Benidorm Is Murder made its debut on Channel 5 last night, and if you're a fan of classic British detective dramas — particularly Death in Paradise — then this is the show you didn't know you needed.14:22, 31 Jul 2026Updated 14:26, 31 Jul 2026Channel 5's new crime drama Benidorm Is Murder is perfect for Death in Paradise fans.‌The new detective series stars John Hannah as a grumpy retired police officer solving murders in sunny Spain. With nods to Death in Paradise, Midsomer Murders, and Bergerac, it's a love letter to classic British detective dramas‌But it's the show's knowing winks to the great British crime drama tradition that really set it apart.‌Dennis' new barmaid, Rosa, played by Carolina Bécquer, is an ambitious actress with an unashamed obsession with classic British detective shows — and the series makes the most of it, dropping in references to beloved favourites including Midsomer Murders and Bergerac. For long-time fans of the genre, it's an absolute treat.The connections to Death in Paradise run particularly deep. The two shows even share the same creator, and from the moment the Channel 5 series' theme tune kicked in, it was clear this was cut from the same cloth.In John Hannah's own words, Dennis is "miserable" — and that instantly calls to mind Death in Paradise's original lead detective, DI Richard Poole, played by Ben Miller. Both men are fish out of water, deeply uncomfortable in their surroundings, and not shy about letting everyone know it.‌The dynamic between Dennis and Rosa mirrors the relationship between Richard Poole and Camille Bordey (Sara Martins) in Death in Paradise series one, almost to a tee — complete opposites who somehow work perfectly together.Where Dennis is world-weary and reluctant, Rosa brings the enthusiasm and passion for detective work, drawing on her knowledge of British crime dramas to help crack cases. It's a pairing that shouldn't work on paper, yet it absolutely does.‌The opening episode wasted no time getting stuck in, kicking off with a Take That tribute band performing in Benidorm — and, spoiler alert, one of the performers ended up dead in the swimming pool, reports the Express.Death in Paradise fans will recognise the setup, as during series four, DI Humphrey Goodman (played by Kris Marshall) investigated the murder of a band member found in similarly watery circumstances.‌Dennis's bar, too, feels like a conscious nod to Catherine's Bar in Death in Paradise — the go-to gathering spot for the detective and his team.There are differences worth noting, of course. Benidorm Is Murder airs at 9pm, after the watershed, meaning the odd expletive surfaces here and there — a departure from Death in Paradise's family-friendly 8pm slot.The final reveal also takes a slightly different shape: rather than the classic gathering of all suspects in one room, Dennis demonstrates precisely how the crime was committed to his fellow detectives and Rosa before coming face to face with the killer.Article continues belowIt's a fresh twist on a familiar formula — and one that feels very much in keeping with a show that wears its love of British crime drama proudly on its sleeve.Benidorm Is Murder is available to watch on Channel 5.