Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators Lands Another Renewal

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators has begun filming its fifth season, co-commissioned by BBC Content and UKTV.

The new installment, produced by BBC Studios Drama Productions in Birmingham, will premiere exclusively on UKTV’s specialist crime drama channel Alibi next year before launching later on the BBC and iPlayer. Seasons one to four are available on BBC iPlayer.

The deal is part of the BBC’s commitment to investment in the Midlands, which has seen drama commissions in the region continue. BBC Studios is handing international distribution.

Created by Paul Matthew Thompson and the late Jude Tindall, the series follows an unlikely pair of private investigators as they work the cobbled streets of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Helen Munson, commissioner for BBC Daytime, commented, “I’m delighted that Shakespeare and Hathaway are back! Expect more murder, more intrigue and of course more comedy in series five as Lu and Frank once again solve crimes in beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon.”

Claire Hookway, commissioning executive for drama at UKTV, said, “With its distinctive marriage of comedy, crime and mystery, we know Alibi viewers love Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators. We’re delighted to have this opportunity to treat them to the further adventures of this much-loved pairing on Alibi first and can’t wait to see Lu and Frank back on-screen with some new twisty and thrilling mysteries to solve.”

Jo Joyner, star, added, “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 five.”

Mark Benton, star, said, “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.”

Patrick Walshe McBride, star, commented, “I’m so excited to be back filming Shakespeare & Hathaway. We have so much fun making the show and we put a lot of love into it. 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?”

Deborah Sathe, creative director for BBC Studios Drama Productions, noted, “BBC Studios and the cast and crew of Shakespeare & Hathaway are so excited to be returning to Stratford-upon-Avon to film this hugely popular show. Viewers have let us know how much they have missed us, so we hope they are as thrilled as we are! 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!”