BBC viewers who have finished the fourth season of Beyond Paradise are being directed to another compelling crime drama, The Coroner, which originally aired in 2015. The series, set in the fictional coastal town of Lighthaven in Devon, follows solicitor Jane Kennedy as she returns to her seaside hometown to become the local Coroner. She investigates unexplained deaths alongside Detective Sergeant Davey Higgins, her childhood sweetheart, played by Matt Bardock.
Filmed Across South Devon Locations
The show was filmed throughout the South Hams district, including Salcombe, Hope Cove, Totnes, Dartmouth, and Paignton. Creator Sally Abbott, who has family in the area, stated on the BBC's writers' room blog that South Devon itself is a key character: “It's a gloriously beautiful place – lots of sea, rolling countryside and strangely old-fashioned, archetypally 'British'.” She added that the production aimed to shoot 80% of scenes outdoors, a luxury compared to other shows.
Critical and Audience Reception
The Coroner ran for two series, totaling 20 episodes, before its cancellation in 2017. Despite its short run, viewers have consistently praised the show. One fan remarked: “This is an excellent show. Sadly, it was only around for 2 seasons. Claire Goose plays the Coroner of Devon. She is very warm and friendly, but also very professional.” Another commented: “Original The Coroner (2015/16) was a fresh take on the mystery genre – not all the deaths were homicides and the lead characters' scenarios were different to many other series. Plus, the Devon location is great.” A third viewer said: “10/10 Really enjoyed this. Beautiful scenery and great characters. Just started watching this and now hooked.”
Availability and Cast
The cast includes Grace Hogg-Robinson, Beatie Edney, Oliver Gomm, and Ivan Kaye. The Coroner is currently available to stream on Prime Video and NOW TV. Despite being off the air for years, fans continue to express interest in a third season, with one viewer stating: “Need a Season 3. Why are there no more shows? It was left with a cliffhanger!”
