‘Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators‘ are set to return for a 5th Season, as the BBC and UKTV announce a joint recommissioning of the Stratford-upon-Avon-based drama.
Created by Paul Matthew Thompson and the late Jude Tindall, the series follows an unlikely pair of private investigators, hardboiled ex-cop Frank Hathaway (Mark Benton), and warm-hearted ex-hairdresser Lu Shakespeare (Jo Joyner), as they work the cobbled streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, solving thrilling cases and murders most foul.
The new season, produced by BBC Studios Drama Productions in Birmingham, is a co-commission by BBC Content and UKTV, and will premiere exclusively first on UKTV’s Alibi next year before launching later on the BBC and iPlayer. The deal is part of the BBC’s commitment to investment in the Midlands, which has seen drama commissions in the region continue such as the recently announced double commission for ‘Father Brown’ Seasons 12 and 13 with BBC Studios, and the acquisition of seasons one and two of ‘Sister Boniface’ from BBC Studios.
“I’m delighted that Shakespeare and Hathaway are back!” said Helen Munson, Commissioner for BBC Daytime. “Expect more murder, more intrigue, and of course more comedy in series 5, as Lu and Frank once again solve crimes in beautiful Stratford Upon Avon.”
‘Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators’ season four was the BBC’s second biggest daytime series in 2022. Its average audience was 2.3 million with nearly one-fifth (0.4m) of its total audience coming from iPlayer and was the biggest commissioned daytime series on iPlayer in 2022.
“With its distinctive marriage of comedy, crime and mystery, we know Alibi viewers love Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators,” adds Claire Hookway, Commissioning Executive, Drama, UKTV. “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.”
The series is produced by BBC Studios Drama Productions for the BBC and UKTV. Executive Producers are Neil Irvine for BBC Studios, Helen Munson and Rob Unsworth for the BBC and Claire Hookway, Commissioning Executive, Drama, for UKTV.
‘Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators‘ Seasons 1-4 are available right now on BBC iPlayer. If you want to keep track of this or any other show, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
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