Shakespeare & Hathaway stars two main private detectives: Frank Hathaway and Luella Shakespeare. Frank (played extremely well by Mark Benton) is an ex-Detective Inspector who owns the business. He reluctantly allows Lu (beautifully played by Jo Joyner), a hairdresser, to buy into his business. The real treat is their assistant Sebastian – bravo Patrick Walshe McBride! Frank & Lu do the leg work associated with being private detectives and Sebastian does the undercover work. Sebastian is a total hoot >>> a joy to watch as he dons costumes while pretending to be different professions. Good thing he’s friends with a costume maker and that he aspires to being in the Royal Shakespeare Company!
The chemistry between the three regulars is terrific. Frank is sort of a grump, Lu is a ray of sunshine, and Sebastian is simply adorable. This is an upbeat show – as upbeat as a show can be that deals with death, betrayals, liars, cheats, and – well, you know, very bad people.
The show takes place in Stratford-upon-Avon -> and it is so beautiful that I find myself wondering why my neighborhood can’t have beautiful parks, historic buildings, flowers blooming, etc. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. And the actual detectives’ office is very realistic – exactly what you would expect — given that the main private detective doesn’t put much thought to the importance of order (vs. clutter)!
This series is truly a Cozy Mystery series – a lot of the things they investigate aren’t murders. You never see a mangled body – there are no morgue visits. This is a BBC production which started in 2018. As of 2022, they are in their fourth season. Each 45 minute episode is a self-contained mystery – which I much prefer over long-running mystery shows.
I totally recommend Shakespeare & Hathaway to everyone who wants to enjoy a truly Cozy Mystery show. Unfortunately it is only available on BritBox – however if you look at their lineup of shows – you’ll see that they offer a lot of Cozy Mystery shows.
ATF says
The series is available on PBS and PBS Passport in our area.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
ATF, thanks for pointing that out!
thetarotman says
@ATF, thanks for the info about watching it on PBS and PBS Passport. I shall look for it on my local PBS station.
Judy says
I also love Shakespeare and Hathaway. Their stories are just the right mix of mystery and comedy. I really love Britbox. The entire range of British TV on one streaming service. I still watch Acorn too.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Judy, those are both great services for any fan of British television!
Audrey says
I enjoy this series and our PBS station got me interested.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Audrey, it’s always great when PBS stations still get this sort of British television!
Anne says
I love this show! I found it recently and even though I promised myself that I would pace myself, I’ve already watched the entire 4 seasons. Such great chemistry with the main actors.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Anne, it’s definitely a great series!
Sharon in MD says
Danna, I’m looking at the free trials. Do you have to sign up for both free trials, Prime and BritBox? I would only be interested in BritBox. The Shakespeare & Hathaway sounds like a wonderful show.
Sharon in MD
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sharon, I believe you only need to get BritBox, but I’m not 100% sure about that! You might also need a Prime account, but might not need to actually have a paid subscription? Like I said, I’m not 100% certain.
Sharon in MD says
Thank you, Danna. I’ll check that out. I searched yesterday on my public library, and they have all of the Shakespeare & Hathaway DVDs! So, I ordered Season 1. Looking forward to it.
Cuppa Cozy says
My husband and I recently added a Britbox subscription too and are enjoying it. Shakespeare and Hathaway is a particular favorite along with Death in Paradise. I agree with everything you said in your review. We are on season 2 now and I’ve also noticed that the writers are doing some borrowing from Shakespeare for their plots. We watched one this week that borrowed from The Taming of the Shrew for its plot.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cuppa, those are definitely both great series!
Carlene Sidel says
I love Shakespeare and Hathaway! It is one of the best. All the characters are good and Sebastian is such a funny guy.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carlene, it’s definitely a favorite of ours!
thetarotman says
Danna, thank you for this wonderful article about this Cozy Mystery TV Series.
I have long been a deep Anglophile, and have a great fondness for things “across the pond.” Also, I happen to love the concept, especially as free Shakespeare productions have resumed in the NYC area.
I also found your comment about how you would love to see more beautiful parks in your area very sad. Where I live in New Jersey, the Mayor is committed to every aspect of living in a city being as enjoyable as possible. He is tough on crime, and big on beautifying the neighborhood, too. There is one park, about twenty blocks from me, that is very relaxing and has been improved upon considerably, these last five to ten years.
Regarding BritBox, given that my home is the “House of Streaming Services,” I have no doubt that at some point, BritBox shall be an additional one. Although I think I shall be the only one watching it, as my life partner rarely, if ever, watches British shows and movies, but that is OK.
