The new six-part series Benidorm Is Murder premiered on Channel 5 on July 30, 2026. The comedy-drama, from Death in Paradise writer Ian Jarvis, follows retired detective Dennis (John Hannah) who runs a Scottish pub in Benidorm. He reluctantly hires true-crime-obsessed barmaid Rosa (Carolina Bécquer). In the first episode, police investigate the murder of a Take That tribute band member whose body was found floating in a pool.
Viewer Reactions
Many viewers took to social media to express dissatisfaction. One said: "First ten minutes of Benidorm is Murder and I already want to turn it off." Another commented: "Won't get a second series! This is #BenidormisMurder." A third added: "Time to turn this off already, and I can normally give a new series the benefit and stick things out for at least the 1st episode. Ghastly." A fourth wrote: "Not feeling it #BenidormisMurder". Another viewer remarked: "Another clichéd drama from #ch5. Predictable story, formulaic structure, poor script and poor acting. Just not interesting enough. Not for me."
Positive Feedback
Some viewers enjoyed the show. One shared: "I like the opening credits sequence. Very Mad Men/60s-esque. #BenidormIsMurder."
Episode Resolution
In the episode, Rosa believed the man under suspicion was innocent and convinced Dennis to help find the real culprit. They discovered that the hotel manager was behind the murder, trying to stop the victim from leaving with his daughter.
Cast Remarks
John Hannah said of the script: "Getting that comedy-drama balance is very difficult, and it was. There were funny moments, I responded to it personally, and the drama and twists and things, they really work." Carolina Becquer added: "I loved it, I love crime dramas and mysteries, I was not expecting it to be so funny. I think that's one of the things that attracted me most from the script. I was reading it at home and laughing out loud, and Rosa's character, I felt an immediate connection to her."
Benidorm Is Murder is available to watch on My5.
