Death in Paradise is the shepherd’s pie TV we can’t get enough of | Michael Hogan
Today, Death in Paradise marks its 100th episode without much attention. The show, which is not considered as trendy, has surpassed other popular crime dramas like Happy Valley, Sherlock, Luther, Cracker, and Prime Suspect in terms of the number of episodes. How did this mediocre program manage to achieve such a feat? What makes it one of the most enduring crime dramas?
To begin with, Death in Paradise is extremely popular. On average, it attracts 8 million viewers which makes it the second most-watched drama on British TV, coming after Happy Valley. Overall, it is the sixth most-watched programme. Its latest spinoff, Beyond Paradise, was ranked eighth. Furthermore, another spinoff, Return to Paradise, will be released later this year. Surprisingly, the Paradise franchise has become one of the most significant assets for the BBC and has been broadcasted in over 240 locations worldwide.
What makes this show so popular, despite its somewhat confusing appeal? The answer lies in the fact that it is both narratively and visually relaxing. Filmed on the beautiful beaches of Guadeloupe, with swaying palm trees and turquoise waters, it's like leafing through a holiday brochure. Perfectly timed to air during the dark, dreary UK winter, the Caribbean setting provides much-needed escapism for the eyes. Additionally, the show's plots are classic cosy crime. Each episode follows a familiar formula, with a murder, a fish-out-of-water British detective leading the investigation, and flashbacks to reveal the culprit. The killer is carted off in handcuffs, and everyone hits the beach bar to celebrate. The show is a textbook whodunnit, satisfying viewers with the resolution of a puzzle. The good guys triumph, villains are vanquished, and the universe is restored to order. All in all, a perfectly soothing way to unwind at the end of a long day.
Beside the Traitors and Mr. Bates vs the Post Office - which attracted a lot of attention for different reasons - the hottest TV show at the start of the year was Fool Me Once, a Netflix series based on Harlan Coben's book. It starred Michelle Keegan and was streamed more than any other show in the first week of 2024, setting a new record for views. Because of this, Netflix has decided to make two more series with the author and will add them to their platform alongside other Coben productions, such as The Stranger, Safe, and Stay Close. These shows have similar themes of domestic drama and are filled with plot twists to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
GQ recently described the Coben universe as the TV equivalent of a greasy takeaway. You can't resist watching and end up binging, only to feel guilty afterwards. Similar shows are Reacher, You, The Night Agent, and Idris Elba's Hijack - addictive but forgettable. These shows fall into what Slate calls "trough TV" - popular but not prestigious. In contrast, Death in Paradise is like a comforting shepherd's pie on TV - old-fashioned and nourishing. It's in the same category as Midsomer Murders and Vera. These shows tend to air on Sundays when we want to relax after a busy week.
The show Death in Paradise offers a comforting and cozy experience, much like a meal prepared by a chef like Charlie Bigham or Delia Smith. It's different from the instant gratification of ordering from Deliveroo, but there's a place for both in our lives. Depending on our mood, we might choose a fast and convenient option or seek out something nourishing and simple. So, grab a seat on the couch and join us for the 100th episode – maybe with a comforting shepherd's pie in your hands.
