Return to Paradise is the first Australian spin-off of the hit BBC franchise Death in Paradise, which officially premiered its second season on October 31, 2025, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The series stars Anna Samson as DI Mackenzie Clarke, a high-ranking London Metropolitan Police officer who is forced to return to her hometown of Dolphin Cove, Australia, under a cloud of professional suspicion. As of early 2026, the show has become a cornerstone of the “Para-verse,” alongside the original Caribbean series and the UK-based Beyond Paradise, distinguishing itself as the first in the franchise to feature a female lead detective.
Return to Paradise Season 2: 2025–2026 Schedule
Return to Paradise Season 2 launched on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 8:00 PM GMT on BBC One. The season consisted of six episodes, with the highly anticipated finale airing on December 19, 2025, just before the holiday special season began.
For Australian viewers, the series premiered slightly earlier on ABC TV and ABC iview, maintaining the successful partnership between the British and Australian broadcasters. The second season significantly expanded on the “fish-out-of-water” premise, as Mack officially decided to stay in Dolphin Cove rather than returning to London, leading to more permanent friction with the local community she once fled.
The Cast: New and Returning Stars
The 2025–2026 seasons have solidified a beloved ensemble cast that balances dry Australian humor with the franchise’s signature deductive brilliance.
Anna Samson (DI Mackenzie Clarke): The brilliant but socially awkward lead who solves cases through meticulous observation.
Tai Hara (Glenn Strong): Mack’s ex-fiancé and the local forensic pathologist; their “will-they-won’t-they” tension reached a breaking point in the Season 2 finale.
Lloyd Griffith (DSC Colin Cartwright): The bumbling yet well-meaning detective sergeant who serves as Mack’s primary partner in the field.
Catherine McClements (Senior Sergeant Philomena Strong): Mack’s formidable boss and would-be mother-in-law.
Celia Ireland (Reggie Rocco): The station volunteer and former teacher who provides local historical insight for tricky cases.
Iconic Filming Locations: Finding Dolphin Cove
While Dolphin Cove is a fictional coastal town, the production is filmed entirely on location in New South Wales, Australia. The stunning landscapes have become a major draw for the series, highlighting a side of Australia rarely seen in grit-heavy crime dramas.
The Illawarra Region
Most of the outdoor “Dolphin Cove” scenes are filmed in the Illawarra region, specifically around Wollongong. Key locations include the Sea Cliff Bridge, Austinmer Beach, and the village of Thirroul. The production team chose this area for its unique mix of sheer cliffs, turquoise waters, and lush escarpment forests.
Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Mackenzie Clarke’s iconic beachside house is located in Avalon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Other surf club and beach scenes are often shot at Bilgola Beach, providing the quintessential “Australian Paradise” aesthetic that defines the show’s visual identity.
Key Plot Twists: Season 2 Recap
The second season of Return to Paradise upped the stakes with “impossible” crimes that challenged even Mack’s legendary intuition.
The Apex Predator: A scientist is found dead on a runaway boat, seemingly killed by toxic gas in a high-security shark lab where no one else was present.
The Locked Theatre Murder: A rock star is killed in the middle of a stage performance while the building was surrounded by fans, leaving no clear exit for the killer.
The Wedding Cliffhanger: The finale, “Til Death Do Us Part,” saw Mack interrupt Glenn and Daisy’s wedding when a guest collapsed from a fast-acting poison, forcing a permanent rift between Mack and Glenn.
Practical Information and How to Watch
If you are catching up on the series in 2026, here is the logistical breakdown for streaming and physical visits to the “Para-verse.”
UK Streaming: All episodes of Season 1 and Season 2 are available on BBC iPlayer.
Australia Streaming: The show is a staple on ABC iview.
US & International: Distributed by BBC Studios, the show is available on various platforms like BritBox or regional streaming partners depending on local licensing.
Visit the Set: While Dolphin Cove is fictional, fans can drive the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales to see the Sea Cliff Bridge and the beaches featured in the show.
Cost: Access is free with a TV license (UK) or an ABC account (Australia).
Seasonal Context: A Winter Warmth
Much like its predecessor Death in Paradise, Return to Paradise is strategically scheduled during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months. By airing in November and December, the BBC provides viewers with a “sunshine escape,” making the bright Australian summer a perfect contrast to the cold British winter.
FAQs
When did Return to Paradise Season 2 start?
Season 2 premiered on October 31, 2025, on BBC One and ABC iview.
Where is Return to Paradise filmed?
The series is filmed in the Illawarra region of New South Wales (south of Sydney) and on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Is Dolphin Cove a real place?
No, Dolphin Cove is fictional, though it is inspired by small coastal towns like Thirroul and Austinmer in Australia.
Who is the lead actress in Return to Paradise?
The show stars Anna Samson as DI Mackenzie Clarke. She is the first female lead in the Death in Paradise franchise.
How is Return to Paradise linked to Death in Paradise?
It is an official spin-off. DI Mackenzie Clarke previously worked for the Metropolitan Police in London under DI Jack Mooney (Ardal O’Hanlon) before moving to Australia.
Will there be a Season 3 of Return to Paradise?
While not officially greenlit as of February 2026, the high ratings and cliffhanger ending of Season 2 make a 2027 renewal highly likely.
How many episodes are in each season?
Both Season 1 and Season 2 consist of six 60-minute episodes.
Can I watch Return to Paradise without watching the other shows?
Yes, while there are small “easter egg” references to the Caribbean series, Return to Paradise is a standalone mystery series that does not require prior knowledge.
Who plays the character Glenn?
Glenn Strong is played by Tai Hara, best known for his roles in Home and Away and Hyde & Seek.
What happened in the Season 2 finale?
Mack interrupted Glenn’s wedding to investigate a murder, leading to a dramatic confrontation that left their future relationship in doubt.
Is there a Return to Paradise Christmas special?
As of 2026, the show has not had a standalone Christmas special, though it usually wraps its season just before the Death in Paradise holiday specials begin.
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