Shakespeare and Hathaway Season 5 Release Date Revealed – Here’s When It Airs

Last Updated on April 22, 2026

Since its debut in 2018, Shakespeare and Hathaway: Private Investigators has become a much-loved staple of the cozy crime genre, combining light-hearted detective work with a touch of quirky British humour.

Set in the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the series follows an unlikely duo of private investigators solving a range of mysteries, often in the most eccentric and amusing ways.

But what exactly makes this show a must-watch for fans of cozy crime?

Here’s everything you need to know about the series, its characters, and why it deserves a place on your watchlist.

Plus, we finally have the update we’ve all been waiting for – the show is RETURNING with a fifth season hurrahhhhhhh

Season 5 Confirmed

I kid you not when I tell you that seeing the official announcement that the show had been renewed for a fifth season was the highlight of my day, maybe even my week.

I love it so much that I’ve watched every episode at least twice (don’t judge me), and given that the finale of season 4 aired in August 2022, I was seriously losing hope that it would ever return.

Then BBC Studios announced, via Instagram, that filming had begun on Season 5 and we would be getting new episodes in 2025!

And now the date we’ve all been waiting for: Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators season 5 premieres September 24th on Channel U&Alibi!

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The new episodes will premiere exclusively on Alibi first before launching later on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Much like other cozy crime favourites such as Father Brown or Agatha Raisin, Shakespeare and Hathaway delivers a sense of familiarity and warmth that fans of the genre love.

Whether it’s the comedic interplay between the characters or the satisfying whodunit plots, the series has a winning formula that keeps viewers coming back for more, and season 5 will be no different.

The Premise: Small Town, Big Mysteries

Shakespeare and Hathaway revolves around the crime-solving partnership between former Detective Inspector Frank Hathaway and ex-hairdresser Luella Shakespeare.

After leaving the police force, Frank Hathaway starts a private investigation firm. Early in the first series, he teams up with Luella, a newcomer to the world of sleuthing, after she finds herself embroiled in a murder case.

Set against the backdrop of Stratford-upon-Avon, a town famously known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the show frequently uses its Shakespearean connections as inspiration for episode titles and plotlines.

However, you don’t need to be a fan of the Bard to enjoy this series because the appeal lies in its charming mix of mystery, comedy, and character development.

The cases Hathaway and Shakespeare tackle range from murder and theft to fraud and family secrets, often involving eccentric locals who add to the lighthearted tone of the show.

A Likable Duo

One of the key reasons Shakespeare and Hathaway is such a hit is its pair of lead characters, played by Mark Benton and Jo Joyner.

Their on-screen chemistry and distinct personalities create a perfect balance for a crime-solving duo that viewers can’t help but root for.

Frank Hathaway (played by Mark Benton) is a former police detective turned private investigator. He is a world-weary yet sharp-witted character who brings his wealth of experience from the police force to his new role, but does so with a slightly gruff and reluctant demeanour.

Benton, who is well-known for his roles in Early Doors and Waterloo Road, brings warmth and humour to the character, making Frank an endearing figure despite his cynicism.

Luella Shakespeare (played by Jo Joyner) contrasts Frank’s rough-around-the-edges attitude. She is bubbly, optimistic, and full of enthusiasm for her new career as a private investigator.

A former hairdresser, she’s not initially well-versed in detective work, but her sharp instincts and determination quickly make her a valuable partner to Frank.

Joyner, familiar to many as Tanya Branning from EastEnders, plays Luella with a perfect blend of light-heartedness and intelligence, ensuring she’s more than just comic relief.

Supporting the main duo is Sebastian Brudenell (played by Patrick Walshe McBride), a struggling actor who works as their assistant.

Sebastian’s ability to adopt a range of disguises is often crucial in their investigations, adding an extra layer of fun to the series.

His flamboyant personality provides plenty of comedic moments, and his rapport with Frank and Luella is one of the highlights of the show.

Humor, Mystery, and Shakespearean Flair

Shakespeare and Hathaway offers a fresh take on the cozy crime genre, with its mix of mystery, humour, and picturesque settings.

Unlike darker crime dramas, the cases Frank and Luella tackle are rarely gruesome. Instead, they often involve quirky characters and scenarios, making each episode feel like a fun, self-contained adventure.

The show never takes itself too seriously, allowing viewers to enjoy the mystery-solving without the heavy emotional weight typical of other crime series.

As the title suggests, there’s a nod to Shakespeare in nearly every episode, whether in the form of episode titles, plot devices, or character names.

While these references add an extra layer of fun for literary fans, they’re subtle enough that viewers don’t need to know Shakespeare’s works to follow the story.

The success of any cozy crime series often hinges on its characters, and Shakespeare and Hathaway excels in this department.

Frank and Luella’s odd-couple dynamic provides endless entertainment, with Frank’s no-nonsense approach clashing hilariously with Luella’s more emotional and creative thinking.

Their friendship and growing respect for each other add depth to their partnership, making viewers invested in their personal and professional lives.

Filmed in and around the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, Shakespeare and Hathaway offers plenty of stunning backdrops that enhance the cozy feel of the series.

The quaint villages and historic landmarks give a sense of nostalgia and charm, perfect for a show that invites viewers to sit back, relax, and enjoy.