If you like your murder mysteries with sea views, quirky locals and a slightly more relaxed approach to homicide, ITV has picked up a new one for autumn. ‘Blue Murder Motel‘ is heading to ITV3 and ITVX in October, bringing a cosy crime mystery from New Zealand to UK screens.
The series follows married Australian police detectives Vinny and Cole, played by Michala Banas (McLeod’s Daughters, Halifax: Retribution) and Brett Tucker (The Residence, Station 19, The Americans), who have finally decided to leave their cop careers behind.
Their retirement plan sounds pretty idyllic. The pair invest in a charming 13-room motel in Mōwai Bay, a sunny beachside town in New Zealand, with the intention of swapping murder investigations for bookings, bedsheets and troublesome guests.
Unfortunately, only a few weeks into their new life, a dead body turns up in Unit 3.
With their peaceful new start rather dramatically derailed, Vinny and Cole find themselves helping local constable Jamie, played by Jayden Daniels, investigate the death. Jamie may be keen and very much by the book, but he is also rather inexperienced, meaning the retired detectives soon find themselves slipping back into their old habits.
And, because this is cosy crime, Unit 3 is only the beginning. Each episode brings a fresh murder for the pair to unravel, alongside the ongoing complications of running a motel and dealing with the colourful residents of Mōwai Bay.
‘Blue Murder Motel’ was created by Kate McDermott (Step Dave, Head High, My Life Is Murder) and Steven Zanoški, with scripts from McDermott, James Griffin, Paul Jenner and Marina Alofagia McCartney.
The directing team includes Josh Frizzell (The Brokenwood Mysteries, My Life Is Murder, Friends Like Her), Jacqui Nairn (Shortland Street, The Brokenwood Mysteries, My Life Is Murder) and Mark Beesley (Outrageous Fortune, My Life Is Murder). The series also marks the television directing debut of actress Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess).
The cast also includes Stephanie Tauevihi and Jaime McDermott.
The series is produced by Great Southern Television for TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ in New Zealand, with international distribution handled by About Premium Content. ITV describes the drama as already a smash hit in New Zealand and Australia, and it certainly looks like a good fit for anyone who enjoys shows such as The Brokenwood Mysteries and other light-hearted murder mysteries where picturesque scenery comes with a surprisingly high body count.
‘Blue Murder Motel‘ Season 1 premieres Sunday, 4th October 2026 on ITV3 and ITVX.
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