Shakespeare & Hathaway - Private Investigators
A BBC One Original
Set in the rolling lanes and market towns of rural Warwickshire, the series follows Frank Hathaway, a hard edged private eye who prefers cold cases and dry wit, and Luella Shakespeare, a fresh faced recruit with a sharp instinct and a nose for trouble. The unlikely partners clash at first, with... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026
About Shakespeare & Hathaway - Private Investigators
Set in the rolling lanes and market towns of rural Warwickshire, the series follows Frank Hathaway, a hard edged private eye who prefers cold cases and dry wit, and Luella Shakespeare, a fresh faced recruit with a sharp instinct and a nose for trouble. The unlikely partners clash at first, with Hathaway's cynicism rubbing against Luella's optimism, but their complementary strengths soon unlock clues that more cautious investigators miss. Each case peels back the surface of small town life, revealing family feuds, hidden motives, and long buried secrets. The tone mixes witty banter with mystery, keeping the pace brisk and the mood playful. The cases stay grounded in human emotions rather than gadgets. The cases reveal truths beyond the crimes.
This British mystery drama premiered in 2018, created by Jude Tindall and Paul Matthew Thompson, produced by Eleventh Hour Films, with Jo Joyner and Mark Benton starring as Lu Shakespeare and Frank Hathaway. Its tone blends wit with warmth worldwide.
Critics praised the show for its light touch that balances humor with a gentle mystery, anchored by the odd couple dynamic between a seasoned investigator and a hopeful rookie. The Warwickshire setting gives a cozy backdrop where quirky locals and long standing secrets drive the plots and keeps viewers guessing.
The series has carved a niche in cozy crime and its playful wordplay hints at Shakespeare without becoming precious. Fans have shared fond moments online and Warwickshire is painted as a welcoming stage for mystery and character driven stories. Its light plotting makes it easy to revisit without commitment often.
While it attracted a warm reception from viewers, Shakespeare & Hathaway did not land major awards during its run. Still, its accessible charm and witty rapport between the leads earned it repeat viewings and a modest, loyal following. Its warmth and humor earned it a loyal following across streaming platforms.
Details
- Release Date
- February 26, 2018
- Episode Length
- 45m
- Rating
- TV-PG
- User Ratings
- 41 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 5
- Episodes
- 50
- Network
- BBC One, U&Alibi
- Status
- Returning Series
- Genres
- Comedy, Drama, Mystery
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Studio
- BBC Studios Drama Productions
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Jo Joyner
Luella Shakespeare
Mark Benton
Frank Hathaway
Patrick Walshe McBride
Sebastian Brudenell
Created by: Jude Tindall, Paul Matthew Thompson
Seasons (5 seasons, 50 episodes)
Series 1
10 episodes - 2018
Series 2
10 episodes - 2019
Series 3
10 episodes - 2020
Series 4
10 episodes - 2022
Series 5
10 episodes - 2025