dramas

Death in Paradise fans have a while to wait for the next series, but luckily there are three cosy crime dramas that can fill the void

These three brilliant dramas should fill the gap nicely.

Death in Paradise face face a bit of a wait until the next instalment from Saint Marie, but there are a few “cosy” crime programmes that can take its place in the meantime.

The most recent series of the BBC crime staple – starring Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, who investigates various murders on a fictional Caribbean island – concluded in March.

The 16th series isn’t expected to air until early 2027, while the Christmas special remains months away, reports the Express.

Fortunately, there are a few crime programmes to bridge the gap for Death in Paradise fans. We have a look at some of the best ones to delve into during June.

A Taste For Murder

A Taste For Murder premiered in April, following widowed Metropolitan police detective DCI Joe Mottram, portrayed by Warren Brown, who travels to Capri with his daughter Angelica (Beau Gadsdon) as they process their bereavement.

During their stay, he starts getting involved in solving local crimes, including the death of a British holidaymaker and the questionable fate of someone who’d been making a routine dive.

It’s proven tremendously popular with audiences, with some declaring it superior to Death in Paradise.

One viewer posted on X: “Death in Paradise meets Whitstable Pearl meets Recipes for Love and Murder and I’m absolutely here for it.” Another viewer remarked: “If you like light-ish murder mysteries then give it a try. Similar theme to Death in Paradise but I think it’s much better. Gorgeous scenery/food & a better cast imo. It’s entertaining, and it flies by.”

A Taste For Murder is available on ITVX.

You’re Killing Me

Mystery drama You’re Killing Me launched on Acorn TV in May.

Situated in a picturesque New England town, the series follows novelist Allie (Brooke Shields), who joins forces with podcaster Andi (Amalia Williamson) to track down the killer of a friend.

One viewer left a comment on IMDb describing it as a “perfect mystery series”, while another remarked: “You’re Killing Me may find its place in the cosy mystery pantheon.”

Someone else commented: “At first glance, it seems like a reincarnation of Murder She Wrote. Writer, New England location and murders! It rapidly became its own show. Brooke Shields is absolutely hysterical in this. I never saw her movies or series so I didn’t know why to expect but I was instantly pleased. The support cast is enjoyable as well. Kudos to the writers for some clever dialogue.”

The Brokenwood Mysteries

New Zealand-based programme The Brokenwood Mysteries is currently on screens as the crime drama’s 12th season airs.

The series is set in the seemingly tranquil town of Brokenwood, which is “slowly being riddled with murders” and Detective Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea) must solve them.

The series can be found on U&DRAMA and Channel 4, with the official synopsis describing it as a show “about a detective who arrives on assignment in a small town where memories – and animosities – run deep”.

Fans have labelled it “outstanding”, with one viewer declaring: “I look forward to future episodes of this refreshing NZ ‘whodunnit’, which for me rates better than Midsomer, definitely better than Death in Paradise, but perhaps not quite as good as Lewis, Frost, or the Swedish version of Wallander.”

Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Downton Abbey may be over, but these Netflix period dramas are giving fans plenty to enjoy

Downton Abbey may have drawn the curtain on the beloved ITV saga, however, Netflix offers a wealth of period dramas.

For viewers eager to fill that void, the streaming giant is renowned for its vast collection of original and licensed content spanning numerous genres, and boasts an impressive selection of costume and historical productions perfectly suited to Downton Abbey devotees, reports the Express.

Much like the beloved ITV period drama that became a worldwide phenomenon after American audiences became utterly captivated by every twist and turn in Julian Fellowes’ fast-paced series, Netflix has three spectacular costume dramas that could arguably surpass Downton Abbey itself.

Here’s a closer look at each one and what viewers have had to say about them.

1. The Crown

Netflix’s magnificent House of Windsor epic The Crown is unrivalled in its excellence, according to devoted fans since its debut in 2016.

The series, crafted by The Queen screenwriter Peter Morgan, chronicles the British monarchy from the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign through to the 2005 wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.

