The BBC is set to broadcast “Return to Paradise,” a new spin-off based in Australia, stemming from one of the UK’s most-watched dramas, “Death in Paradise.” Filming will commence next year, and the six-part series will be produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia in collaboration with Red Planet Pictures for the ABC, in association with the BBC.

Set in the picturesque seaside village of Dolphin Cove, “Return to Paradise” comprises six intriguing and intricately plotted murder mysteries, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Australian coastal scenery.

Mackenzie Clarke, an Australian expatriate, appears to be the shining star of the London Metropolitan police force. With her intuitive approach to detective work, she has earned a reputation for cracking even the most perplexing of cases. However, she is suddenly compelled to return to her childhood home in Dolphin Cove, a breathtaking coastal haven – which also happens to be Mackenzie’s worst nightmare.

Six years ago, Mack made a swift exit from her hometown, vowing never to return, leaving numerous loose ends and unanswered questions in her wake. Upon her return, her disdain for the town remains steadfast, and the inhabitants of Dolphin Cove share no fondness for her either. In fact, everyone would prefer her absence, including Mackenzie herself.

Yet, when a murder occurs in Dolphin Cove, Mack can’t resist putting her exceptional detective skills to use. Despite her reservations, she resolves to make the best of the situation, which includes confronting the man she left standing at the altar six years prior.

“Return to Paradise,” conceived and executive produced by Peter Mattessi, James Hall, and Robert Thorogood, will be scripted by Mattessi along with Elizabeth Coleman, Alexandra Collier, and Kodie Bedford.

This new series follows the success of “Beyond Paradise,” the spin-off set in the UK from “Death in Paradise,” which premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in February 2023, becoming the most-watched new drama of the year in the UK thus far.

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, says: “Everything we all love about Death in Paradise – the humour, the beautiful scenery, the likeable characters, the ingenious plots – now in a fabulous Australian setting. I cannot wait for BBC viewers to be introduced to Detective Mack and the good (and not so good!) folk of Dolphin Cove. What a treat we have in store!”

Alex Jones, Joint-MD of Red Planet Pictures says: “We are so proud of the global success of both Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise – each selling to hundreds of territories, watched by millions, and regularly claiming the position of top rated drama in most of them. Return to Paradise is a brilliantly exciting new addition to ‘The Paraverse’ which we are sure audiences will love just as much. It is a completely original drama but takes the essence of what viewers love about Death in Paradise – the fish out of water premise coupled with the most cleverly plotted murder mystery – and gives it a uniquely Aussie flavour. We are thrilled to already have the BBC on board as broadcast partners for the show in the UK, which means that us Brits will be sure to get to meet Mackenzie and the residents of Dolphin Cove!”

“Return to Paradise” will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The six-part series is executive produced by Kylie Washington and Warren Clarke for BBC Studios Productions Australia, with Belinda Campbell and Tim Key for Red Planet Pictures, and Rachel Okine and Brett Sleigh for ABC. The series is produced jointly by Studios Productions Australia and Red Planet Pictures for the ABC, in collaboration with the BBC. BBC Studios will handle global distribution for the series.

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