Guadeloupe and Death in Paradise: the fan’s guide
Sainte-Marie doesn’t appear on any map. It’s the name given to Guadeloupe in the British series Murder in Paradise, which has been filmed entirely there since 2011. This guide brings together all the essentials for fans: the series’ stats, the cast season by season, where to start, where to watch it legally in France in 2026, and why the real Guadeloupe is worth a visit beyond the screen.
What you need to know about the series at a glance
A British series produced in the tropics
The concept can be summed up in one sentence: a British detective, ill-suited to the sun and coconut palms, arrives on the fictional island of Sainte-Marie to solve murders. Each episode is a self-contained, standalone investigation, making the series accessible even if you start in the middle. The original version, *Death in Paradise*, is produced by the BBC. In France, it is broadcast on France 2 under the title *Meurtres au Paradis*.
15 seasons and 123 episodes: a rare run
As of June 2026, the series comprises 15 seasons and 123 episodes, including 8 brand-new episodes for Season 15, which aired on the BBC from 28 December 2025 and on France 2 from 20 April 2026. This is a longevity that few British series achieve.
There is also a spin-off: *Mysteries in Paradise* (original title *Beyond Paradise*), the third series of which began on France 3 on 5 April 2026, for those who wish to explore the world of Sainte-Marie further.
The cast and characters who have left their mark on Sainte-Marie
Five detectives on the same island
This is one of the series’ distinctive features: the lead detective changes, and each transition is a major event for fans. Here are the five faces who have successively headed the fictional Honoré police station:
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Richard Poole (Ben Miller): seasons 1 and 2, the strict yet endearing pioneer.
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Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall): seasons 3 to 6, a more whimsical character who eventually resigns to follow his heart.
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Jack Mooney (Ardal O’Hanlon): seasons 6 to 9, an Irishman with a melancholic streak.
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Neville Parker (Ralf Little): seasons 9 to 13, whose awkward relationship with the climate and island life is a recurring source of comedy.
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Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet): from the 2024 Christmas special onwards, seasons 14 and beyond — a Londoner posted to Sainte-Marie, grappling, amongst other things, with the mystery surrounding the death of his biological mother, whom he never knew.
These transitions are deliberately kept brief here so as not to spoil the surprise for newcomers.
The recurring characters who embody the Caribbean spirit
Beyond the detectives, the true continuity of the series rests on the Guadeloupean characters who appear across the seasons.
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Commander Selwyn Patterson, played by Don Warrington, has been a presence since the very first episode.
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Catherine Bordey, played by Élizabeth Bourgine, runs the bar in the series with warmth and natural charm.
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The successive sergeants – Camille (Sara Martins), Florence (Joséphine Jobert) and Naomi (Shantol Jackson) – each bring their own unique personality to the island.
It is often these characters that stay with us the longest.
Where to start when you have 15 seasons ahead of you
The first two episodes to get a feel for the series
If you’re not yet familiar with the series, start with the first two episodes of Series 1.
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The first, ‘The Sheriff Is Dead’, establishes the setting, tone and main character with remarkable effectiveness.
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The second, ‘The Bride Was in White’, will give you a clear idea of how the investigations work.
These two episodes are enough to tell whether the series has you hooked. And generally speaking, it does.
Key moments not to be missed
If you’re already a fan and looking to pick up where you left off, a few episodes deserve special attention.
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The arrival of Humphrey Goodman in Season 3 (Episode 1) gives the series an unexpected new twist.
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For series 15, the episodes ‘Final Act’ and ‘Righting a Wrong’ are best watched in order and with an understanding of the context of previous series.
Where to watch Death in Paradise in France in 2026
France.tv: free, comprehensive, the go-to platform for catch-up
France.tv is the go-to platform for catching up on *Death in Paradise* in France, with no subscription required. All seasons broadcast on France 2 are available there, including the eight brand-new episodes of Season 15, which have been available since 20 April 2026. Registration is free and access is immediate.
France 2 and myCANAL as a complement
France 2 broadcasts new seasons live, with one new episode per evening during the series launch. Some episodes are also available via myCANAL for those who already use this platform. Availability on subscription platforms changes regularly: always check the broadcaster’s website before looking elsewhere.
The real Guadeloupe behind Sainte-Marie
Deshaies and the Leeward Coast, at the heart of filming
The village of Deshaies, on the north-west coast of Basse-Terre, has been the heart of filming since the series began. It is this village that represents Sainte-Marie on screen.
The fictional police station in Honoré is the former vicarage of the village church; Catherine’s bar is the restaurant Le Madras on the bayfront.
Note that the filming locations also extend towards Pointe-Noire and Sainte-Rose, beyond the village of Deshaies itself.
What the series never shows: the heart of Guadeloupe
The camera lingers on the coastal landscapes, the beaches of Grande-Anse and Anse de la Perle, and Deshaies Bay bathed in sunshine. But the real Guadeloupe is also experienced at higher altitudes, in the tropical forests of Basse-Terre, on the roads winding up towards the National Park.
The coastal strip stretching from Deshaies to Pointe-Noire and Sainte-Rose embodies precisely that Guadeloupean authenticity that the BBC teams have been capturing since 2011.
When accommodation is part of the experience
Something few guidebooks mention: the Habitation Caféière Samana Beauséjour, nestled in the hinterland of Pointe-Noire, is itself a filming location for the series. The crews filmed there during seasons 6 and 7.
Today, this restored former colonial coffee plantation has become an adults-only guesthouse, featuring two guest rooms and three five-star eco-lodges, holding both the Clef Verte and Esprit Parc National certifications.
To find out more about the two episodes filmed on location, compare the settings with what you’ve seen on screen, and book your stay, visit our dedicated page: → Death in Paradise: stay where the series was filmed
What you need to know before settling down on your sofa
Death in Paradise spans 15 seasons, features five detectives, recurring characters who embody the spirit of Guadeloupe, and a main platform where you can watch it all for free: France.tv.
Start with the first two episodes of series 1 if you’re new to the show, or catch up on the episodes from series 15 if you’ve been following the series since the beginning.
And when the series has made you want to set foot on the real island, remember that Sainte-Marie doesn’t exist on any map, but Guadeloupe is waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 — How many series are there in *Death in Paradise*?
15 series and 123 episodes in total, as of June 2026.
Q2 — Who is the current inspector in *Death in Paradise*?
Since the 2024 Christmas special, Inspector Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet.
Q3 — Where can you watch *Death in Paradise* for free in France?
On France.tv, available to stream for free without a subscription, as well as on France 2.
Q4 — Where is the series *Death in Paradise* filmed?
Mainly in Deshaies, Guadeloupe, on the Leeward Coast.
Q5 — Can you stay overnight at one of the series’ filming locations?
Yes, the Habitation Caféière Samana Beauséjour, in Pointe-Noire, hosted the filming of two episodes during seasons 6 and 7.
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