The Crown underwent several cast changes to reflect the passage of time, with Claire Foy, Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton each taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown amassed a remarkable collection of awards, including 24 Emmys and two Golden Globes for best series, while Netflix disclosed back in 2020 that 73 million households had tuned in since its launch in 2016, according to BBC News.

Given that the series concluded in December 2023, considerably more viewers would have caught the show since that point.

Furthermore, a notable spike in viewership followed the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, as 17.6 million hours of The Crown were streamed on Netflix, the platform confirmed to CNN.

Viewers on Reddit have drawn comparisons between Downton Abbey and The Crown, weighing in on which they favoured.

One wrote: “I watched them both. I personally liked The Crown better although both are exceptionally well-done shows.”

A second chimed in: “The Crown. I could never fully get into Downton Abbey.”

A third Redditor observed: “Depends what you like. I prefer downton as The Crown is too slow sometimes. Downton also shows the life of all the staff in the Abbey as well as the rich people. The Crown has a way bigger budget, better cinematography and is about real historical characters [sic].”

2. Bridgerton

Regency bodice-ripper Bridgerton, adapted from the much-loved historical romance novels by American author Julia Quinn, stands as another hugely popular period drama on Netflix.

Each series centres on a different lead couple and explores various romantic storylines, amongst them friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers and fake courtship blossoming into genuine romance. Bridgerton proved a runaway success following its arrival around Christmas 2020, transforming into a massive pop cultural sensation much like Downton Abbey.

The opening season accumulated 113,300,000 views within the initial 91 days of release, while the third season attracted 106,000,000 viewers upon its debut.

The programme stands as Netflix’s ninth most watched English-language series ever, Variety reported earlier this year.

Since its original launch and following subsequent seasons, it’s been viewed by hundreds of millions of devotees – and the figure continues climbing.

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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Bridgerton.

The programme is set to return for a fifth and sixth season, meaning these viewing statistics will climb even higher.

Opinion remains divided on whether Bridgerton surpasses Downton; nevertheless, one Redditor commented: “Hard to say. Bridgerton is an alternative history romantic fantasy as compared to a period drama. I watch it, but to me it’s not nearly as good as Downton Abbey.”

Another stated: “I love both Downton Abbey and Bridgerton, but they are very different shows.

“I loved “Bridgerton,” but an attempt to draw similarities and differences to “Downton Abbey” is a proverbial apples-to-oranges comparison. I enjoy both for the space they occupy in entertainment,” a third observed.

3. The Empress

Lastly, sweeping German period drama The Empress has captivated audiences and draws from the actual life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Devrim Lingnau). The programme first launched in 2022 and charts the struggles and triumphs of a ruler navigating her romance with her husband, his conniving family, and the treacherous world of court politics.

The series ranks amongst the most watched non-English language programmes on Netflix, having amassed over 76 million views, according to What’s on Netflix.

One viewer took to IMDb to share their thoughts: “If you like The Crown, you’ll like this.”

They went on to say: “Just a couple of scenes at the first half. Romantic would be something like Pride and Prejudice or Bridgerton. This was more like Downton Abbey or The Crown, where in the drama is the focus.”

A second viewer enthused: “The acting is superb. I simply cannot believe how amazing this series is, and it easily rivals ‘The Crown’, ‘Downton Abbey’, ‘Outlander’, ‘Poldark’ and ‘Vikings’, and surpasses many others. It’s more serious than contemporary feeling shows like ‘Bridgerton’. In my opinion it is a contender with all the top historical dramas.”

The Crown, Bridgerton and The Empress are all available to stream on Netflix now

Eleanor Tomlinson is returning to screens in the new Channel 5 thriller The Fortune

Poldark actress Eleanor Tomlinson is returning to television screens as she leads the cast in a gripping new Channel 5 drama.

The 34-year-old actress is famed for playing Demelza Poldark on the BBC period drama across all five seasons from 2015 to 2019.

