s chill, Saint Marie’s beaches—and the mysteries that unfold upon them—offer the perfect escape.

With a new season, a new sergeant, and the same irresistible blend of intrigue and sunshine, Death in Paradise proves it’s still at the top of its game. Whether you’re watching from the UK or streaming from afar, there’s never been a better time to join the investigation.