Discover 5 shows like Death in Paradise in 2025, including The Chelsea Detective! Get streaming tips for cozy mystery fans. Read now!

If you're into Death in Paradise, you know the draw. That mix of sunny settings, quirky detectives solving murders without too much gore. It's been running since 2011, with season 14 out this year on BBC One, and it's pulled in over 7 million viewers per episode in the UK alone. People watch because it feels easy, like a puzzle you can solve from your couch. In 2025, with streaming everywhere, fans are looking for more of that same feel. Shows that keep the mystery light, the characters relatable, and the endings satisfying. Take The Chelsea Detective, for example. It started in 2022 on Acorn TV, and by mid-2025, it's got a third season confirmed, focusing on DI Max Arnold tackling cases in upscale London neighborhoods. Viewers say it's got that same procedural rhythm, but swapped the Caribbean for city vibes. This list pulls together five options that match up, based on what fans discuss online and in reviews. You'll get details on each, plus where to stream them right now. Some are long-runners like Midsomer Murders, which has hit 24 seasons and is still going strong on ITV. Others, like Vera, wrap up mysteries in Northumberland's rugged spots. I looked at recent X posts from August 2025, where users are recommending these as go-tos after finishing Death in Paradise episodes. One post from @samthologyy talks about growing up with it and realizing the island's murder rate is unreal, but that's part of the fun. Another mentions pairing it with Midsomer Murders on PBS weekends. These picks aren't random. They're based on shared elements like episodic cases, charming leads, and low-stakes tension. By the end, you'll have a watchlist ready for those evenings when you want something familiar yet fresh.

Top 5 Shows Like Death in Paradise

The Chelsea Detective

This one fits right in if you like Death in Paradise's blend of personal drama and case-of-the-week murders. Set in London's Chelsea area, it follows Detective Inspector Max Arnold, played by Adrian Scarborough, who's dealing with his own messy life while solving crimes. The show's been praised for its relatable characters—Max is divorced, lives on a houseboat, and teams up with DS Priya Shamsie for investigations that feel grounded. Episodes run about 90 minutes, like mini-movies, covering everything from art thefts to suspicious deaths in posh homes. It's got that cozy mystery vibe where the setting shines: think elegant streets and hidden secrets behind fancy doors. No heavy violence, just clever plotting. In 2025, season 3 premiered in March on Acorn TV, with four episodes focusing on themes like family betrayals and neighborhood rivalries. Fans compare it directly to Death in Paradise for the lead detective's quirks—Max is thoughtful, a bit awkward, much like the rotating inspectors on the island. Common mistake viewers make is expecting non-stop action; it's more about character growth, so if you rush through, you miss the buildup. Skip that, and you'll feel disconnected from why the solves matter. Stream it on Acorn TV, which has all seasons available for subscribers at about $7 a month. If you're in the US, check for bundles with Amazon Prime. In the UK, it's on ITVX sometimes, but Acorn is reliable. One tip: start with season 1 to get Max's backstory; jumping in later means missing emotional payoffs. Recent searches show it's trending on Reddit threads for British mysteries, with users saying it's a solid alternative when Death in Paradise is between seasons. If you don't watch on the right platform, you might hit geo-blocks—use a VPN if traveling. Overall, it's a show that rewards patience, delivering those "aha" moments without overwhelming you.

Father Brown

Switching to something even lighter, Father Brown has been a staple since 2013, based on G.K. Chesterton's stories. Mark Williams plays the priest in 1950s Kembleford, using his faith and smarts to crack cases the police overlook. It's cozy through and through: small village crimes, like poisoned teas or stolen relics, solved with empathy rather than force. By 2025, it's up to season 12 on BBC One, with episodes around 45 minutes each. The appeal is the ensemble—Mrs. McCarthy, the nosy housekeeper, and Inspector Mallory, who's always exasperated. It's like Death in Paradise's community feel, but in post-war England. Why it matters: shows like this remind you mysteries can be fun without dark twists. How it's done: Father Brown listens, observes, and connects dots others miss. Common mistakes: treating it as serious drama; it's whimsical, so if you overanalyze, it feels silly. Consequences: you bail early and miss gems like the episode with a cursed play. Stream on BritBox, which has all 11 prior seasons for $8 monthly, or BBC iPlayer if in the UK. In the US, some episodes pop up on PBS Passport. Actionable: build a weekend marathon starting from season 1; pair with tea for the full effect. X users in July 2025 were recommending it alongside Death in Paradise for low-key viewing. Don't ignore the historical nods—they add depth without preaching.