Thanks for another great post.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Tarot, the problem for parks here in San Antonio isn’t really a lack of commitment… they’re quite lovely if you like “rugged” terrain, shrublands etc, but there just isn’t appropriate soil or sufficient water available for a greener look.
thetarotman says
@Danna, thank you for the additional info about San Antonio, Texas. Over the years, I have met people who either live in Texas or are from there, but live elsewhere, at this time. Interestingly enough, I have become quite “Twittery” with someone on Twitter who currently lives in San Antonio, but I do not exactly where, for obvious reasons.
I AM glad to know that your local government is committed to making the live of San Antonions (if I used the wrong form, I apologize) And yes, given the topography of Texas, it would be challenging to get certain areas greener, as opposed to browner, but I digress.
Barbara says
Wholeheartedly agree on your assessment, it is an excellent series all-around! I discovered in the nick of time that PBS just started airing Season 4 in my area, so I was able to catch the first episode. I also noticed that Mark Benton came back to Series Four lighter in weight: I almost didn’t recognize him! This series is also a good travel advert for the Stratford area; I often find myself researching the various locations used in the series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Barbara, I’d certainly love to be able to visit England some time, and shows like this certainly do increase that feeling! It’s seeming increasingly unlikely unfortunately…
Julie says
My family just discovered Shakespeare and Hathaway and are really enjoying it, too! We originally subscribed to Britbox (we also have Acorn) to watch Death in Paradise (my daughter and I love this one!) and we found other shows we like New Tricks. Like the cozy mysteries I read, I like watching mysteries that have some humor and great characters.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Julie, there’s definitely a lot of great material in BritBox and Acorn if you’re a fan of Cozies!
thetarotman says
Something tells me that my household shall soon have two additional streaming services: Acorn and BritBox. That would make nine or ten, if my count is correct. Good thing I do not pay for all of them! HA!!
MVS says
I love this show!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
MVS, so do we!
Diane Z says
I totally agree with you. Shakespeare and Hathaway is a treat to watch. The characters are well developed and form an interesting trio. I first watched the show on our local PBS channel.
I received a gift of the Acorn service and was disappointed not to find Shakespeare and Hathaway on their list of shows.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Diane, that’s a shame – it’s definitely one of the reasons we’re subscribed to BritBox. We alternate between that and Acorn, to try to keep our subscription costs down a bit.
Ellen H says
I, too, absolutely adore Shakespeare and Hathaway. As you say, it definitely is the perfect introduction to all things BritBox.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ellen, it’s definitely a great series!
Gayle says
It is also available on Public Television in some locations.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Gayle, that’s good to know!
Sylvia Mayfield says
I love Shakespeare & Hathaway! And yes, Sebastian is adorable! There are several good mysteries on Britbox, although many of those may be more “police procedurals” than cozy mysteries. There was another one called Rosemary & Thyme that was so fun as well. This series was based on the Rosemary & Thyme Mystery book series by Brian Eastman. The ladies are two professional gardeners who solve mysteries. There are some lovely gardens shown too.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sylvia, we’re also big fans of Rosemary & Thyme, though mostly the earlier seasons.
Janice G says
I really enjoy this series. I learned of it through the library’s list of new DVD’s. I have been able to watch the first three seasons and keep checking for the fourth series. For people without streaming services (like me) the library carries many great series including shows from Britian, Australia, and New Zealand.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Janice, that’s a great use of the library!
Meezan says
I’ve been thinking of getting Brit Box, but haven’t quite decided yet since I’m a little bit addicted to Hallmark and haven’t watched all of their mysteries yet. I just started watching them last year. When I can give my full attention to Brit Box for a week I’ll have to try the free trial. It sounds good, especially since you said it has a lot of cozy mysteries. I would love to see more shows like Murder, She Wrote –
weekly one hour cozies.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Meezan, there’s definitely plenty of Cozy and Cozy-esque material to be found on BritBox worth recommending.
Darby says
I love this series too! So fun to watch.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Darby, it’s definitely a fun one!
jev says
Agree wholeheartedly! Love Shakespeare & Hathaway and hope they continue to make more shows as I’ve watched all of them. Cozy mysteries that ultimately leave the viewer smiling! What fun!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jev, it’s definitely a fun series!
Chris says
Totally agree! Love this show!! The last episode I saw was Wudermas/Christmas episode. Hope britbox loads more! Also love the show Father Brown as well. Another good cozy.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Chris, I hope both of these continue as well!
