Best Death in Paradise Christmas Specials Ranked: 2023-2024

Introduction

Death in Paradise Christmas specials are a holiday tradition for fans who love a sunny murder mystery with a festive twist. Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, these episodes blend tropical vibes with clever whodunits, making them perfect for cozy winter viewing. Since the first special aired in 2021, they’ve become a BBC staple, drawing millions—8 million tuned in for 2023 alone. Each episode introduces guest stars, emotional arcs, and complex crimes, but which ones stand out? From 2023’s ghostly murder to 2024’s triple-Santa shooting, we’re ranking the best based on plot, cast, and rewatchability. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this guide will help you pick the top episodes and plan a 2025 viewing party. Let’s dive into the festive carnage!

#5 to #3: Solid Holiday Mysteries Ranked

The Death in Paradise Christmas specials from 2021 to 2023 laid the groundwork for the show’s festive formula: a high-stakes murder, emotional subplots, and a Caribbean holiday vibe. Here’s how the lower ranks stack up.

Why They Stand Out

• #5: 2021 Christmas Special (7.9/10 on IMDb)
  The first-ever special kicked things off with a bang. A wealthy shipping magnate, Philip Carlton, is found dead at a Christmas party, initially ruled a suicide. A mysterious Christmas card sent to a Londoner hints at murder, bringing DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little) and a returning Dwayne Myers (Danny John-Jules) into the fray. The plot’s twists, like hidden identities among suspects, earned it a 7.9/10 on IMDb. Fans loved Dwayne’s reunion with the team, but some felt the 90-minute runtime dragged. It’s a solid start, though, with festive cheer and a strong guest cast, including Sara Cox and Mathew Baynton. Watch this for nostalgia, but don’t expect the tightest pacing.
• #4: 2022 Christmas Special (7.5/10 on IMDb)
  This episode dives into a cold case haunting Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington). A podcaster investigating a child’s disappearance is murdered, forcing Neville to juggle personal drama and a complex case. The heavier tone, focusing on Selwyn’s past, sets it apart but sacrifices some holiday lightness. Rated 7.5/10, it’s engaging but convoluted, with critics noting one twist too many. The new opening credits and remixed theme tune also got flak. Still, Neville’s team chemistry shines, and the emotional depth adds weight. Pair this with mulled wine for a moody holiday vibe.
• #3: 2023 Christmas Special ("The Death Ghost")
  Airing December 26, 2023, this special drew 8 million viewers with a spooky twist. Entrepreneur Gerry Stableforth (Geoff Bell) dies after falling into a ravine, his last words—“It’s behind you”—hinting at foul play. Meanwhile, a houseguest, Debbie Clumson (Bronagh Waugh), vanishes, complicating the case. Neville’s mum, Melanie (Doon Mackichan), visits, adding humor and heart as she pushes him to move past his romantic woes. The panto-inspired clue and star-studded cast (Patsy Kensit, Youssef Kerkour) make it a fan favorite. Its movie-like visuals and emotional arcs lift it to #3, though the mystery’s resolution felt predictable to some.

Actionable Takeaways

• Pair these episodes with holiday snacks like gingerbread or tropical fruit platters to match the Caribbean setting.
• Watch for festive clues (e.g., the panto reference in 2023) to guess the killer early.
• Avoid binge-watching all at once—90-minute runtimes can feel long without breaks.

#2 and #1: Top-Ranked Specials Analyzed

The top two specials stand out for their bold plots and memorable character moments. Here’s why they’re the cream of the crop.

2024 Recap and Cast Highlights

• #2: 2024 Christmas Special (7.3/10 on IMDb)
  Airing December 22, 2024, this special introduces DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) in a wild case: three men dressed as Santa Claus are shot with the same gun, seemingly at the same time. Holidaymaker Stuart Fullwell (Marcus Brigstocke) is found dead on a beach by young Ollie, son of Jamie (Jim Howick). The plot unravels as an accidental shooting by Ollie leads to a blackmail scheme and a second murder to secure a business deal. Mervin’s abrasive Londoner attitude clashes with the team, but his vulnerability—tied to his late mother’s connection to Saint Marie—adds depth. Guest stars like Angela Griffin and Steven Hartley shine, but the convoluted plot frustrated some fans. Still, Mervin’s debut and the “Santarrific” chaos make it a must-watch. Stream it on BBC iPlayer for free in the UK or BritBox in the US on December 31, 2024.
• #1: 2021 Christmas Special (7.9/10 on IMDb)
  The 2021 special tops the list for its tight plotting and emotional punches. The murder of Philip Carlton, paired with a cryptic Christmas card, creates a classic whodunit with satisfying twists. Dwayne’s return after Florence’s absence adds warmth, and Neville’s investigation into a web of lies among suspects keeps you guessing. The 7.9/10 IMDb rating reflects its balance of humor, heart, and mystery. Some fans found the runtime bloated, but the guest cast (Elizabeth Tan, Tessa Bonham Jones) and Saint Marie’s festive glow make it endlessly rewatchable. It’s the gold standard for Death in Paradise holiday episodes.