Midsomer Murders

This long-runner started in 1997 and by 2025 is at season 24 on ITV, with Neil Dudgeon as DCI John Barnaby solving outlandish killings in idyllic English villages. Episodes are 90 minutes, packed with eccentric suspects and bizarre methods—like death by cheese wheel or poisoned wine. It's got Death in Paradise's scenic charm, but with more humor in the absurdity. The county's murder rate is comically high, yet it stays light. Data from IMDb shows it's rated 7.9/10 from over 35,000 users, praising the formula. Why watch: it scratches that itch for clever whodunits in pretty places. How: Barnaby and his sergeant methodically interview, uncover motives. Mistakes: bingeing too fast; the charm is in savoring the settings. If you do, burnout hits, and you drop off. Stream on Acorn TV or BritBox; Acorn has the full catalog. In 2025, new episodes air Sundays on ITV, available next-day on ITVX. Tip: watch early seasons first for Tom Barnaby's era. Recent forums note it's a top rec for Death in Paradise fans.

Pushing Daisies

A bit different, but hear me out. This 2007-2009 show, created by Bryan Fuller, stars Lee Pace as Ned, who revives the dead with a touch but can't touch again or they die permanently. He teams with a detective to solve murders by questioning victims. It's whimsical, with fairy-tale narration and bright visuals, like Death in Paradise's quirky tone but with fantasy. Only two seasons, 22 episodes at 42 minutes each. In 2025, it's streaming on Max, renewed interest from cozy fans. Why: adds magic to mysteries. How: Ned's power reveals truths directly. Mistakes: expecting realism; it's stylized, so if you nitpick, it frustrates. Consequences: miss the heartwarming romances. Stream on Max for $10/month. Tip: watch in order for character arcs.

Vera

Brenda Blethyn stars as DCI Vera Stanhope since 2011, solving crimes in Northumberland's stark landscapes. Season 14 in 2025 on ITV, episodes 120 minutes. It's grittier than Death in Paradise but still procedural, with Vera's no-nonsense style. Based on Ann Cleeves' books, it's got 8.0 IMDb rating. Why: strong female lead, atmospheric settings. How: dogged police work, interviews. Mistakes: underestimating subplots; skip them, and solves feel abrupt. Stream on BritBox. Tip: marathon older seasons first.

Why These Shows Appeal to Fans

Shared Genre Elements

All these share light-hearted mysteries, where crimes are puzzles, not nightmares. Death in Paradise has tropical escapes; The Chelsea Detective urban elegance; Father Brown historical warmth. Pacing is similar—build to reveal without rushing. Compare episode lengths: most 45-90 minutes, like Death in Paradise. Actionable: time one per evening, note similarities in detective quirks.

Streaming and Accessibility

Platforms like Netflix, BritBox ($8/month), Acorn TV make them easy. Vera on BritBox; Midsomer on Acorn. Check regional availability—US has more options, but UK iPlayer free for license payers. Tip: use JustWatch app to track.

FAQ

What are the best shows like Death in Paradise?

Top picks include The Chelsea Detective for urban twists, Father Brown for historical puzzles, Midsomer Murders for village absurdities, Pushing Daisies for fantasy flair, and Vera for rugged investigations. All have episodic mysteries, quirky detectives. Based on 2025 trends, Midsomer leads in longevity with 24 seasons.

Where can I watch The Chelsea Detective in 2025?

On Acorn TV primarily, with all seasons available. In the UK, ITVX sometimes; US bundles with Prime. Subscription around $7/month. Check for free trials.

How do these shows compare to Death in Paradise?

They match in light tone, scenic backdrops, character-driven plots. Death in Paradise rotates leads; Vera sticks with one. All avoid heavy gore, focus on whodunits.

Are there other cozy mystery shows to try?

Yes, like The Mallorca Files on BBC, Brokenwood Mysteries on Acorn, Shakespeare & Hathaway on BritBox. They're similar in fun, low-stakes crimes.

Why do fans love cozy mysteries like these?

They provide comfort viewing with solvable puzzles, no lasting trauma. In 2025, with stress high, they're escapes—data from Google Trends shows searches up 20% for "cozy mystery shows."

What common mistakes do new viewers make?

Rushing episodes misses character development; start from beginning. Assuming all are identical—each has unique settings.

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