Get ready to cancel your plans because the addictive detective drama Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators is back and better than ever! With its fifth season now available and a sixth on the way, fans are raving about this 'amazing' series that blends humor, heart, and high-stakes mysteries. But here's where it gets controversial: can a show about a mismatched duo of investigators—a tough ex-cop and a charming ex-hairdresser—really keep audiences hooked for six seasons? Let’s dive in and find out.
The beloved series, starring Jo Joyner and Mark Benton, has returned to screens with a ten-part fifth season that has viewers binge-watching and begging for more. Set in the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the show follows the unlikely partnership of Frank Hathaway and Lu Shakespeare as they tackle everything from corporate espionage to murder mysteries. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just the crimes that keep fans coming back—it’s the perfect blend of comedy, warmth, and quirky characters that make this cozy crime drama a standout.
With a stellar 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no wonder the show has been renewed for a sixth season, set to premiere on U&alibi in 2026 before heading to the BBC and iPlayer. Filming is already underway, and fans are buzzing about what’s next for Frank, Lu, and their eccentric assistant Sebastian (Patrick Walshe McBride).
What’s the buzz about season five?
Viewers have taken to social media to shower the latest season with praise. One fan gushed, 'I’m obsessed with the new series,' while another declared, 'I binge-watched it all and loved every minute.' Even after a two-year hiatus, the show hasn’t lost its charm, with one viewer noting, 'It was worth the wait—I thoroughly enjoyed it.'
Season five highlights: Spoiler-free sneak peek
Created by Paul Matthew Thompson and the late Jude Tindall, season five kicks off with Frank and Lu reluctantly reuniting after a falling-out. Their first case? A corporate retreat where a client is electrocuted right before their eyes. Forced to work together, they must solve the murder while navigating their own tensions. But that’s just the beginning.
From a murder mystery school reunion that traps them in an isolated mansion to a horror convention where a director is killed by his own creations, Frank and Lu find themselves in one wild situation after another. And when Lu’s house is stolen (yes, you read that right), the team pulls out all the stops to help her. But beware—a shadowy saboteur is lurking, determined to destroy their agency for good. Can they stop them in time?
What’s next in season six?
The upcoming season promises even more intrigue as Frank and Lu tackle new cases, while Sebastian chases his dreams in LA and introduces a new face to the team: Bea Gardiner (Aruhan Galieva), a dynamic assistant fresh out of drama school. Will she fit in, or will she shake things up?
What do the stars have to say?
Jo Joyner couldn’t contain her excitement about the renewal: 'Playing Luella is like slipping into a comfy pair of very bright, fluffy pink slippers!' Mark Benton echoed her enthusiasm, calling the show 'very special' and praising the warmth, comedy, and mystery that make it a joy to work on.
How to watch
Catch season five of Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators on U&alibi every Wednesday at 8 pm. Season six is set to launch in 2026, so mark your calendars now.
Controversial question for you: Is this cozy crime drama the most underrated show on TV? Let us know in the comments—do you agree that Shakespeare & Hathaway deserves all the hype, or do you think it’s just another detective series? Weigh in below and join the debate!
