BBC Announces ‘Shakespeare & Hathaway’ Season 5
Cozy mystery fans have waited a long time for this: the BBC announced that Shakespeare & Hathaway is back for Season 5, or as the folks across the pond say, Series 5.
Here are all the details including who is returning for the upcoming season.
Shakespeare & Hathaway Season 5 Is Happening!
On Tuesday, BBC announced that Shakespeare & Hathaway Series 5 is in production. That means Jo Joyner, Mark Benton, and Patrick Welshe McBride are back for Season 5. They portray the Stratford-upon-Avon detectives Luella Shakespeare, Frank Hathaway and Sebastian Brudenell.
It has been over two years since Season 4. Therefore, all fans of cozy mysteries or British detective shows like Midsomer Murders can get excited for more fun and intriguing mysteries from this talented trio.
Jo Joyner was thrilled to reprise her role as Lu. “I’m so excited to be stepping back into Luella’s bright and fluffy shoes! We have such loyal and brilliant fans who have been asking us daily if we’ll ever be back, so it’s wonderful to finally be able to say ‘yes!’ I can’t wait to see Lu, Frank, and Sebastian cracking more countryside crimes whilst squabbling fondly in series 5.”
As for Mark Benton, he is happy to return as the hysterical Frank. “I’m so thrilled to be making the show again. The reaction was phenomenal and hopefully, series five will be even better. I can’t wait.”
Lastly, Patrick Walshe McBride also shared his joy in returning to his role of Sebastian. “I hope viewers will be interested to find out what the characters have been up to over the last couple of years, and will enjoy accompanying us in a new season of murder and merriment. Anyone for Earl Grey?”
Sadly, who will not be back is Roberta Taylor who portrayed Gloria Fonteyn, costume store owner and Sebastian’s pal. Taylor died at the age of 76 on July 6, 2024.
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BBC Happy To Bring Back Quirky Detective Series
Shakespeare & Hathaway was the second most watched series on the BBC in 2022 when Season 4 aired. Thanks to fans, they are back for more. Deborah Sathe, the Creative Director for BBC Studios Drama Productions shared her enthusiasm for the return of this popular series. Sathe expressed hopes that the fans are as thrilled as they are to be back filming more episodes. Most of all, she acknowledged that the fans never gave up on asking for another season. “Frank and Lu haven’t lain dormant and poor Sebastian has been overworked, but criminals of Stratford Upon Avon beware, our super sleuths are back!”
Although the network did not share a release date, fans can assume that these high-anticipated episodes will premiere sometime in 2025.
Currently, the first four seasons of Shakespeare & Hathaway are available to stream on BritBox. Mystery fans, are you happy to see Lu, Frank, and Sebastian?
Absolute delight fills my being… I wished for a new season of my favourite funny sleuthing trio and Voila BBC; Ya done it!!
Thanks from a D•lighted D•voted Fangirl from way across the Pond in the Pacific Northwest USA.
So sad about Roberta Taylor’s death. I will miss her a lot and I miss her the way her voice. Who will take her place as Gloria? Hope it will be as exact as Roberta’s. Maybe Hellen Millen take Roberta’s place. Wait and see.
We just discovered “Shakespeare and Hathaway” this past year. Extremely pleased to hear you are doing a new season. Hopefully more than one new season before you call it over. The characters are terrific; the plots are very challenging and amusing; and, all in all, a great show! Thanks for your talents and skill! Looking forward to new shows.
This show is fabulous, with fantastic characters, and beautiful scenery, I can’t wait!
luv them all so much, and the timber frame houses and Luella’s car of course yeah 🙂
I just found out the great news! I am delighted! Shakespeare and Hathaway impresses the viewer with great acting by Jo Joyner, Patrick Walshe McBride, and Mark Benton. It’s my favorite! The acting chops, comedic timing and fun chemistry of the main three characters, thoughtful themes, great writing, excellent costumes, lush sets and scenery, cinematography, and lovely music are all amazing. Rewatch quality is the highest. I watch it on AMC/Acorn subscription. Congrats BBC and Shakespeare and Hathaway! For me, this show is a British icon! Wishing all the Best, from Sheila in New York
Love the show! Love it so much, I can’t wait to see what they are up to next. Here in the US we get old episodes from past years but they are worth the effort to catch them in PBS, Brit Box or Ovation.
It is special to see a fun mystery with a keen sense of humor and delightful characters. Too fun!!! Gotta’ have it.
Give us more, more, more…!
We watched the series on PBS in the suburbs of Chicago. Have really missed the show and can’t wait to see the new episodes. PBS or BBC?
Hello,
My guess is BBC and PBS. However, we don’t know in which order. When they announce the premiere date there should be more information. I am equally excited!
I’ve been checking Britbox on a regular basis for the past 2 years! Can’t wait to watch new episodes! From Illinois in the US, South of Chicago.
Absolutely thrilled and so excited for season 5 of Shakespeare and Hathaway! I need that show! I’ve rewatched seasons 1-4 several times!! Waiting with joy and anticipation!!!
Finally! I hope in this season the duo finally make Sebastien officially a detective instead of referring to him as a receptionist. His undercover personas make the show! This is one of my favorite shows on T.V…. great snappy writing and character interactions . great humor and plots too.
Can’t wait! I’ve spent a few rainy days re and re (🤭) watching on Britbox. Love everything and everyone about the show.