In a significant expansion of the Death in Paradise legacy, ABC has joined forces with BBC Studios Productions Australia and Red Planet Pictures to debut an Australian adaptation of the popular series.
Return to Paradise, slated for a 2024 release, revamps the successful British formula with a distinctively Australian twist. The new series will premiere on ABC and ABC iview before making its way to BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, and subsequently, to international audiences through BBC Studios‘ distribution channels.
Set against the picturesque scenery of Dolphin Cove, the series will blend the charm and intrigue of its precursor with the allure of the Australian coast. Return to Paradise is poised to serve a cocktail of six complex murder mysteries that promise to captivate viewers with their ingenuity and suspense.
The narrative centers on Mackenzie Clarke, an accomplished detective from the London Metropolitan police, who finds herself drawn back to her scenic yet haunting childhood town. Despite her successful career in London, Clarke’s return to Dolphin Cove is fraught with personal challenges, including facing past demons and a community that’s less than welcoming.
Peter Mattessi, James Hall, and Robert Thorogood stand at the helm as creators and executive producers, bringing to the table their seasoned expertise alongside a talented Australian writing team comprising Elizabeth Coleman, Alexandra Collier, and Kodie Bedford.
Rachel Okine, ABC Head of Screen, expresses excitement for the new project:
“We are thrilled to be partnering with BBC Studios Productions Australia and Red Planet Pictures to bring a unique Australian sensibility to this beloved franchise.
Return to Paradise promises to be whip smart, intriguing and entertaining – audiences of all ages are invited to play along to figure out whodunit, all while feeling as if they’ve been transported to the perfect summer holiday.”
Kylie Washington, BBC Studios Productions Australia‘s General Manager and Creative Director, anticipates the show’s reception:
“Like audiences around the world, Aussies love a good crime series, they’re addictive and bring in audiences week after week.
Death in Paradise is a bona fide hit so I’m excited to work with ABC and Red Planet Pictures to expand this world even further.”
Joint-MD of Red Planet Pictures, Alex Jones, reflects on the show’s potential:
“We are so proud of the global success of both Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise – each selling to hundreds of territories, watched by millions, and regularly claiming the position of top-rated drama in most of them.
Return to Paradise is a brilliantly exciting new addition to ‘The Paraverse’ which we are sure audiences will love just as much.”
Adding to the anticipation, Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, shares her enthusiasm:
“Everything we all love about Death in Paradise – the humour, the beautiful scenery, the likeable characters, the ingenious plots – now in a fabulous Australian setting.
I cannot wait for BBC viewers to be introduced to Detective Mack and the good (and not so good!) folk of Dolphin Cove. What a treat we have in store!”
With Kylie Washington and Warren Clarke of BBC Studios Productions Australia, Belinda Campbell and Tim Key of Red Planet Pictures, and Rachel Okine and Brett Sleigh of ABC as executive producers, Return to Paradise represents a significant stride in Australia’s premium scripted television landscape.
Another program doomed to failure with a cloned copy of a British classic.
Why haven’t they made an Australian midsomer murders
in the likes of brokenwood mysteries
Bring back doctor Blake after all Craig mclocklen was found not guilty at his trial.