People who are always on the lookout for a guilty pleasure mystery may have found it with the upcoming UPtv show, The Sunshine Murders. The new show features some of my favorite actresses from my childhood, Stephanie Beacham and Marina Sirtis. The series, which follows two half-sisters, one a New Zealander and the other Greek, seems quirky and fun while also fulfilling my need to solve the underlying murder mystery in the story.
Here’s everything we know about The Sunshine Murders, including an exclusive sneak peek of the series.
What is The Sunshine Murders about?
The Sunshine Murders is about an unlikely crime-fighting duo made up of two very different sisters. Shirley (Emily Corcoran), a farmer from New Zealand in search of her biological father, travels to Athens and meets her half-sister and detective, Helen Moustakas (Dora Chrysikou). Shirley soon helps Helen solve crimes with her ‘bush’ wisdom and wit while they try to find their missing father.
In the series premiere, Greek Detective Helen is struggling with her job, her teenage daughter, Thalia (Chloe Stannage), and her ex-husband, when Shirley (Corcoran), a New Zealand woman, appears, claiming to be her half-sister. Although adamant that Shirley is unhinged, Helen inadvertently brings her to a crime scene involving the mysterious death of an archaeologist, where Shirley proceeds to unwittingly help with the case. After twisting her ankle, Helen has no choice but to agree to Shirley driving her to interview the suspects at a beautiful hotel, and later to Thalia’s school, which Shirley offers to do on the basis that Helen agrees to have a DNA test. That night, Helen is attacked outside her home, but is fortunately rescued by Shirley. Now, they must find the attacker. Â
Who’s in the cast of The Sunshine Murders?
Pictured (L to R): Stephanie Beacham as Lady Gloria Whitten-Soames and Peter Andre as George Constantinos in ‘The Sunshine Murders’UPtv
Stephanie Beacham (Lady Gloria Whitten-Soames)
Beacham is best known to US audiences as Sable Colby fromthe original Dynasty series and its spinoff, The Colbys. She also played Countess Regina Barthalomew opposite her The Sunshine Murders costar Marina Sirtis in the episode “Ship in a Bottle” of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Even though many of us in the US probably have not seen much of her since the 80s, Beacham has worked steadily ever since her first onscreen role back in the mid-1960s! Her more recent credits include Coronation Street, Whistable Pearl and Death in Paradise.
Marina Sirtis as Alexa Moustakas in ‘The Sunshine Murders’
Marina Sirtis (AlexaMoustakas)
Sirtis rose to international fame when she landed the role of Counselor Deanna Troi on Star Trek: The Next Generation. After seven seasons on the series and multiple movies in the franchise, Sirtis returned to reprise the role for the final season of Star Trek: Picard along with several other members of The Next Generation cast. Her other credits include several Hallmark films, voice work on multiple projects and appearances on shows such as NCIS, Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal.
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Pictured (L to R): Dora Chrysikou as Helen Moustakas and Emily Corcoran as Shirley Rangi in ‘The Sunshine Murders’
Emily Corcoran (Shirley Rangi)
Corcoran starred in films such as Compulsion, Crazymaker, and Duchess, the latter co-starring her The Sunshine Murders co-star Stephanie Beacham! Corcoran is also the show’s creator, writer, and producer.
Dora Chrysikou (Helen Moustakas)
Cbrysikou has starred mainly in Grecian television and film projects, including I Gi Tis Elias, I Zoi Tis Allis and Ilios.
Peter Andre (George Constantinos)
Andre is a singer/songwriter and reality show personality who has appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Deal or No Deal and Strictly Come Dancing.
Alexander Vlahos (Nick Georgiou)
Vlahos starred as that good-for-nothing reprobate yet undeniably handsome Charles Lockhart on the PBS series Sanditon, based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel. He played an even more unhinged and unprincipled cad in Outlander. His other credits include Merlin, Versailles and various Doctor Who podcast series, where he has voiced multiple characters.
Camilla Rutherford (Crystal Vale)
Rutherford has had recurring roles in series such as Hotel Portofino, A Very British Scandal and Rome. Other credits include Vanity Fair, Gosford Park and The Fifth Estate.
Nick Moran (Brian Stanley)
Moran can be seen in films such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and The Musketeer. Other credits include CSI: Miami, Mr. Selfridge and Whistable Pearl.
When is The Sunshine Murders release date?
The Sunshine Murders premieres with two episodes on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 8 p.m. ET on UPtv.
Where can I watch The Sunshine Murders?
The Sunshine Murders will air exclusively in the US on UPtv.
Related: Murder is on the Menu in Hallmark Channel’s ‘Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner’
Will there be a Season 2 of The Sunshine Murders?
No word yet if there will be a Season 2 of The Sunshine Murders, but check back here for updates!
Does Parade have a sneak peek of The Sunshine Murders?
Perhaps this will brighten up your day! Check out this Parade exclusive first look from Episode 2 of The Sunshine Murders. And don’t forget to tune in on Thursday, Sept. 4 for the two-episode premiere at 8 p.m. ET on UPtv.
Is there a trailer for The Sunshine Murders?
Yes! Check out a preview for The Sunshine Murders below.
Check out images from The Sunshine Murders
Take a look at some select images from The Sunshine Murders and tune in on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 8 p.m. ET for the 2-episode premiere on UPtv!
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The Sunshine Murders / UPtv
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.