Actionable Takeaways

• Host a 2025 viewing party with Santa-themed decor (think red hats and fake beards) to echo the 2024 special’s vibe.
• Recreate the 2024 plot by discussing “accidental” crime scenarios with friends during the watch.
• Start with the 2021 special for newcomers—it’s accessible and sets the festive tone perfectly.

Hosting Themed Viewing Parties in 2025

With a new Death in Paradise Christmas special likely coming in December 2025, fans can elevate their holiday viewing with themed parties. Here’s how to make it unforgettable.

Incorporating Rankings

• Start with the Best: For new viewers, begin with the #1-ranked 2021 special. Its straightforward plot and high energy ease people into the series. Follow with 2024 for Mervin’s intro, then 2023 for its emotional depth. This order builds excitement without overwhelming first-timers.
• Mix Food and Drinks: Serve Caribbean-inspired snacks like jerk chicken skewers or rum punch to match Saint Marie’s vibe. For 2024’s Santa theme, add red-and-white desserts like peppermint bark. Avoid heavy meals that distract from the 90-minute runtime.
• Engage with Clues: Pause midway to discuss theories. In 2024, the triple-Santa shooting had fans stumped—encourage guests to guess the blackmailer. In 2023, the “It’s behind you” clue sparked debates. This keeps everyone invested.
• Combat Binge Fatigue: Space out viewings across multiple nights. Watching all specials back-to-back (over 4.5 hours) can exhaust even diehards. One per evening with themed cocktails keeps it fresh.

Actionable Takeaways

• Step-by-Step Party Guide: 1) Invite friends via apps like Evite, mentioning the ranked watch order. 2) Decorate with tropical and Christmas elements—think palm trees with tinsel. 3) Stream via BBC iPlayer (free for UK license payers) or BritBox (US, December 31 release). 4) Prepare a quiz on plot twists (e.g., 2024’s accidental shooting).
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t skip the 2021 special—it’s the foundation. Ensure a strong internet connection for streaming, as iPlayer lags can ruin the mood. Don’t overcomplicate decor; simple Santa hats work fine.
• Consequences of Errors: A poorly planned party (e.g., no food or wrong episode order) can bore guests. Test your setup beforehand to avoid tech hiccups.

FAQs

1. What’s the best Death in Paradise Christmas special?
   The 2021 special leads with a 7.9/10 IMDb rating for its tight plot and emotional return of Dwayne Myers. A shipping magnate’s murder and a cryptic Christmas card deliver classic twists. The 2024 special, with Don Gilet’s DI Mervin Wilson, is a close second for its bold triple-Santa murder case, though some found it overly complex. Both are great, but 2021’s simplicity wins. Stream on BBC iPlayer or BritBox.

2. What’s the plot of the 2024 Christmas special?
   Three men dressed as Santa Claus are shot with the same gun, seemingly simultaneously. DI Mervin Wilson, a holidaying Londoner, investigates after being roped in by Commissioner Selwyn Patterson. The case reveals an accidental shooting by a child, Ollie, leading to blackmail and a second murder for a business deal. Mervin’s personal tie to Saint Marie—his late mother—adds depth. It’s a wild ride but convoluted. Watch on BBC iPlayer or BritBox (US, December 31, 2024).

3. How many Death in Paradise Christmas specials are there?
   There are four specials: 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. A fifth is expected in December 2025, based on the BBC’s renewal of the series through 2026. Each runs 90 minutes, featuring unique murders like 2024’s Santa shootings or 2023’s ghostly ravine death. All are available on BBC iPlayer in the UK or BritBox in the US, with the 2024 special hitting BritBox on December 31.

4. What are some themed party ideas for 2025?
   For a 2025 Death in Paradise viewing party, use Santa outfits and tropical decor to nod to 2024’s plot. Serve rum punch and jerk snacks to evoke Saint Marie. Watch in ranked order (2021, 2024, 2023) for the best flow. Pause to discuss clues like 2023’s “It’s behind you.” Use Evite for invites and test BBC iPlayer or BritBox streaming. Avoid overcrowding or tech issues to keep the vibe fun.

5. Where can I stream Death in Paradise Christmas specials?
   All specials (2021-2024) are on BBC iPlayer for free in the UK (with a TV license). In the US, BritBox streams them, with the 2024 special available from December 31, 2024. In Australia, catch it on BritBox from December 23, 2024. Use a VPN if traveling abroad to access iPlayer. Check your connection to avoid buffering during the 90-minute episodes.

6. What makes the 2023 special memorable?
   The 2023 special, aired December 26, stands out for its ghostly vibe and 8 million viewers. Gerry Stableforth’s death, with his cryptic “It’s behind you” line, suggests murder, while Debbie Clumson’s disappearance adds intrigue. Neville’s mum, Melanie, brings humor and heart. The cast, including Patsy Kensit and Bronagh Waugh, elevates it, though the predictable resolution dings it slightly. Stream on BBC iPlayer.

Conclusion

Death in Paradise Christmas specials blend sunny murders with holiday cheer, and the 2021-2024 episodes deliver unforgettable mysteries. The 2021 special tops the list for its tight twists, while 2024’s Santa chaos introduces Mervin Wilson with flair. Ranking these episodes—2021, 2024, 2023, 2022, and