The Complete Episode Count: Unveiling The Total Number Of Episodes In The Paradise (2013 BBC Series)

For fans of the lavish period drama *The Paradise*, which premiered on BBC One in 2012, the question of its total episode count is often tied to the disappointment of its abrupt cancellation. As of today, December 12, 2025, the definitive answer for the popular series following the ambitious life of Denise Lovett is a total of 16 episodes, spread across two complete seasons. This count is specific to the British period drama, which was a lavish adaptation of Émile Zola's 1883 novel, *Au Bonheur des Dames*.

The series, which captivated audiences with its Victorian-era setting and the romantic and professional rivalry between John Moray and the talented shop girl Denise Lovett, ran for two successful but short seasons. Despite its loyal following and high production values, the show was ultimately cut short, leaving many viewers to wonder what might have been in a third season. This article breaks down the episode count, explores the reasons for its premature end, and clarifies the confusion surrounding other television shows that share the 'Paradise' name.

The Paradise (2013 BBC Series) Episode Breakdown

The BBC's adaptation of *The Paradise*, created by Bill Gallagher, focused on the rise of a young woman, Denise Lovett (Joanna Vanderham), who comes to work at the first modern department store, also called The Paradise, run by the charismatic John Moray (Emun Elliott).

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The series was structured into two distinct arcs, each containing eight episodes. The total episode count is a clean, even number, which is common for British dramas of that era.

• Season 1: 8 Episodes
• Season 2: 8 Episodes
• Total Episodes: 16

The first season, which premiered in 2012, introduced the core cast, including the formidable Miss Audrey (Sarah Lancashire), the loyal Dudley (Matthew McNulty), and Moray’s wealthy fiancée, Katherine Glendenning (Elaine Cassidy). It chronicled Denise's rapid ascent from a humble shop girl from the country to a trusted and influential member of the sales staff, culminating in a dramatic choice for Moray.

The second season, which aired in 2013, saw Moray return from his self-imposed exile in Paris, attempting to regain control of the store from Katherine and her new husband, the ruthless Tom Weston. This season continued the central love triangle and the business drama, concluding with what became the series finale.

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Why The Paradise Was Cancelled: The Lack of a Season 3

The most burning question for fans is not "how many episodes are there," but "why are there only 16?" The BBC officially confirmed on February 12, 2014, that *The Paradise* would not be returning for a third series, despite the second season ending on a note that could have easily led to further storylines.

The primary reason cited for the cancellation was a dip in viewership figures compared to other flagship period dramas on the network. The series was in direct competition with ITV’s similar department store drama, *Mr Selfridge*, which premiered around the same time and was renewed for multiple seasons. While *The Paradise* had a dedicated fan base and was praised for its production design, the commercial decision was made to pull the plug.

The show's cancellation left several character arcs incomplete for the fans who had invested in the lives of the staff, including Clara (Sonya Cassidy), Jonas Franks (David Hayman), and the future of the department store itself.

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Key Entities and Topical Authority: The World of The Paradise

To fully appreciate the 16 episodes of *The Paradise*, it helps to understand the historical context and the main players that defined the show. The series was a rich tapestry of social commentary, ambition, and romance, deeply rooted in the Victorian era.

The Core Conflict: Zola, Department Stores, and the Industrial Revolution

The entire premise is based on Émile Zola’s novel, *Au Bonheur des Dames* (The Ladies' Delight), which explored the revolutionary concept of the department store in 19th-century Paris. The BBC adaptation relocated the story to a fictional town in the North East of England, with the store itself filmed on an elaborate set at Lambton Castle in County Durham.

The show used the rise of the department store—a symbol of the Industrial Revolution and the new consumer culture—as a backdrop for the personal drama. This theme of old versus new is central, represented by the small shop owners, like Denise's uncle, Peter Wight, being threatened by the massive, seductive power of The Paradise.

The Cast and Their Roles

The stellar ensemble cast brought the period drama to life, providing many of the essential entities and character conflicts that drove the plot:

• Denise Lovett (Joanna Vanderham): The ambitious, intelligent protagonist who challenges the status quo.
• John Moray (Emun Elliott): The visionary but conflicted owner of The Paradise.
• Katherine Glendenning (Elaine Cassidy): The wealthy heiress whose love for Moray drives much of the second season's drama.
• Miss Audrey (Sarah Lancashire): The head of the Ladies' Wear department, a strict but ultimately kind mentor to Denise.
• Dudley (Matthew McNulty): Moray's loyal business partner and a voice of reason.
• Jonas Franks (David Hayman): The store's mysterious and intimidating chief of security.

Clarifying The Confusion: Other 'Paradise' Series Episode Counts

The search for "how many episodes are there in The Paradise" can be confusing because the name has been used for several other television productions. For topical completeness, it is important to distinguish the 16-episode BBC series from its namesakes:

1. Paradise (2025 Political Thriller)

A new series, a political thriller and sci-fi murder mystery created by Dan Fogelman, is set to premiere in 2025. This show is a completely different genre and plot. The episode count for its first season is:

• Season 1: 8 Episodes

2. The Paradise (Finnish Crime Drama - Paratiisi)

This is a Finnish crime drama (original title: *Paratiisi*) that began airing in 2020. The first season follows a detective who travels to Spain to investigate a series of crimes. The episode count for its first season is:

• Season 1: 8 Episodes

3. Death in Paradise (BBC Crime Comedy-Drama)

While often confused due to the similar name, this long-running, successful BBC crime comedy-drama is set in the Caribbean. Its episode count is vastly higher, with over 100 episodes across more than a dozen series, and it is still running as of late 2025.

In conclusion, when asking about the beloved period drama *The Paradise* that first aired on BBC One, the final, definitive episode count is 16 episodes across two complete seasons. While the show was cut short, its legacy as a lavish and compelling adaptation of Zola's work continues to draw new viewers who cherish the romantic saga of Denise Lovett and John Moray.