Why is Beyond Paradise Season 4 breaking the internet?

 Beyond Paradise Season 4 is filming in Cornwall with Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton. Get the latest on locations, plot, and more! Read now!

Introduction

Beyond Paradise, the Death in Paradise spin-off, has fans buzzing as Season 4 filming kicks off in Cornwall. Kris Marshall is back as the lovably awkward Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman, and Sally Bretton returns as his fiancée, Martha Lloyd. Social media’s exploding with fan posts—Sally was spotted grinning with locals in Looe, and Kris posed in his detective gear in Liskeard. 

Why does this matter? Because this show blends cozy crime with heartfelt romance, set against Cornwall’s stunning coastline, and it’s got a massive following—Season 1 pulled in 8.7 million viewers in its first month alone. With a 2026 release looming, let’s break down the filming locations, cast updates, plot hints, and what makes this show a must-watch for fans of quirky mysteries and small-town charm.

Cornwall’s Role as the Star of Beyond Paradise

Cornwall’s not just a backdrop—it’s practically a character in Beyond Paradise. The show’s set in the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott, but most filming happens in Cornwall, with Looe as the main hub. Why Cornwall? It’s got that perfect mix of fishing village vibe and dramatic cliffs, giving the show a distinct feel from Death in Paradise’s Caribbean glow. 

Producer Tim Key said they picked the West Country because “Devon hadn’t had a huge amount of exposure in TV drama”. Looe’s Fore Street and Guildhall double as Shipton Abbott’s market square and police station, but filming in narrow streets can snarl traffic if crews don’t plan right. Mess up, and you’ve got grumpy locals. Done well, it boosts tourism—Looe’s businesses saw a spike during past shoots.

Where Exactly Is Season 4 Being Filmed?

The Beyond Paradise crew’s been spotted across Cornwall and a bit of Devon, crafting Shipton Abbott’s world. Here’s where they’re shooting:

• Looe, Cornwall: The heart of the show, with its harbor and seven-arched Looe Bridge from 1854. Sally Bretton was seen near St Nicholas Church on August 12, 2024, chatting with fans. Mistake to avoid: not coordinating with locals, which can lead to blocked roads and complaints.

• Liskeard, Cornwall: Kris Marshall posed here in his detective outfit, likely on High Street. It’s got a gritty, market-town feel perfect for Humphrey’s cases. Productions must warn businesses to avoid disruptions.

• Port Eliot Estate, St Germans: This historic estate’s gardens and stables add grandeur. Weather can mess with outdoor shoots, so timing’s everything.

• Weir Quay Boatyard, Devon: A rare Devon location, used for boat yard scenes. Tides are a headache—miss the schedule, and shots are ruined.

• Neon Nightclub, Bodmin: Renamed “Bounce” in the show, it’s great for indoor scenes but needs crowd control to keep fans from crashing the set.

These spots make the show visually rich, but poor planning can delay production or annoy residents.

What’s New for Humphrey and Martha in Season 4?

Season 4’s filming started in August 2024, and fans are hyped for more Humphrey and Martha drama. After Season 3’s emotional end—choosing not to marry but fostering Rosie, only to lose her to her biological mom—the couple’s story is wide open. Will they foster again? Get hitched? X posts are wild with speculation, one fan calling Kris Marshall “by a mile the best DI”. The core cast is back: Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, and Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins. Hugh Dennis might guest star, adding some flair. Plot details are tight, but expect quirky crimes tied to Cornish lore. Writers must keep Humphrey’s goofy charm central—stray too far, and fans might tune out.

How Filming Affects Cornwall’s Communities

Filming Beyond Paradise pumps money into Cornwall. A 2022 Cornwall Live report said local businesses, from cafes to hotels, thrive during shoots. Looe’s land train even advertised “celeb spotting” to cash in on the buzz. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Narrow streets like Looe’s Fore Street get clogged, and parking’s a nightmare if crews don’t warn locals.

 In St Mellion, fans spotted “BP Unit” signs at the golf club for trailers, but vague signage can confuse people. Sally Bretton’s fan meet-and-greets, like her August 2024 chat in Looe, win hearts, but productions ignoring community needs risk backlash. Balance is key.

The Challenges of Shooting a Cozy Crime Drama

Making a UK-based crime drama like Beyond Paradise isn’t easy. Cornwall’s weather is a big hurdle—rain and fog can halt filming, unlike Death in Paradise’s sunny Guadeloupe. Kris Marshall loves Rame Head’s “smuggler’s paradise” vibe, but its cliffs are treacherous in bad weather. Another challenge is keeping the show’s light tone while tackling crimes. 

Season 1’s 7 million average viewers show the formula works, but too-dark plots could alienate fans. Humphrey’s quirky genius is the heart of the show—lose that, and it’s just another cop drama. Crews also need to nail logistics, like tide schedules at Weir Quay, or they’re stuck reshooting.

Why Beyond Paradise Resonates with Fans

Beyond Paradise isn’t just about solving crimes—it’s about Humphrey and Martha’s relationship and the small-town charm of Shipton Abbott. Fans love the mix of heart and humor, with 8.7 million tuning into Season 1’s premiere month. Social media’s full of love, with fans gushing over Sally Bretton’s “lovely” vibe after meeting her in Looe.

 The show’s success comes from its roots in Death in Paradise but with a UK twist. Writers must avoid overloading with guest stars or heavy plots, which could dilute the cozy feel. It’s a delicate balance, but when it works, it’s magic.

FAQs

Where is Beyond Paradise Season 4 being filmed?
Mostly in Cornwall, with Looe as Shipton Abbott’s main setting. Other spots include Liskeard, Port Eliot Estate, and Bodmin’s Neon Nightclub. Devon’s Weir Quay Boatyard adds a nautical touch. Weather and tides can mess up shoots, so crews need tight schedules.

Who’s in the Beyond Paradise Season 4 cast?
Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton lead as Humphrey and Martha, with Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn, and Felicity Montagu returning. Hugh Dennis might guest star. Too many guest stars could overshadow the main cast, so balance is key.

When will Beyond Paradise Season 4 air?
Filming began August 2024, with a 2026 release expected on BBC One and iPlayer. Past seasons aired in February or March, so expect similar timing. Weather delays could push it back.

What’s the plot of Beyond Paradise Season 4?
No confirmed details, but it’ll likely focus on Humphrey and Martha’s romance post-fostering drama. Expect Cornish-inspired crimes. Overcomplicating the plot could lose the show’s cozy charm.

Why film in Cornwall instead of Devon?
Set in fictional Devon, Cornwall’s Looe was chosen for its fishing community and charm. Producers felt Devon was underused in TV, but Cornwall’s vibe fit better. Mixing the two can annoy locals, so clarity matters.

How does filming impact Cornwall?
It boosts local businesses but can clog streets if not managed. Sally Bretton’s fan interactions in Looe build goodwill, but poor communication, like vague signs, frustrates residents.

Conclusion

Beyond Paradise Season 4 is filming now, bringing Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton back to Cornwall’s gorgeous coast. From Looe’s bustling harbor to Liskeard’s market streets, these locations make Shipton Abbott feel real. Fans are thrilled, sharing photos and hype on social media, eager for more Humphrey and Martha. With a 2026 release, the show’s cozy crime and romance mix is set to keep viewers hooked. Catch up on BBC iPlayer and share your thoughts below—what’s next for this duo?