Ian Jopson says
Apart from the enjoyable little crime mysteries the trio put their minds to, it is an excercise spotting all the Shakesperean connections (i.e. in firms and villains names). I’m sure many of them pass me by as I’m not too familiar with the Bard’s work.
On another point, a new series of Macdonald and Dodds is due to start next week.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ian, I’m also not the hugest Shakespearean scholar, so I’m sure I missed many as well!
Lydia M says
Shakespeare and Hathaway is in my top 10 “Light” cozy TV mystery shows! I love watching it (and re-watching) if I need a break from the more serious mysteries. Both lead actors are perfect, BUT I LOVE Patrick as Sebastian! He is terrific! I highly recommend it if you enjoy a fun cozy mystery!
Oh, I started out with Acorn, too, but added Britbox for the additional shows. My wonderful hubby bought both streaming services for me as gifts. I think I’ll keep him!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lydia, that’s definitely a great set of gifts!
thetarotman says
Lydia, I have often referred to my home as the “House of Streaming Services.” Currently, we have Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video. Also, since my life partner and I are major fans of “Star Trek” and “Doctor Who,” we also have Paramount Plus, formerly known as CBS AllAccess and Philo. Oh, and we also have Peacock Plus, the streaming service of the NBC Network. I only pay for Hulu and Peacock Plus, so I plan on keeping my life partner, too (smile).
Mrs. Ainee C. Beland says
Hello, Nice to get your newsletter. I am a BritBox subscriber for the sole reason of the show: Home Away from Home; I adore these folks who swap their home with that of another to spend a few days time at. It is something that I could never, ever do…to have total strangers sleeping in the same bed as ours. I am the selfish sort. Yet, the homes are lovely and so are the towns. Some of the home swappers seem very nice.
I do also like some of the earlier shows: Faulty Towers, Are You Being Served, and Keeping up Appearances; to name but a few.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ainee, those are all great as well, though in different ways.
Ellen says
Such an easy show to watch, as you say not a lot of violence or blood. Love the interaction between characters. Lucky for me I do both Acorn and BritBox.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ellen, we do both as well, though usually alternating between the two.
Mary Grace Murphy says
I love Shakespeare and Hathaway, too. The music at the beginning reminds me of the series Rosemary and Thyme several years ago. I watch Shakespeare and Hathaway on my local PBS channel so if you don’t have BritBox, you may still be able to find it there.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary, I can see what you mean bout the music feeling a bit like Rosemary & Thyme.
Moira Shepard says
This sounds great! What other cozy mysteries can you recommend on Britbox?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Moira, well, I talked about McDonald & Dodds last month… and I have a few more I don’t want to “spoil” that I intend to talk about in the next few months!
Susie says
This is also one of my favorite shows. I have been lucky enough to watch it on public television, however, they are only on season 2. I may have to breakdown and order Brit Box since I love their shows.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susie, I can say that we definitely find BritBox worth it, though we switch back and forth between a few services like it and Acorn.
Cathy says
FYI – I just discovered that Shakespeare & Hathaway is available on Amazon Prime, though you have to purchase it (one show for $1.99 or the season for $14.99).
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cathy, that’s definitely an option as well.
Anne says
Another great show I’ve just watched is The Madame Blanc Mysteries starring Sally Lindsay and Steve Edge. From Amazon: Jean White is an antiques dealer who runs a successful business with her husband, Rory. But when he suddenly dies and leaves her nearly penniless, Jean relocates to their one remaining asset – a cottage in French antiques hub Saint Victoire – and begins investigating Rory’s mysterious death.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Anne, that’s definitely another great series!
Constance says
One of my favorites! I wish The Last of the Summer Wine was back on my public station. That’s a really different show that will really grow on u! Lots of laughs!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Constance, I’ll have to check that one out as well!
RB says
It is also available on Hoopla. If your library subscribes to it, there
is no charge to sign up for it. Hoopla has many other mystery
series available.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
RB, thanks for the tip! I’m not familiar with Hoopla so I’ll have to give it a look.
Donna McLean says
Pardon the interruption, but Death in Paradise just announced a new series set in the UK and featuring DI Humphrey Goodman!!! I’m so excited!! I tried to share it on your Facebook page but I can’t figure out how to do it, lol.
Julie says
I saw that, too! Absolutely looking forward to watching it! Also saw that Murder in Suburbia will be airing on Britbox, starting July 5. It’s only 2 seasons but was a fun one.
Paula Eades says
Love this show.