The New Zealand-produced crime drama Blue Murder Motel, described as full of chaos, has finally been made available in the UK and is keeping fans hooked from the first episode. The complete first series is now streaming on ITVX, and a second series is in development.
What is Blue Murder Motel about?
The programme follows Australian married police detectives Vanessa and Cole, who decide to abandon their policing careers and their homeland. They invest in their aspiration: a charming 13-room motel in a sunny, seaside New Zealand town.
However, a string of murders in their adopted hometown prompts them to investigate and assist the local, inexperienced, sole-charge police officer in solving the crimes. Before long, their new enterprise becomes known amongst neighbours as the Blue Murder Motel.
Viewer reactions and reviews
The relatively obscure series has not accumulated sufficient reviews online to generate a rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, it has attracted substantial attention, with numerous viewers eager to share their endorsements.
One review described the programme as 'superb', noting it is "a huge hit" in New Zealand and Australia, where it reportedly enjoys comparable status to Death in Paradise and Shetland amongst British audiences. The review continued: "The setting is glorious, the murder mysteries are quirky yet entertaining and the characters are genuinely likeable. If you're looking for an escapist series that you won't tire of easily, Blue Murder Motel is a very good choice."
One viewer posted online: "It's funny, cosy and surprisingly sharp, with great chemistry, small-town chaos and a mystery that hooks you fast. Perfect comfort-crime vibes and I can't wait to keep watching. Episode one complete sold me on this show!"
Another concurred: "Just binged the first six episodes and had to pause to say how much fun this new show is. It's a classic cosy crime show so if you're not a fan of that genre scroll on, but the end of episode six just turned everything upside down! Was not expecting that and I'm here for it."
Where to watch Blue Murder Motel
Blue Murder Motel is streaming on ITVX.
