Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators

Someone asked why it was on in the daytime, don't know but so was Father Brown and I loved that as well! This is a gem, characters are funny, loveable and the plots are good. Really hope there's a second series.

The development of the characters is surface, stories are a 'bit of fun' without a deep 'who done it'. I enjoy a mindless waltz through their cases. The hired help is the one that caries joy - strong acting, and a delight to see what he gets up to.

Loved it - watched first two episodes back to back funny, decent plots pleased to see Mr Benton back but Well done BBC Patrick Walshe McBride - only one word BRILLIANT!

You have to hand it to The BBC, Afternoon drama has improved ten fold, largely due to the impact of Father Brown, a few shows have tried, and been OK, such as The Coroner, but as they did with Father Brown, they've hit on a winner with Shakespeare and Hathaway. For my money it's better then many of the night time dramas, and arguably is worthy of a better viewing slot, but it really is good family fun.

As a nation we love a good mystery, we love a well drawn character, and a clever plot, we get all of those things here, along with a good dollop of humour, Mark Benton, Jo Joyner and Patrick Walshe McBride are all wonderful in their respective roles, all able to do humour and drama with ease.

Favourite episode to date for me has to be Ill Met by Moonlight, I am delighted to see a second series is currently transmitting, hopefully it will continue into the future just as Father Brown has.

Hugely entertaining. 9/10

Like others, I cannot understand why this is hidden away in the afternoon schedules, it would be ideal for a Sunday evening. Nothing world changing, but excellent performances and a gentle feel make it the kind of programme that will appeal to different generations. I look forward to more.