Under the relentless, scorching sun of Spain’s most iconic seaside resort, a new kind of investigation is unfolding. Benidorm Is Murder, a vibrant new crime series produced by Blackbox Multimedia and Clapperboard Studios, promises to blend the gritty reality of a police procedural with the sun-drenched, chaotic, and colorful backdrop of one of Europe’s most distinctive holiday destinations. With ZDF Studios handling international distribution, the series is already generating buzz for its unique premise and the undeniable chemistry of its central duo.
The show centers on an unlikely pair of amateur sleuths: Dennis, played by screen veteran John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and a Funeral), and Rosa, portrayed by Carolina Bécquer. As they navigate the resort, they find themselves consistently at odds with the local police, frequently stepping on toes and taking charge of investigations that the authorities would rather handle themselves.
For John Hannah, the setting of the show is as vital as the script itself. "It’s a beautiful place where dark things happen," Hannah reflects. "Also, it’s real. It has golf courses, water sports, and entertainment up the wazoo. Everything you need. Sometimes you watch these shows and go, ‘I don’t buy it.’ But in Benidorm, anything is possible."
Bécquer shares this sentiment, noting that the authenticity of the location provides the show with a vital narrative anchor. "If it took place anywhere else, it would feel fake," she explains. "It works because it’s Benidorm. That’s exactly the energy you feel when you’re there."
The Charm of the Working-Class Resort
While Benidorm may not carry the glossy, high-end reputation of the French Riviera or the Caribbean, the creative team behind the show views its lack of polish as its greatest strength. It is a working-class enclave, a place where families, retirees, and vacationers flock to soak up the sun without the pretension of more expensive locales. According to Hannah, this setting provides a refreshing departure from the usual high-stakes, luxury-focused dramas that dominate the television landscape.
"It’s a very working-class world, and the working class seems to be out of fashion in terms of their stories and their narratives," Hannah says. "It’s populated by many people from that background, who are retired or on their vacation. Not everyone can afford the Riviera or the Caribbean. But they still want sunshine!"
The series serves as a testament to this unique slice of life. Architecturally and culturally, Benidorm is a "strange world," Hannah notes—a "little British enclave" that offers a window into characters rarely seen on modern television. He recalls the landscape of British drama in the 1980s, which was rich with working-class narratives and actors who would go on to become household names, such as Mark Strong, Daniel Craig, and Gina McKee. Benidorm Is Murder aims to capture that same spirit of grounded storytelling, even while operating within the framework of escapist crime fiction.
Embracing the Wacky Reality of Benidorm
The show’s commitment to authenticity extends to the vibrant, and sometimes eccentric, cast of characters that populate the resort. In the series, Dennis and Rosa cross paths with an array of figures: feuding Take That tribute bands, Irish bachelorettes, traveling comedians, and dedicated bingo enthusiasts. Crucially, however, the show refuses to condescend to these individuals.
"We also show the real people who are there," Hannah explains. "We try really hard not to be judgmental in real life, so why would we be in storytelling? Why look down on people who are perhaps a little overweight or have medical issues and require mobility scooters? They actually had mobility scooter races last year, and the police had to intervene."
For Hannah, the resort is a "wacky place," but one that offers its visitors a space to live out their dreams. This lack of judgment is central to the show’s tone; it finds the humanity in the bizarre and the humor in the mundane, ensuring that the audience is laughing with the characters rather than at them.
A Dynamic Duo: Dennis and Rosa
At the heart of the series lies the evolving relationship between Dennis and Rosa. They are, by all accounts, polar opposites. Dennis is an ex-cop who has essentially retreated from the world, spending his days in a local Scottish pub, while Rosa is a budding actress and a "ray of sunshine" who possesses a relentless drive for adventure.
"One of the things I like most about her is how passionate and enthusiastic she is," Bécquer says of her character. "She comes alive when she’s doing what she loves, and I love the relationship she has with Dennis. There’s almost a father-daughter dynamic, but also a brother-sister one because they get on each other’s nerves. She’s constantly trying to get him out of the pub and into adventures."
Hannah agrees, noting the resonance of their dynamic: "There’s something really lovely about that. I know my daughter often finds me embarrassing, too. Maybe it’s because of the age gap or because Rosa has difficulties with her own father and Dennis is estranged from his daughter. They are two jigsaw pieces that fit together."
For Hannah, stepping into the role of Dennis was a surprisingly natural process. Describing his character as someone who keeps a few football tops on rotation and manages his laundry only under duress, Hannah admits he enjoyed tapping into a side of himself he hasn’t often explored in his career. "When the writing is good, you find your character very quickly," he says. "It suited me, strangely. I also have a grumpy, Scottish side that I haven’t tapped into very often for work. I slip that suit on fairly easily."
Looking Toward the Future
As the series progresses, the tone shifts, moving away from the lighthearted nature of the resort and into darker, more complex territory. Toward the end of the season, Dennis’s past begins to catch up with him, culminating in a cliffhanger that leaves his future—and his partnership with Rosa—in jeopardy. "You think, ‘How the hell is he going to get out of this?!’" Hannah teases. "But I’m sure Rosa will save me somehow." Bécquer, staying true to her character’s protective nature, adds, "She’ll definitely try."
The success of the partnership, both on and off-screen, has already led to the development of a second season. The team is eager to continue exploring the world created by writer Ian Jarvis. Bécquer highlights the enduring appeal of "cozy crime," a genre that offers viewers a sense of comfort and resolution in an otherwise uncertain world. "Sometimes, you need something that isn’t psychologically exhausting," she notes. "Here, you’ll get some clues, you’ll get your answers, and you’ll have a good time."
Ultimately, Benidorm Is Murder serves as a counterpoint to the increasingly dark and tense landscape of modern global news. While viewers may occasionally crave a grim psychological thriller, there is a persistent need for the kind of sun-drenched escapism that only a place like Benidorm can provide.
"We’re living in dark times," Hannah observes, reflecting on the current state of global affairs, from the rapid rise of AI to political instability. He sees the project as a necessary antidote to that gloom, a way to offer audiences a moment of sunshine. "Sometimes, people just want a bit of escapism. Who doesn’t want sunshine and beaches when the world is so overcast and cloudy?"
With a second season already in the works, it appears that audiences are ready to join Dennis and Rosa on their journey, finding both the thrills of a good mystery and the warmth of a Mediterranean vacation. As the series prepares for its wider release, the focus remains on the blend of humor, heart, and hard-boiled investigation that makes Benidorm Is Murder a standout production. For those seeking a story that embraces the complexities of its characters while celebrating the strange, vibrant life of a Spanish resort town, the show promises an engaging and much-needed retreat.
