The BBC’s Beyond Paradise, a spin-off of the beloved crime drama Death in Paradise, has once again captured hearts this festive season. Since its debut in February 2023, the show has aired 20 episodes over three seasons, featuring a stellar cast including Kris Marshall as Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman, Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, Zahra Ahmadi as Detective Sergeant Esther Williams, and Dylan Llewellyn as Constable Kelby Hartford. Joining them are Felicity Montagu, Melina Sinadinou, Jamie Bamber, and Barbara Flynn, who bring depth and warmth to this underrated drama.

This year’s Christmas special, aired on December 22, follows Humphrey and his team as they unravel a mystery surrounding an elderly man with dementia. Clutching only a photograph of Humphrey, the man insists he knows him and is searching for his sister, Louise. The team races against the clock to uncover clues to her whereabouts — all while navigating a series of holiday mishaps, including a break-in at a local wine bar and a bizarre emergency involving a man trapped in a snowman suit.

Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their overwhelming emotions. One viewer wrote: “I am a 49-year-old man and I’m crying my eyes out, that is how you do a Christmas episode, emotional, funny, heart… absolutely fantastic.” Another added: “Crying ugly tears at the #BeyondParadise Christmas special. So beautiful, poignant & emotional. I can’t handle it.”

Actor Kris Marshall described the episode as “a very personal story for Humphrey… it’s a very Christmassy story that warms the cockles.” Indeed, viewers agree — the special has been hailed as one of the most touching holiday episodes in recent memory, leaving many questioning why it doesn’t receive more recognition.

Despite the glowing response, the BBC’s 2025 Christmas schedule has sparked frustration among audiences, with fans lamenting the prominence of shows like Mrs Brown’s Boys and questioning why Beyond Paradise doesn’t get prime Christmas Day placement. One X user commented: “Beyond Paradise doesn’t get the credit it deserves… why didn’t the BBC schedule this for Christmas evening rather than EastEnders or Mrs Browns Boys?”

As the festive season continues, Beyond Paradise proves that it’s more than just a crime drama — it’s a heartwarming, emotional journey that resonates with viewers of all ages. With holiday crimes, heartfelt reunions, and unforgettable mysteries, this Christmas special has truly struck a chord, leaving audiences reaching for tissues and praising the underrated brilliance of the show.