Return to Paradise Returns to BBC One With Two New Episodes and a Surprise Romance

Return to Paradise is returning to BBC One with a double helping of murder mysteries, as the third series of the Australian detective drama begins on Friday 6 November 2026 with two new episodes airing back to back.

Anna Samson reprises her role as Detective Sergeant Mackenzie Clarke, whose complicated personal life threatens to become just as difficult as the investigations she faces in the picturesque coastal town of Dolphin Cove.

The six-part series begins at 7.30pm on BBC One, with the second episode following at 8.30pm, while viewers will also be able to catch up through BBC iPlayer.

Two New Murder Mysteries Open the Series

The opening episode, Stilled Life, centres on the murder of an artist during an avant-garde performance at the Dolphin Cove art fair, with Mackenzie forced to examine how someone could have been killed in front of an audience.

The second instalment, Built to Kill, follows the death of a builder who falls from the roof of a construction site, initially appearing to have suffered a tragic accident.

However, the investigation reveals that the incident was murder, leaving the detectives attempting to explain how the killer could have reached a victim who appeared to be alone on the roof.

Further episodes will feature a wildlife worker killed inside a locked animal enclosure and a famous film director shot during her own screening.

The unusual cases continue the programme's combination of traditional detective mysteries, humour and character-driven storytelling, with Mackenzie working alongside Detective Senior Constable Colin Cartwright, played by Lloyd Griffith.

Mackenzie's Love Life Gets More Complicated

Following the departure of pathologist Glenn Strong, played by Tai Hara, Mackenzie attempts to concentrate on her police work rather than revisit the romantic complications that have followed her since returning to Dolphin Cove.

However, the arrival of a new pathologist, Leo Drake, threatens to disrupt those plans, with Jacob Collins-Levy joining the cast as a charming newcomer who quickly attracts her attention.

Glenn also remains part of the story, with his decision to pursue a different career creating difficulties of its own.

Mackenzie's problems are further complicated by the unexpected arrival of her mother, Jillian, played by Kerry Armstrong, whose strong personality threatens to test their already difficult relationship.

The new series will explore whether Mackenzie can move forward romantically while continuing to deal with the consequences of her complicated history with Glenn.

Returning Cast and New Faces

Catherine McClements returns as Senior Sergeant Philomena Strong, alongside Celia Ireland as Reggie Rocco and Aaron L. McGrath as Constable Felix Wilkinson.

Guest appearances throughout the six episodes include Bruce Spence, Mark Lee, Anthony Hayes, Matt Day, Robert Mammone, Ngali Shaw and Zöe Ventura.

New promotional images also show Mackenzie temporarily exchanging her usual waistcoat for a Dolphin Cove police uniform, while Leo is seen examining evidence during one of the team's latest investigations.

The series is an Australian spin-off of Death in Paradise, created by Peter Mattessi, James Hall and Robert Thorogood, with its production taking place in partnership between BBC Studios Australia Productions and Red Planet Pictures.

Watch the trailer:

UK Viewers Get Return to Paradise First

British audiences will be able to watch the third series before its Australian television premiere, which is scheduled for Saturday 14 November at 7.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.

In the UK, the opening two episodes air on BBC One on Friday 6 November at 7.30pm and 8.30pm, with BBC iPlayer also carrying the new series.

The first two series remain available through BBC iPlayer for viewers who want to revisit Mackenzie's earlier investigations and complicated relationships before the new episodes begin.

Where to watch: Return to Paradise series three begins Friday 6 November at 7.30pm on BBC One, with episode two at 8.30pm. Episodes are also available through BBC iPlayer.