So, you’re looking for Luella Shakespeare and Frank Hathaway. Honestly, I get it. There is something incredibly soothing about watching a grumpy ex-cop and a former hairdresser solve murders in the middle of sunny Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s the ultimate "comfort watch." But finding where to click play on Shakespeare and Hathaway streaming services has become a bit of a moving target lately, especially with the brand-new episodes dropping and rights shifting between platforms.
The show isn't just another police procedural. It’s colorful. It’s funny. It doesn't make you want to hide under the covers.
Where Can You Actually Stream Shakespeare and Hathaway Right Now?
If you are in the United States or Canada, the situation is pretty straightforward, but you have to know which app to open. BritBox is the primary home for the series. They recently added Season 5 in late 2025, so if you’ve been waiting for the "influencer murder" or the "deadly corporate retreat" episodes, that’s where they are living.
Wait. There's a catch for some of you.
🔗 Read more: Why Gundam Mobile Suit SEED is Still the Most Divisive Show in Anime
If you're a Hallmark+ subscriber, you might have noticed the duo popping up there too. Hallmark has carved out a nice little corner for "cosy crime," and they have a partnership to stream the series. However, BritBox usually gets the newest seasons first as a "BritBox Original" or exclusive premiere in North America.
For the folks in the UK, things are changing. While the BBC has always been the home of the show, U&alibi (formerly just Alibi) has actually been the first place to see Season 5. It premiered there in September 2025. It eventually trickles down to BBC iPlayer, but if you want the cutting-edge stuff, you’re looking at the U&alibi schedule.
What Most People Get Wrong About Season 5 and 6
There was a lot of internet chatter about the show being canceled. Wrong.
🔗 Read more: Why A Short Walk Through a Wide World Hits So Different
Not only did Season 5 finally arrive after a long hiatus, but Season 6 is officially in the works. Filming kicked off in Stratford-upon-Avon in late 2025. You should expect Shakespeare and Hathaway streaming for Season 6 to start appearing on your screens sometime in 2026.
Here is the big shake-up though: Sebastian Brudenell is gone. Patrick Walshe McBride, who played the beloved, costume-loving assistant, has exited the show. His character, Sebastian, moved to Los Angeles to chase his acting dreams. In his place, we have Bea Gardiner, played by Aruhan Galieva. She’s described as "bright and energetic," which is a big shift from Sebastian’s more theatrical flair. It’s a risky move for a show built on chemistry, but early reviews of the Season 5 transition suggest she fits right in.
Quick Guide to Streaming by Region
- USA/Canada: BritBox (Newest seasons), Hallmark+ (Select seasons), and Kanopy (if your library supports it).
- UK: U&alibi (First run), BBC iPlayer (Catch-up and older seasons).
- Australia: ABC iview usually carries it, but BritBox Australia is your best bet for the most recent updates.
Why This Show Specifically Sticks
The "cozy mystery" genre is crowded. You've got Father Brown, Sister Boniface, and Death in Paradise. So why do people hunt so hard for Shakespeare and Hathaway streaming links?
It’s the lack of grit.
Most detective shows today are obsessed with being dark. They have grey filters. Everyone is depressed. Frank Hathaway is just hungry, and Luella Shakespeare is wearing a very bright floral print. They solve crimes that are often bizarre—like a magician accidentally killing a volunteer in a medieval iron maiden—without the trauma.
Mark Benton and Jo Joyner have this "will-they-won't-they" energy that isn't actually romantic. It’s more like a bickering brother and sister who happen to be very good at spotting a liar.
Technical Bits: Buying vs. Streaming
Sometimes you don't want to subscribe to yet another service. I feel that.
💡 You might also like: Where Can I Watch Peabody and Sherman: Why the Smartest Dog Is So Hard to Find
You can purchase individual seasons on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video. This is actually a decent move if you're the type of person who re-watches episodes when you have the flu. The "per episode" cost is usually around $2.99, but the full season bundles save you a few bucks. Just keep in mind that "buying" on a digital platform isn't the same as owning a DVD; if the platform loses the license, it can occasionally vanish, though that's rare for major purchases.
Your Next Steps for a Shakespeare and Hathaway Binge
If you’re ready to dive back into the cobbled streets of Stratford, here is exactly how to handle it:
- Check your current subscriptions: If you already have the BritBox add-on via Amazon Prime, search for the show there first. It’s often hidden in the "Recently Added" section.
- Verify the Season: Make sure you aren't just re-watching Season 4. Season 5 starts with the episode "Such a Mad Marriage Never Was Before." If you see that, you're on the new stuff.
- Prepare for the New Assistant: Don't be mad at Bea. Sebastian was great, but the new dynamic with Bea brings a different kind of energy to Frank's grumpy demeanor.
- Watch the Christmas Special: If you missed it, there is a Christmas special tucked into the end of Season 4 that often gets skipped by "Auto-play" algorithms. Hunt it down.
The beauty of the show is that it doesn't demand much from you. It’s easy. It’s fun. And as long as you know where to find Shakespeare and Hathaway streaming in 2026, you've got hours of low-stress sleuthing ahead of you.