The character was the devoted wife of Ross Poldark, played by Aidan Turner, an army officer who returns to his native Cornwall after the American Revolutionary War in 1783.

Following her exit from Poldark, Tomlinson played Louisa Bryne in the period drama The Forsytes and Mary Brighton in The Nevers, a Victorian-set drama. However, the actress will now be appearing in the modern psychological thriller The Fortune, reports Radio Times.

The Fortune will premiere on Channel 5 on Tuesday, 2 June and follows Tomlinson’s character, Amanda, after she suddenly inherits a vast fortune from a man she has never met or heard of.

With his own family incensed to find out his estate is going to a supposed stranger, battle lines are soon drawn, and threats soon start to fly.

Amanda goes from her regular life of working in a café and being a happily married mother to her life being turned upside down.

Ahead of The Fortune landing on screens, Tomlinson has opened up to Radio Times about the direction of her career following her exit from Poldark.

“I’d done it for five years”, she said, “There are elements I miss, but it was time to do something else, spread my wings and push myself in a different direction.”

When asked which acting role she mostly gets recognised for by fans, she explained: “Poldark is the main one and I get a lot of One Day, and The Forsytes. It’s always nice when they get it right and don’t say, ‘Were you in Game of Thrones?’, ‘No, wrong redhead!’.”

As well as Tomlinson leading the cast, The Fortune also boasts the likes of Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis, All Creatures Great and Small favourite Callum Woodhouse and former EastEnders star Nina Wadia.

Also starring in the Channel 5 drama are Rebecca Front (The Thick of It), Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks), Paula Wilcox (Trying), Danielle Walters (Chewing Gum) and Denis Lawson (Bleak House).

The synopsis for The Fortune reads: “Amanda Blakefield’s life is a happy one, with her husband Jimmy and their son Luke. But when Amanda is left an enormous inheritance by a man she has neither met nor heard of before, her life starts to fall apart.

“Amanda becomes embroiled in the world of the Worralls, where Martin Worrall is head of a family bound in past secrets. As Amanda is drawn further and further into past events and relationships, all of their lives are turned upside down.”

It’s now been confirmed that The Fortune will premiere on 5 on Tuesday, June 2 at 9pm, followed by the second episode the following Wednesday evening at the same time.

A crime drama that has had fans gripped for decades is apparently going to be back

The future of an “addictive” long-running series has apparently been confirmed.

Law & Order – which started in 1990 and is now in its 25th season – is set to be renewed for a 26th run, Deadline has reported. While final details are apparently being worked out, it is thought that official word on the future of the police procedural is expected soon.

The news will thrill fans of the series, which has become hugely popular with viewers. Set and filmed in New York, the programme follows detectives of New York City Police Department’s fictional 27th precinct as they investigate crimes.

Its cast has included several huge stars over the years, with Sam Waterston, Jerry Orbach and Mariska Hargitay all being part of the show, while famous guest stars have included Viola Davis, Bradley Cooper and Ellen Pompeo. The current cast of the programme includes Maura Tierney, who starred as Abby Lockhart on the medical drama ER, and Tony Goldwyn from Scandal.

Law & Order originally aired from 1990 to 2010, then in 2021 it was announced that it was being brought back after an 11 year break.

It has also sparked several spin-offs, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Trial by Jury.

It has been a hit with viewers, with one posting on reviews website Rotten Tomatoes: “The best ever, realistic, true to life portraits seen in any movie or TV series.”

“Excellent,” said someone else, calling the show “completely addictive”.

“It’s like watching two shows, a police investigation series for the first half hour, and a legal series for the next half an hour,” another fan remarked.

“Great performances, lots of mystery and drama, very realistic.” Someone else praised the show’s “pitch perfect pacing”.

Another said: “Law & Order is one of my go-to shows to watch while sitting on the couch and vegging out. I’ve seen every episode multiple times, but I find the show comforting. That’s what Law & Order is – comfort food.”

NBC has been contacted for comment.

Law & Order airs on NBC in the US.