10 Shows Like Death in Paradise (2011)

Description: Like 'Death in Paradise', 'Bergerac' features a detective solving crimes in a beautiful island setting—Jersey in the Channel Islands. Both shows mix crime-solving with local color and the protagonist's personal life. However, 'Bergerac' is more action-oriented, while 'Death in Paradise' leans more toward cozy mystery.

Fact: The show was a major hit in the UK during the 1980s. John Nettles, who played Bergerac, later starred in 'Midsomer Murders'. The series helped boost tourism to Jersey.

Description: Similar to 'Death in Paradise', 'Murder, She Wrote' features a charismatic lead—Jessica Fletcher—who solves crimes in a small, close-knit community (Cabot Cove, Maine). Both shows mix light-hearted humor with murder mysteries, and the protagonists often rely on their intuition and deep understanding of human nature to crack cases. The episodic nature and the blend of mystery and charm make both series comforting yet engaging watches.

Fact: Angela Lansbury, who played Jessica Fletcher, was nominated for 12 Emmy Awards for her role but never won. Cabot Cove is often joked about as having an improbably high murder rate for a small town. The show was so popular that it inspired a spin-off book series featuring Jessica Fletcher.

Description: Like 'Death in Paradise', 'Midsomer Murders' is a British detective drama that combines crime-solving with a picturesque setting—though instead of a Caribbean island, it's the fictional English county of Midsomer. Both series feature a central detective who solves murders in a seemingly idyllic location, blending mystery with local color and eccentric characters. The storytelling is episodic, with each episode presenting a new case, making it easy for viewers to jump in at any point.

Fact: 'Midsomer Murders' holds the record for the highest number of on-screen deaths in a British television series. The fictional county of Midsomer is said to have a higher murder rate than any real place in the UK. The show has been running for over 20 years, making it one of the longest-running crime dramas in British television history.

Description: While 'Vera' is grittier than 'Death in Paradise', both series feature strong, unconventional detectives (DCI Vera Stanhope and the various DIs of 'Death in Paradise') who solve crimes in distinctive locations (Northumberland and Saint Marie). Both shows focus on character-driven mysteries and the detectives' unique approaches to solving them.

Fact: The character of Vera Stanhope is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves. Brenda Blethyn, who plays Vera, has won critical acclaim for her performance. The show is known for its stunning cinematography of the Northumberland landscape.

Description: Like 'Death in Paradise', 'Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries' is a visually stunning period piece that combines murder mysteries with a vibrant setting—1920s Melbourne. Both shows feature glamorous, unconventional detectives (Phryne Fisher and the various DIs of 'Death in Paradise') who solve crimes with flair and charm. The series also share a mix of humor, romance, and suspense.

Fact: The show is based on the books by Kerry Greenwood. Phryne Fisher's wardrobe is meticulously researched to reflect 1920s fashion. The series has a passionate fanbase and inspired a crowdfunded movie, 'Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears'.

Description: 'Father Brown' shares with 'Death in Paradise' a blend of crime-solving and a distinctive setting—this time, a quaint English village in the 1950s. Both series feature a protagonist with a unique approach to solving crimes (Father Brown uses his moral and philosophical insights, while DI Richard Poole and his successors rely on logic and forensic science). The shows also balance serious mysteries with warmth and humor.

Fact: The character of Father Brown is based on the stories by G.K. Chesterton. The series is filmed in the Cotswolds, known for its picturesque villages. Father Brown is one of the few detectives who doesn't carry a weapon or use violence to solve crimes.

Description: 'Shetland' shares with 'Death in Paradise' a strong sense of place—the remote Shetland Islands—and a detective who must navigate the tight-knit community to solve crimes. Both series blend murder mysteries with the unique cultures and landscapes of their settings. However, 'Shetland' is darker and more serialized, while 'Death in Paradise' is lighter and more episodic.

Fact: The show is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves. The series is filmed on location in the Shetland Islands, giving it an authentic feel. 'Shetland' has been praised for its realistic portrayal of island life.

Description: This New Zealand-based series, like 'Death in Paradise', features a detective solving murders in a small, scenic community. The show combines quirky local characters with intricate murder plots, and the lead detective, Mike Shepherd, shares the fish-out-of-water dynamic seen in 'Death in Paradise' (though Shepherd is a city detective in a rural town, not a British detective in the Caribbean). Both series have a light-hearted tone despite the dark subject matter.

Fact: The show is filmed in and around Auckland, New Zealand. The title 'Brokenwood' is fictional, but the setting is inspired by real rural Kiwi towns. The series often incorporates New Zealand's unique culture and landscapes into its stories.

Description: 'Grantchester' and 'Death in Paradise' both feature detectives who solve crimes in picturesque settings (a Cambridgeshire village and a Caribbean island, respectively). Both shows blend murder mysteries with personal drama and character development, and the detectives often grapple with moral dilemmas. The tone is a mix of light and dark, with moments of humor and warmth.

Fact: The series is based on the 'Grantchester Mysteries' novels by James Runcie. The real village of Grantchester is a popular tourist spot due to the show. The show explores the relationship between the detective, Sidney Chambers, and his friend, Inspector Geordie Keating.

Description: 'The Coroner' and 'Death in Paradise' both feature detectives solving crimes in scenic coastal locations (a Devon town and a Caribbean island). Both shows blend mystery with local charm and character-driven storytelling. However, 'The Coroner' focuses more on the forensic and legal aspects of crime-solving, while 'Death in Paradise' emphasizes the detective's intuition.

Fact: The show is set in the fictional town of Lighthaven, inspired by real Devon coastal towns. The lead character, Jane Kennedy, is a coroner who returns to her hometown after a divorce. The series was canceled after two seasons but has a dedicated fanbase.